ISG_TOR

The objectives and outputs as expressed below are based on the findings of the workshop that was part of the evaluation of the ISG and that discussed the problem structure regarding inadequate co-ordination of external support.

3.1 Development objective

Strengthening MARD ownership, capacity and building of partnerships for the effective and efficient utilisation of external support.

This objective addresses the major problem (as defined in the workshop) of sub-optimal use of external support, by strengthening the capacity of MARD in striving for a more effective and efficient use of external development assistance. The proposal seeks to improve the situation through establishing a mechanism - the ISG - that will co-ordinate work related to planning, prioritisation and policy development in relation to foreign-funded development programmes as discussed in previous sections.

3.2 Immediate objective

1. Consolidate a forum for discussions and exchange of experiences and policy dialogue within and between MARD and donors to improve learning and policy development in MARD and donor organisations,

2. Ensure a pro-active role of MARD in formulation of foreign-funded programmes/projects, in order to ensure that donor funded projects are in line with the policies of MARD and Government of Vietnam,

3. Ensure that information related to on-going and pipe-line foreign-funded natural resource management projects/programmes is available.

The first immediate objective will be to support the development objective through consolidation of a mechanism whereby the Vietnamese Government and donors meet and actively exchange views and experience of development programmes and projects regarding policy, strategy and priorities. This exchange should increase knowledge and policy development both within Government of Vietnam and the donor community.

Secondly, the ISG-process should facilitate and co-ordinate early input from MARD in project formulation processes, with focus on MARD and Government policies, such as through identifying suitable MARD staff from relevant technical departments and agencies to participate in early stages of project planning.

Thirdly, to facilitate project planning and co-ordination between donors, MARD should use the ISG-process, to be able provide information on ongoing and planned projects in the ministry sector, both to departments in the ministry, provinces and donors. Thus, the ISG should maintain a database on all donor-funded projects with connection to MARD and natural resource management in the concerned districts.

These increased and structured opportunities for programming and policy dialogue is central for co-ordination. It will assist in ensuring a more pro-active role of MARD, and will also contribute to more efficient allocation and utilisation of financial and human resources in both planning and implementation stages of foreign-funded programmes/projects. Furthermore, close links and coordination with MPI on all the above aspects is crucial.

3.3 Prerequisites

There are several prerequisites and assumptions that must be fulfilled in order for the ISG-process to function properly and provide the desired results.

The ISG-process should encourage partnerships between MARD, other concerned ministries, NGOs, and donors.
The ISG-process should also encourage a broader programme approach to development - as opposed to more narrowly defined projects.
The ISG-process must therefore involve all technical departments and agencies concerned in MARD - not as it presently does by focusing mainly on the forestry sector - as well as other relevant ministries and organisations (including NGOs) involved in rural development and natural resources management.
There must be a clear commitment from all parties involved to:

3 Objectives and expected results

3.1 Development objective

3.2 Immediate objective

3.3 Prerequisites