UFM regionala dialogprogram 2021-2025

When drafting the conclusion of performance/hand over, the programme is 16 months into its 48 months into its implementation and 4 months into its operational period, following a 12 month inception in 2022. The inception period focused on capacity building, planning and to re-direct the programme management procedures from managing according to the core support modality to managing according to programme support modality with focus on results based management. The inception period had the following objectives: i) Reinforce the capacity of the UfM Secretariat to develop, implement and follow-up on the results-based programme through the support and training. ii) Revise the Results Framework (baseline, indicators and targets); iii) Define a MEL-framework and a framework for institutional development and strengthen staff capacity with additional staff members. During the inception period, the UfMS has had assistance of consultants from the Nordic Consulting Group to their capacity to implement results-based management and work with a programmatic approach. The consultant supported UfM in: - reviewing the Results Framework of the programme. - providing training on Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL), Results Based Management (RBM) and change management; programme. - drafting a MEL framework integrating the monitoring plan and bases for evaluation and learning into the UfMs working tools and planning documents. - developing a risk matrix, including risk analysis and mitigation measures. Much of the work has focused on building capacity for RBM through support given by an external consultant provided by Sida. The consultants have both held online trainings and on-site support as well as assisted in revision of results framework, definition of MEL and institutional development framework and the risk management plan. UfM have appreciated the support while at times found it challenging to follow one-week training along with other work and to find a level which corresponds to UfM staff and managers different experiences. UfM is committed to utilize the RBM framework for the implementation of the current Sida support and is in the process of recruiting a RBM/MEL officer, and an RBM/MEL administrator. UfM indicated however that they may need additional administrative resources to succeed to implement and maintain the RBM framework. The RBM/MEL analyst was recruited in the fist quarter of 2023 after a significant delay. Finally, during the inception, UfM secured a forwarding of funds contract with the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM). The Project was started with a six months inception on 1 January 2023.

Under the original agreement, several UfM Secretariat divisions were implementing their respective sectoral agendas (projects) independently. However, under the new agreement the UFM Secretariat, as an institution, will be working towards achieving the following common development impact objective: the protection, preservation and restoration, and resilience against destabilising impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean region through sustainable natural resources management focusing on blue economy and water. To that effect, the program has been structured along four (4) expected results/outcomes (program components): 1) Targeted UfM MENA countries are increasingly engaged in regional mobilization and actions in support of inclusive and sustainable solution for both environment and humans; 2) Regional stakeholders mobilized for a more effective implementation of inclusive and sustainable solutions; 3) Increased sustainable and inclusive solutions in the MENA region (access to financing, investment, capacity building, capitalization and scaling up, projects, etc). 4) The UfM secretariat has the capacity to implement result based management and work with a programmatic approach (aid effectiveness). Those outcomes will contribute to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Mediterranean region in terms of mitigation (protection, preservation and restoration) and adaptation (resilience) of communities and ecosystems to the effects of climate change. In terms of outputs/deliverable, UFM will work within blue economy and water sectors focusing on: i) mobilization and actions (projects) for sustainable solutions; ii) policy adopted and implemented; iii) and public and private investment. UFM capacity building in RBM is not limited to this new program, but it is expected to contribute to UfM aid effectiveness across the board. In parallel, UfM proposes a project aiming at proofing the WEFE Nexus concept in the water sector is financed. That project will be implemented by the Inter-Islamic Network for Water Resource Development and Management (INWRDAM) and the UfM Secretariat will be acting as forwarding agency. Last, UFM is emphasizing the use of an inclusive and participatory approach not limited to country members at the ministerial level. It seeks the active participation of a wide range of relevant stakeholders (i.e. national authorities, private companies, CSO, etc.) to improve attitudes towards working with each other and becoming increasingly sustainable. UFM intends to that while reducing inequality taking a bottom up approach to accommodate the needs and participation of youth and women.