Sierra Leone

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DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

 

Fostering Democratic Governance - 00049823
Components 1 and 2	Decentralisation and Local Governance	Justice Sector Reform and H/Rights
Project Background	The Government of Sierra Leone adopted the policy of decentralization and accordingly enacted the Local Government Act in 2004 and local government restored through the support of UNDP and DFID. 19 local councils were established with the mandate to deliver essential social services in their localities. UNDP and a number of donor agencies, including World Bank, EC and DFID, have been providing significant support to the Government in the implementation of the decentralization programme through technical and budgetary support to develop the capacity of local councils to deliver. In January 2007, a joint UNDP-UNCDF Kenema District Economic Recovery Programme (KDERP) was launched as a pilot programme, for a give year period. During or after the five-year pilot phase, the programme will be rolled out to other local councils depending on the availability of funds until all the 19 councils are covered.	Inaccessibility to justice by most Sierra Leoneans who reside in the provinces was one of the causes advanced for the decade-long civil conflict. The need for a programme that facilitates increased access to justice by citizens therefore became evident following the end of the war. A comprehensive judicial reform to address the functional and institutional weaknesses that inhibit the effective functioning of the Justice sector was thus embarked upon. Also, as provided for in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Act 2000, the Government of Sierra Leone established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in as a follow-on commission that would implement the TRC recommendations. The NHRC lacks the requisite capacity to accomplish its mandate effectively. In response to this, UNDP in partnership with government and other agencies, has been providing substantial support to reform the judiciary and together with the United Nations Integrated Offices in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), towards building the capacity of the newly established Commission.
Project Objective	To give impetus to the local development process by introducing a local development fund and wider initiatives on development planning and public expenditure management for local government.	Build the capacity of the judiciary and NHRC to ensure increased access to justice, speedy trials, reduction of backlog of cases and popularization of human rights issues.
Project Outcome	Decentralised processes strengthened and Local economic activity enhanced through the efficient delivery of social services	An effective, efficient and accountable justice system established; and increased awareness and respect for human rights.
Related Documents	Kenema District Recovery Programme (KDERP)	UNDP's support to Justice Sector
Corporate Thematic Areas	Fostering Democratic Governance	Fostering Democratic Governance, Justice, Rule of Law and Human Rights
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	Kenema (Pilot)	National
Project Duration	Four years (2007 – 2010)	One year
Project Officer	Alie B. Sesay Pious Bockarie	Edward Kamara Yuichiro Sakai
In-country partners	Ministry of Local Government & Community Development; Ministry of Finance; Local Government Finance Department; Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security	Ministry of Justice; Human Right Commission of Parliament; National Human Right Commission; United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) Human Right and Rule of Law Section
Funding	UNDP Trac, UNCDF, Irish Aid	UNDP Trac, DGTTF, PBF, Irish Aid
Budget
Links with MDGs	UNDP’s support to Government’s policy on decentralisation and local governance programme through the KDERP is linked to MDG 1 (focus on poverty eradication and hunger; MDG 3 (focus on the empowerment of women) through capacity building support to ward committees with emphasis on women; and MDG 5 (focus on improving maternal health) through support to enhance delivery of healthcare services to women.	Support to human rights and access to justice are linked to the MDGs in the following ways: 1. Supporting a functioning, accessible and transparent magistrate courts means that the poor have protection, representation and recourse to hold the powerful accountable for commitments to provide the services included in the various MDGs and targets.

 

Fostering Democratic Governance - 00049823
Components 3 and 4	Public Sector Reform	Electoral Reform and Processes
Project Background	UNDP’s support in this area focuses on supporting efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable public administrations in the following areas: Public Procurement Reform: UNDP supported the development of the Public Procurement Policy, establishment and capacity development of the National Public Procurement Authority to ensure that it can guide, train and oversee the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government to ensure their compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2004 and its full implementation. Creation of the Senior Executive Service (SES): UNDP provides budgetary support to the SES implementation unit at the Office of the President, targeting civil servants with grades 11-14. Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in the public sector through support to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, NPPA and the Local Government Service Commission.	UNDP provides support to the electoral systems and processes as critical contribution to the consolidation of peace in the country. UNDP, as an independent and neutral body, manages the multi-donor Basket Fund Project on the Electoral Reform, which is aimed at developing the institutional capacity of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC) to ensure the delivery of free, fair and transparent elections in 2007. The Electoral Reform Project supports the seven step reform process of NEC namely: Restructuring of the Existing NEC; Staff Capacity Development; Infrastructure Development; Setting up of IT System; Reviewing Electoral Laws and Regulations; Boundary Delimitation; and Voter and Civic Registration for democratic rights and responsibilities. In doing so, UNDP ensures that youth and women's participation in elections as voters and candidates be increased and sustained. The project also supports development of Conflict Management and Resolution skills among political parties and candidates with a view to prevent possible electoral violence.
Project Objective	Building of national procurement capacity and restructuring of the civil service through the establishment of the Senior Executive Service.	Build the capacity (technical, logistics and administrative) of the National Electoral Commission to perform its electoral mandate.
Project Outcome	Public Administration Systems professionalized for effective service delivery.	A transparent and credible national and local elections conducted.
Related Documents		Electoral Reform Report
Corporate Thematic Areas	Fostering democratic governance and anti-corruption	Fostering Democratic Governance
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	National	National
Project Duration	Two years (2005 – 2007)	Three years (2005 – 2008)
Project Officer	Edward Kamara Alie B. Sesay	Edward Kamara Jorge Guzman
In-country partners	Office of the President; Ministry of Finance	National Electoral Commission; Political Party Registration Commission; Sierra Leone Police, DFID, European Commission; Japan; Irish Aid
Funding	UNDP Trac, DFID, DGTTF	UNDP Trac, DFIF, EC, Irish Aid, Japan, Denmark, GoSL
Budget
Links with MDGs	UNDP support to modernizing the Sierra Leone public administration is linked to achieving the MDGs in the following ways: 1. By improving the efficiency of the public administration through creation of SES will reduce costs on service delivery while the savings are used for better pursuit of MDG goals. 2. Increasing transparency and reducing corruption through support to NPPA and the MTEF Technical Team will reduce the misdirection of the scarce resources away from achieving MDG goals.	UNDP support to Electoral Systems and Processes are linked to MDGs in the following ways: 1. Civic education expands democratic participation, particularly for women and other under-represented segment of society; 2. Establishment of Basket funding mechanism helped reduced cost of electoral processes on national budget, hence more government resources freed up for direct poverty reduction programmes; 3. Strengthened capacity of Electoral Management Bodies for effective and transparent conduct of elections, hence less rejection of the elections outcomes and peaceful transition of power was experienced.
Democratic Governance Annual Work Plan

POVERTY REDUCTION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

 

Components 3 and 4	Aid Coordination	Private Sector Development
Project Background	This project provides a framework for support to the Development Assistance Co-ordination Office (DACO) for the implementation of the PRSP and to ensure the effective tracking, monitoring and evaluation of all types of aid flows, including for development, humanitarian assistance and security.	UNDP's Private Sector Development Programme focuses on creating an enabling environment for promoting the private sector through trade and investment. In collaboration with other partners, an extensive review of the operating environment for the private sector has been carried out to identify its constraints and challenges. In an effort to build the capacity of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) as the lead government institution responsible for policy formulation, support is provided for planning and research as part of a broad-based institutional capacity building effort. This support has played a pivotal role in strengthening MTI’s capacity to engage on international trade issues and private sector development.
Project Objective	Provide support to establish and manage development assistance database. Produce national aid policy and reports on aid inflow and management.	Improve capacity for Private Sector Development through trade policy formulation, investment promotion, and increased national participation in global trade and investment activities.
Project Outcome	Strengthen capacity and systems for poverty monitoring and to prepare the PRSP and monitor its implementation for poverty reduction.	One key outcome is the organization of an Investment Forum on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is also fully engaged in the Integrated Framework (IF) process, a multi-agency, multi-donor programme to promote the integration of the Lesser Developed Countries into the global economy through trade. Through this initiative, Sierra Leone has already conducted a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study for trade-related technical assistance. A draft action matrix has been developed to implement a programme for addressing the impediments to private sector development. In partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the programme also addresses capacity building for indigenous small to medium-sized enterprises to create opportunities for self-employment and income generation, particularly among youths. This initiative is supported through growth centres, under the supervision of UNIDO and MTI. Promoting public-private partnerships through consultations and dialogue is also a key component of the programme. In addition, support is provided for strengthening the capacity of the Chamber of Commerce and the Sierra Leone Indigenous Business Association.
Related Documents	Sierra Leone Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper	Diagnostic Trade Integration Study
Corporate Thematic Areas	Poverty reduction and effective aid management	Poverty reduction and development of Global partnership
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	National	National
Project Duration	2006 - 2007	2007 – 2012
Project Officer	Stephen Bainous Kargbo Kawusu Kebbay - DACO	Peter Donelan Beatrice Dove-Edwin - MTI
In-country partners	DACO	Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI),  United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO-SL), Ministry of Tourism  and Culture
Funding	UNDP-TRAC, EC, DFID	Integrated Framework Trust Fund
Budget		US$13,000,000
Links with MDGs	Goal 8 - Develop a global partnership for development	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Sector	Aid Coordination and aid management.

 

Components 5 and 6	Pro-poor Policy Formulation & Advocacy	Institutional Capacity for Development
Project Background	The core of UNDP support is technical and policy interventions for key Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper preparatory activities (advocacy and national sensitization, sector reviews, participatory processes for poverty assessments and focused group discussions); Millennium Development Goals tracking, reporting, planning and budgeting processes; participatory tracking of national budget inputs and outcomes in key poverty sectors through Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys; production of the National Human Development and  the Millennium Development Reports, including support to commemorative activities such as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Literacy Day, World Food Day, launching of the annual Global Human Development Reports, etc.	Weak capacity of Government to drive development process have necessatitated the need to provide manpower and logistical support to office of the Presidency and other key Ministries , Departments and Agencies.
Project Objective	The cardinal objective is to enhance the capacity of government and civil society to formulate and implement, in a participatory manner, a well-targeted pro-poor strategy and MDGs-based planning processes by strengthening national capacities for pro-poor policy advocacy, monitoring of MDGs, tracking of national budget inputs and outcomes, and support to global poverty and human development commemorative activities.	Provide logistical and human resource support to key Ministries, Departments and Agencies to perform their statutory functions.
Project Outcome	Increased livelihood opportunities for the poor; stabilized and competitive economy.	Strengthened capacity for policy formulation and programme monitoring in the Presidency.
Related Documents
Corporate Thematic Areas	Poverty Reduction and Human Development	Poverty reduction and human development.
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	National	Freetown
Project Duration	2006 - 2007	2007-2008
Project Officer	Stephen Bainous Kargbo	Stephen Bainous Kargbo
In-country partners	Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Development, Statistics Sierra Leone, Civil Society and Ministry of Local Government and Community Development	Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, and Office of the Presidency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, and Office of the Presidency
Funding	UNDP-TRAC	UNDP-TRAC
Budget	US$1,219,654.87	US$729,900.00
Links with MDGs	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Sector	Human Development, advocacy and policy formulation	Human Development

Peace and Development

 

Components 3 and 4	Sierra Leone Information Systems	Communications
Project Background	SLIS is a component of the Development Assistance Coordination Office (DACO), which itself is positioned under the Office of the Vice President. SLIS was established by UN-OCHA in 2002 to coordinate the collection of data of war related socio-economic destruction down to Chiefdom level. In addition, the “Who does What, Where” data base was established to identify the various Humanitarian Relief actors, their projects and project locations on Chiefdom level. Analysing that information gave birth to the District Data Packs, Sector Data Packs and the Sierra Leone Encyclopedia Compact Disc annually produced by SLIS. These products formed the basis for the Consolidated Appeals Process during the Humanitarian Relief phase. In 2004, as Sierra Leone was transitioning from Relief to Development, the role of SLIS was re-examined and re-adjusted. It was agreed that the SLIS products should shift focus from humanitarian relief to development. In addition, expatriates from SLIS were commissioned to provide specialized capacity skills development for certain Government institutions. While the mandate to produce the Data Packs was claimed by a national institution SLIS kept producing its well known product - the Sierra Leone Encyclopedia. Today SLIS consist of 3 units: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development Unit Application Solution Development Unit Web Development Unit.	Following the restoration of civil order after the conflict which ended in 2001, efforts to rebuild the governance structure of the country were set in motion. One of the outcomes of the crisis was the destruction of basic infrastructure including that of the public information systems. In addition, many of the trained and experienced communication practitioners left the country for safety and greener pastures, depleting the human resources capacity of government to communicate effectively, its development programmes and reach out to its numerous constituencies. Arguably, a strong communications and public information capacity offers much-needed clarity and coherence for the implementation of national programs and projects. The Government of Sierra Leone acknowledged the ineffectiveness of the public information machinery in communicating government policies, strategies and programmes to improve awareness, acceptability, transparency and accountability at all levels. The situation had resulted in the misinformation and misunderstanding of government intentions and actions and a disconnection on the population. A free-flow of communication is critical to building confidence and consolidating peace dividends of post-conflict interventions. Absence of effective and clear communication alienates the population and reverses the positive reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. In addition, it undermines the fragile security situation. The project, ‘Strengthening Public Information Systems’, aims to strengthen national capacity for long-term effective dissemination of public information for sustainable human development. The project will assist in building a sustainable system for public information management, which will contribute to improving citizens’ access to information and flow of information; both are vital for open democratic society.
Project Objective	Assisting DACO and Government in developing capacity at Local Councils level and within the Ministries in the area of data collection, processing, management and analysis as well as promoting the usage of such information products in strategic planning and policy formulation. Developing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure to create new and enhance existing geographical datasets of Sierra Leone and building the capacity in national stakeholder institutions in this regard. It supports the operational systems designed by the Application Solution Development Unit with geo-spatial applications and assists a wide community of Government, Ministries and National Commissions, UN Agencies, INGOs and NGOs to facilitate their work by introducing a geo-spatial approach. Creating operational systems for the Office of the Vice President, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Office of National Security, Freetown City Council and other Government institutions, which require administrative systems. The systems are primarily designed to meet the benchmarks set out by the PRS, MDGs and the RBM program currently being implemented across all Ministries. Examples are a Disaster Management support tool, a Mining Cadastre database administering Industrial and Artisanal Mining Rights through their life cycle or systems supporting the set up of transparent revenue collection mechanisms for local governments. Aiding UNDP and other Government Agencies in realizing their own data dissemination goals by the means of Internet.	The objectives of a communications plan for GoSL will respond to the key issues outlined, and provide solutions that will help manage expectations of key constituencies and foster teamwork between GoSL and the national media corps as development partners. The strategic objectives of this strategy is to promote transparency of Government activities.
Project Outcome	Build the capacity of local councils and Government ministries. Designed  UNDP country office website and produce an annual information tool - Sierra Leone Encyclopedia	The following are identified outcomes of the project: Developing a well informed citizenry of Sierra Leone Public information sector improved for efficient and effective communications delivery Improving the professionalism and journalistic integrity of the national independent media corps Augmenting national capacity and efficiency in disseminating public information that contributes to strategic development initiatives and the achievement of the MDGs
Related Documents		Communications Strategy
Corporate Thematic Areas	Capacity Building	Promote transparency of Government activities
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	National	National
Project Duration		2005-2007
Project Officer	Alpha Turay	Peter Ngu Tayong Kalilu Totangi
In-country partners	DACO, District Councils, Office of the Vice President, Office of National Security, Ministry of Mineral Resources	Ministry of Information & Communication Ministry of Development
Funding	TIFF
Links with MDGs		A radio programme, ‘Development Dialogue’ was designed to support the Poverty Reduction Strategy, targeting MDG1, reducing poverty.
Sector	ICT Development	Communications

 

Components 5	Transition Support Team (TST)
Project Background	The Transition Support Team (TST) was established in 2003 to support the transition process from relief to development in Sierra Leone. The TST refers directly to the Resident Coordinator. It works in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) and the other UN units in the districts. After the phasing out of the OCHA presence in the field (July 2004), and the elections of the Local Councils (May 2004) the TST embarked on an effort to create coordination structures that would include UN Agencies (through the UN District Teams), INGOs (through the Inter Agency Forums) and the Council (through the Local Council’s Planning Committee). It supports the District Councils in their efforts to take the lead in the transition from recovery to poverty reduction and long-term development. In 2005, the TST facilitated joint planning between the District Councils and the United Nations. This in 2006 and 2007 continued into joint district development planning with district council partners.
Project Objective	i. To identify needs and priorities and develop strategies, plans and projects to facilitate the delivery of essential services in support of district councils. ii. To support local government authorities in their effort to take the lead in the delivery and coordination of development aid in the districts.
Project Outcome	Transition to long-term development, taking as a point of departure the decentralization process, in terms of Adoption and operationalization of Sierra Leone’s decentralization policy, ensuring the restoration of local governments, leading to the facilitation of the transition from District Recovery Committees to District Councils. Formulation of district development plans in collaboration with local councils, the Decentralization Secretariat, line ministries, the National Commission for Social Action, etc. Quality delivery of sustainable services, ensuring facilitated implementation of transition initiatives and community empowerment projects Field integration of the United Nations, in view of delivering as one Management of UN integrated offices in five districts and facilitates representation of the UN Country Team in the districts through the UN District Teams.
Corporate Thematic Areas	Capacity Building, Community Development
Project Status	Ongoing
Geographical Focus	National
Project Duration	2003-2010
Project Officer	Alpha U. Sesay
In-country pa