Sierra Leone

Our Projects

 

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

 

Thematic Areas: Fostering Democratic Governance
	Support to Parliamentary Development Award ID - 00049275	Support to the Civil Society Organisations Award ID - 00049273
Project Background	In the wake of the country’s successful 2007 elections, citizens have high expectations that the new government will be more accountable and transparent than previous governments. They are looking to the country’s leaders to deliver services that improve their lives, such as potable water, electricity and infrastructure development, as well as increased employment and educational opportunities. In 2008, UNDP’s efforts were aimed at direct, non-monetary, technical assistance, which can be defined as “intellectual capital”. This is in contrast to the parliament receiving financial assistance.	Civil society is often being described as the space between the citizen and the state, where the will of citizens is manifested and mobilized outside official auspices. CSOs are non-state associations whose main aims are neither to generate profits nor to seek governing power. CSOs unite people to advance shared interests and agendas ranging from ephemeral and parochial to enduring and universal. Until the last couple of years, mostly within the last ten years after the war, historically, civil society groups in Sierra Leone were unable to participate adequately in policy dialogue on national issues that affect the country.
Project Objective	One guiding principle of UNDP’s interventions has been to promote enhanced coordination between Parliament and donors as well as other stakeholders interested in supporting legislative strengthening in Sierra Leone, thereby contributing to a common vision and objective, including clearer demarcation of roles and responsibilities and more open and effective communication channels; developing a framework to enhance the capacity of Parliament as well as to mobilize, deploy, and manage resources to meet their constitutional mandate.	UNDP Governance Team included in its programme design some component to support CSOs, with specific focus on capacity development in specialized areas including monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, advocacy, transparency and accountability, HIV/AIDS campaign, etc.
Project Outcome	Parliamentary Service Commission and Salaries Parliamentary Service Commission Regulatory Implementation and Support Political Conflict Resolution Financial Accountability and Anti-Corruption Public Outreach	Forty-three (43) representatives from thirty (30) Civil Society Organizations were trained in basic principles of human rights, international, regional and national human rights instruments, advocacy, monitoring and reporting on the state Economic Social and Cultural Rights in the country.   A CSO action plan with shared responsibilities on the way forward was developed.   UNDP-CSOs network and the network between CSOs themselves strengthened.   Participants received certificates of successful completion of the capacity building workshop.
Duration	March 2007 - December 2008	March 2008 - December 2009
Budget	US$ 500,000	US$ 200,000.00
Donor	DFID and UNDP	DFID and UNDP
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	National Commission for Democracy (NCD), UNIOSIL, Moral Foundation for Democracy (MFD)	Civil Society Organisations
Contacts	edward.kamara@undp.org	elvis.enoh-tanyi@undp.org

 

Thematic Areas: Fostering Democratic Governance
	Capacity Development of the Human Rights Commission Award ID - 00047718	Open Government Initiative Award ID - 00049870
Project Background	Starting in June 2007, the project carried out major procurement activities in 2007, aimed at the establishment of a fully equipped, furnished and functioning office for the HRCSL. Since 2008, the focus areas have been programmatic issues and activity based support provided to facilitate the promotion of human rights and monitoring of implementation of the TRC recommendations, as well as the strengthening of management and human resources capacity of the HRCSL.	The focus of the project strategy is to increase the accountability and transparency of the targeted branches of government by enhancing the visibility of these institutions, and to foster a two-way communication standard that brings the government and the government into close kinship by piloting direct/interpersonal and mass media means of promoting open government and dialogue within the governance process
Project Objective	This project aims to improve the culture for respect and protection of human rights in the country. This will be achieved through capacity building of the newly established Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to advocate, monitor and redress cases of human rights abuses particularly for women, children, and war victims.	Open Government Initiative project aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of the three key state institutions – parliament, executive, and judiciary, by opening up the debate in those institutions and fostering dialogue between them and the general public using a mix of electronic media, ICT and traditional media
Project Outcome	Improved culture & respect for human rights & the implementation of the TRC recommendations monitored A fully equipped, furnished and functioning office for the HRCSL Management and Human Resource capacity established and strengthened HRCSL 5 year strategic plan developed involving Government, UN, Civil Society and Development Partners, DFID, Irish Aid & implemented	Executive branch’s strategy and actions regularly communicated and discussed with the general public Improved dialogue between Members of Parliament and their constituents Increased public knowledge of cases heard in court Ministry of Information and Communication capacitated to ensure smooth project implementation and financial accountability.
Links with MDGs	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Related Documents	Peacebuilding Fund Human Rights approved project document Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone 2nd quarter Report 2008 Peacebuilding Fund Human Rights Commission 3rd quarter Report 2008	OGI Success Story Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund Mid-Term Report 2008
Duration	July 2007 – February 2009	September 2008 – August 2009
Budget	US$ 1,522,055.70	US$ 300,000
Donor	UN Peacebuilding Fund	UNDP Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	UNIPSIL, Judiciary, Civil Society, Ministry of Finance	Office of the President, Ministry of Presidential and Public Affairs, Ministry of Information, Civil Society, Judiciary, Parliament, media
Contacts	yuichiro.sakai@undp.org	yuichiro.sakai@undp.org

 

 

Thematic Areas: Fostering Democratic Governance
	Support to the Justice Sector Reform Project Award ID - 00049675	Support to Access to Justice Award ID - 00049271
Project Background	Following the end of the war, a popular chorus echoed by many people claimed that the incapacity of the justice system to deliver required justice to people was one of the main causes of the civil conflict. The project was therefore designed specifically to address the functional frailties that characterized the country’s justice system both in the pre and post-conflict era in order to ensure enhanced delivery of justice and preclude the tendencies for relapse into conflict.	In furtherance of ongoing UNDP support to the Government of Sierra Leone in reforming and reviving the Justice Sector in Sierra Leone, the Access to Justice Initiative have been implemented alongside the PBF support to Justice Sector Reform Project. The Access to Justice Initiative ties in with the special niche of UNDP in supporting justice and related systems so that they work for those who are poor and disadvantaged.
Project Objective	The objective of the PBF Justice Sector Reform project is to contribute to the peace consolidation process in Sierra Leone.	The objective is to have quick impact on the lives and wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized sections of the population in Sierra Leone
Project Outcome	Functioning Courts established to hear and adjudicate the existing backlog of cases speedily. Improved functioning of the Courts so that they have the capacity to speedily dispose of new cases and prevent new backlogs from being created, and to generally improve justice delivery and reduce Human Rights abuses A functioning Law Officers Department and Prosecutorial system that has the capacity to prosecute the existing backlog of cases, speedily charge and prosecute all new cases and prevent new backlogs from being created while improving justice delivery Project well coordinated, monitored and reported Increased Access to Justice for all, particularly Women and Juveniles and those in the provinces, to prevent future backlogs and to reduce Human Rights abuses and excesses, especially to the more vulnerable.	The conduct of a workshop in Freetown on Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Sierra Leonean context. The conduct of a workshop in Freetown to review and assess progress made towards simplification of national laws with human rights implication. Undertake the simplification of two national laws: 1) the Criminal Procedure Action 1965 and; 2) Laws related to the Maintenance of Women and Children before, during and after marriage. Establishment of a core committee to oversee the development of National Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies for Sierra Leone.
Links with MDGs	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger - 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.
Duration	July 2007 - March 2009	July 2007 - March 2009
Budget	US$ 2,078,199.07	US$ 470,000.00
Donor	UN Peacebuilding Fund	UN Peacebuilding Fund
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	Judiciary, Law Officers Department/Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Sierra Leone Police	Justice Sector Coordinating Office (JSCO), Civil Society organizations and Networks (SCO&N)
Contacts	alie.sesay@undp.org paul.turay@undp.org	alie.sesay@undp.org

 

Thematic Areas: Fostering Democratic Governance
	Support to HIV and AIDS Campaign Award ID - 00049270	Support to Business Development and Oversight Unit (BDOU) Award ID - 00049293
Project Background	In the global picture of HIV and AIDS, Sierra Leone is among those countries with a low prevalence rate of infection. However, as a developing country it continues to face an intractable development dilemma and addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic poses a serious challenge. The national based HIV sero-prevalence survey carried out in 2005 reported a HIV prevalence rate of 1.53% ranging from 0.3 – 3.0%. Annual antenatal survey report suggests a prevalence rate of 4.4% and about 10% in vulnerable groups such as commercial sex workers and uniformed personnel.	BDOU was set up to provide coordinated management support services including the resources and results management, effective programme resources management and compliance with RBM tools and practices.
Project Objective	The objective is to support the National HIV and AIDS Secretariat to mainstream HIV into the Poverty Reduction Strategy and ensure effective coordination of HIV interventions.	Ensure the accountability of the CO performance and contribution to development results through Result Based Management monitoring and reporting as well as evaluation of UNDP programme and management activities in Sierra Leone Develop and implement the CO resource mobilization and partnerships building strategy and ensure timely donor reporting. Coordination of strategic planning and monitoring of UNDP Sierra Leone programmes through the Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) and Annual Work Plan (AWP). Ensure effective delivery of the CO programme and the Operations by compiling and managing data to support development of programme strategies, planning tools, and other strategic papers, concept notes, corporate reports and other briefs. Support a strengthened evaluation function through the implementation of an annual evaluation plan that complements the work of the programme teams and will ensure follow up to audits’ recommendations.
Project Outcome	Improved Coordination mechanism of NAS; HIV and AIDS response readiness index developed and piloted in all districts; Technical support provided to mainstream HIV and AIDS into the Poverty Reduction Strategy in key national institutions and A UNDP HIV and AIDS workplace policy customized and implemented.	Result Based Management Communications and Donor Reporting Planning and Monitoring Evaluation (PME) Knowledge management/ Inter unit coordination
Links with MDGs	Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Duration	January 2008 - December 2009	January 2008 - December 2009
Budget	US$ 470,000.00	US$ 135,000.00
Donor	UNDP	UNDP
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	National Aids Secretariat (NAS), UNAIDS, Government of Sierra Leone, Civil Society.
Contacts	adama.thorlie@undp.org	toshihiro.nakamura@undp.org

 

Thematic Areas: Fostering Democratic Governance
	Support to the Strategy and Policy Unit Award ID - 00049293	Elections Support
Project Background	The Strategy and Policy Unit (SPU) is the technical arm in the Presidency set up as part of the GoSL’s effort to rationalize functions and institutions in the civil service. It will champion the implementation of the government’s ‘Agenda for Change’ as agreed upon at the first government Retreat held at Bumbuna.	Despite the successes conduct of elections in 2007 and local elections in 2008, a number of challenges were identified during the electoral processes that call for immediate attention. Central to these challenges is the in adequate capacity of NEC to run National Elections on its own. The Commission has been operating without its home grown competencies. This has created dependency syndrome on hired professional at costs that the commission can not afford when donor funds stop flowing.
Project Objective	Its overall objective is to provide strategic guidance, coordination and leadership in support of MDA’s. The project will deliver the following outputs: Coherent policy framework for the implementation of the ‘Agenda for Change’; Policy papers developed on matters of strategic importance to the country; and A Results Based Management System to support and monitor the implementation of the ‘Agenda for Change’.	To develop a professional and sustainable capacity of the Sierra Leone National Electoral Commission to enable it to carry out its mandate to conduct all public elections and referenda, provide training opportunities for all stakeholders in the electoral process, and develop a national democratic culture.
Project Outcome	The intended outcome as stated in the Country Programme Results and Resources Framework is “ The quality of national development policy and effectiveness of its implementation enhanced through the transformative leadership support and capacity development”	Development of Sustainable Staff Training of Trainers Programme in Civic Education Development of Effective Management Information System (MIS) Promote Public Sensitisation and Civic and Voter Education Support greater engagement to Civil Society Groups Promote Sustainable Democracy through the Conduct of Bye Elections Develop NEC’s Infrastructural Capacity Electoral Law Reform Electoral Training Initiative
Links with MDGs		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.
Related Documents		Electoral Support Project Wave3 concept note NEC Action Plan 2009
Duration	January 2008 - December 2010	January – December 2009
Budget	US$ 4,000,000	US$ 2,264,853
Donor	UNDP	DFID, EC, Ireland, Japan
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	GoSL/Office of the President	National Electoral Commission, Political Party Registration Commission, DFID, EC, Ireland, Japan
Contacts	sylvia.siango-apreku@undp.org, abumulti55@yahoo.co.uk	yuichiro.sakai@undp.org

 

 

POVERTY REDUCTION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

MYFF Goal 2: Achieving the MDGs and reducing human poverty, increasing sustainable energy and environment development (This applies to all)
Programme Outcome for the poverty unit: Progressive improvement in all MDGs by 2010
	Support to Food Security Award ID - 00049283	Microfinance for the Poor
Project Background	UNDP has been providing support, together with The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), towards building the knowledge-base of farmers in Farmers Field Schools. The strategy is to organize farmers into small groups at chiefdom, section, or village level for the establishment of their mechanisms for the reception and provision of resources. The participating farmers comprise men, women and youths who are trained to promote their own development whilst other agents merely contribute towards the initiatives. The programme targets at least 100,000 farmers within five years; but presently, more than 510 schools are in existence. The farmers’ groups typically consist of 25 to 30 members, mostly youths. Overall, support has been provided to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security to assist in policy formulation.	The Microfinance Programme focuses on the development of a sustainable microfinance sector and strengthening of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) for increased access to micro credit. Through grant funding to MFIs and Community Banks, an opportunity is provided to improve the livelihoods of the poor, particularly the majority who live in rural communities. Approximately 160,000 clients have been targeted and 40,000 are already being serviced. Direct support is also provided to women and youths on small enterprise skills training and access to resources for small business activities, thereby improving their income security.
Project Objective	Support skills development and knowledge to farmers for increased food production. Support farmers to establish viable farm and off- farm enterprises. Provide farm equipment to enhance food processing and marketing	Train Microfinance Institutions to provide financial services to 93,000 clients. Establish strategic partnerships for additional resource mobilization Provide improved policy environment and disseminate sound principles for a sustainable microfinance sector.
Project Outcome	Increased food production, household food security and farm incomes.	Increase outreach and attain sustainability Build strategic partnerships Strengthen the Central Bank to integrate MF in to Financial sector Accept, adopt and widely disseminate sound MF principles.
Links with MDGs	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Related Documents	Operation Feed the Nation Evaluation of “Pilot Decentralization of Agriculture and Food Security” Project	Memorandum of Understanding between UNDP, UNCDF, MODEP and BSL Development of a Sustainable Pro-poor Financial Sector in Sierra Leone 2004 - 2009 Development of a Sustainable Pro-poor Financial Sector in Sierra Leone Mid-Term Evaluation 2nd Quarter Report: April - June 2008
Duration	2006-2009	2004 – 2009
Budget	US$537,500	US$8.3 million
Donor	UNDP, Irish Aid	UNDP, Irish Aid
Region Covered	National	National
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key partners	FAO, MAFS, ABUs, FFS	Ministry of Finance and Development, Bank of Sierra Leone, Community Banks
Contacts	Tanzila Sankoh	Abdulrahman Conteh Peter Kulungulu - MITAF

 

 

	Support to Poverty Reduction	Support to the Enhanced Integrated Framework Process
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.	The project was commenced in February 2008 at the request of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The project aims at providing the Ministry of Trade and Industry with short term technical assistance to move the in-country Enhanced Integrated Framework process forward. The Enhanced Integrated Framework is a funding mechanism that will provide Sierra Leone with US$14 million over the next 5 years for trade related technical assistance as defined in the government’s Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS). The Trust Fund Manager for the EIF is UNOPS based in Geneva.
Project Objective	Provide support to establish and manage development assistance database. Produce national aid policy and reports on aid inflow and management.	Provide the Ministry of Trade and Industry with short term technical assistance to move the in-country Enhanced Integrated Framework Process.
Project Outcome	Strengthen capacity and systems for poverty monitoring and to prepare the PRSP and monitor its implementation for poverty reduction.	Enhanced Integrated Framework National Implementing Unit (NIU) established to manage the EIF process to be funded by TIER 1 of the EIF. projects of TIER 2 of the EIF commenced. The UNDP in Sierra Leone has been acting as the donor facilitator for the Integrated Framework process since 2005. The DTIS was approved in 2006 and 2007 saw the formulation of 2 Window II projects funded through the IF (US$ 1 million). The EIF process began in 2008 and involves a much greater amount of funds to be spent on trade related technical assistance in Sierra Leone (US$14 million). The transition from the IF to the EIF and UNDP’s role as the in-country facilitator led the government of Sierra Leone to request the UNDP to provide technical assistance. To meet this request, the UNDP hired an IF Facilitator in February 2008. The IF Facilitator worked with the key stakeholders to meet the Q2 planned activities.
Links with MDGs	Goal 8 - Develop a global partnership for development	Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Related Documents	Sierra Leone Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper	2nd Quarter Report: April - June 2008 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study
Duration	2006 - 2009	February 2008 – 2013
Budget		US$14,000,000
Donor	UNDP-TRAC, EC, DFID	Integrated Framework Trust Fund
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key partners	DACO	Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI),  United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO-SL), Ministry of Tourism  and Culture
Contacts	Stephen Bainous Kargbo Kawusu Kebbay - DACO	Peter Donelan Beatrice Dove-Edwin - MTI

 

 

 

	Integrated Framework Tourism Project	Integrated Framework Trade Project
Project Background	The project was commenced in February 2008 as part of the Integrated Framework Window II funds with the UNDP Geneva acting as Trust Fund Manager. The project aims to revitalize the tourism sector in Sierra Leone as part of the government’s Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) Action Matrix objectives. To do this the project has two main areas of focus for 2008, one is a marketing Plan specifically focused on the Sierra Leone National Tourist board and the other is a Strategic Plan focused on the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.	The project was marked in 2007 to be a recipient of Integrated Framework Window II funds in early 2008. It was designed to address the issue that Sierra Leone lacks the institutional capacity to formulate a comprehensive trade policy and make coherent decisions which impact on its medium to long term trade prospects. In particular, the country lacks substantive technical capacity in trade negotiation skills.
Project Objective	To revitalize the tourism sector in Sierra Leone as part of the government’s Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) Action Matrix objectives.	To formulate a comprehensive trade policy and make coherent decisions which impact on its medium to long term trade prospects.
Project Outcome	Attendance of key national tourism stakeholders at International Trade Fairs. Design and production of tourism promotion material. Establishment of a Tourist Board information desk at Lungi airport. Improve the operational capacity of the Sierra Leone national Tourist Board. Establish the Strategic Plan Consultancy Team. Government validation of strategic Plan.	Trade information capacity within the Ministry of Trade and Industry enhanced. Improved access and analysis of trade data within the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Improved research and negotiation capacity within the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Links with MDGs
Related Documents	2nd Quarter Report: April - June 2008 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study	2nd Quarter Report: April - June 2008 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study
Duration	February 2008 – 2013	February 2008 – 2013
Budget	US$ 333,912	US$ 158,000
Donor	Integrated Framework Trust Fund	Integrated Framework Trust Fund
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key partners	Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Sierra Leone Tourist Board	Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
Contacts	Peter Donelan	Peter Donelan Beatrice Dove-Edwin - MTI

 

RECOVERY FOR DEVELOPMENT

Thematic Areas: Peace Consolidation and Security
	Arms for Development	Transition Support Team
Project Background	Arms for Development was launched by the Government of Sierra Leone and UNDP in 2004, following an earlier preparatory assistance phase in 2003.It evolved from two earlier initiatives: Community Arms Collection and Destruction (CACD) and CACD II, implemented by the Sierra Leone Police. The first CACD, started in 2002, aimed at collecting arms in coordination with other programs, such as the UNAMSIL Stop Gap program, which worked in the most volatile areas of Sierra Leone on reconstructing civil buildings with both civilians and ex-combatants. As outlined in its project document, the AfD was designed to operate within the existing national and international frameworks for peace-building and socio-economic recovery in Sierra Leone, including the 1999 Lome Peace Accord, the ECOWAS Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the National Recovery Strategy (NSR) for Sierra Leone, as well as Sierra Leone’s PRSP, the UNDAF and the Millennium Development Goals.	Five years after the peace process, Sierra Leone finds itself in the position of transiting from Emergence Relief to Development Assistant. While humanitarian assistance at the time was gradually declining, several organizations have major development programmes coming on line. Many initiatives and strategies needed to be consolidated at operational level, particularly in districts with high concentration of returning populations. In the earlier phase, the UNCT adopted a transition approach, to support the process, by establishing the Transition Support Team (TST), to work with District Recovery Committees (DRCs) and Line Ministries in their efforts to take the lead in the recovery and transition process. In 2005, the focus of the UNCT changed to support the next phase of the transition. As such, The ‘UN Support to Transition Initiatives in Sierra Leone’ namely the Transition Initiatives Funds (TIF) project was conceived to support the country’s decentralization process, initiated after the 2004 Local Council Elections, with a view to facilitate the identification and implementation of transition projects at district level based on and in support of the district development plans; strengthening the capacity of Local Councils in coordination, development planning, monitoring and evaluation, and information management, in view of their broad mandate of decentralized service delivery.
Project Objective	Collection of weapons through voluntary surrender in exchange for development projects at the community level; Facilitate the establishment of a National Commission on Small Arms Support the review and implementation of arms and ammunition legislation; Support interventions to reduce cross border trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW).	The project’s main objectives were to; Strengthen the capacities of local councils in coordination, development planning, information management and M&E Facilitate the identification and funding of transitional projects based on the district development plans and Keep track of the priorities in the decentralization process.
Project Outcome	Increased awareness on the dangers of illicit small arms in rural communities . Strengthened institutional capacity for small arms control in Sierra Leone Improved capacity for border control.	Management of the transition process from emergency to recovery strengthened at District Level. Decentralization process supported, though improved Districts development planning, management and coordination skills Local Revenue Generation improved at District level Provision of basic social infrastructures strengthened at   community level
Links with MDGs		The activities of the TST are linked to achieving the MDGs in term of; (1). improving commitment to good governance; (2) community empowerment and development; (3) rehabilitation and creation of social infrastructure, thus ensuring local revenue generation.
Related Documents	Arms for Development Project 2007 End of Report
Duration	2004 - date	2005-date
Budget	US$6,782,738	US$ 6,104,398.94
Donor	Japan, Sweden, Norway and Germany	Swedish International Cooperation Agency, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DFID
Region Covered	All regions	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key partners	Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the District Coun­cils, the District Security Committees (DISECs), the Provincial Security Committees (PROSECs), the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) and the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).	Ministry of Internal Affairs, Local Government and Rural Development – via District and City Councils, NaCSA, Decentralisation Secretariat, Ward Development Committees, UN Agencies.
Contacts	Mohamed Kamara	Alpha U. Sesay Lorna French

 

 

	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
Links with MDGs		A radio programme, ‘Development Dialogue’ was designed to support the Poverty Reduction Strategy, targeting MDG1, reducing poverty.
Related Documents		Communications Strategy
Duration	2005-2009	2005-2009
Budget
Donor	TIFF
Region Covered	All regions	All region
Project Status	Ongoing	Ongoing
Key Partners	DACO, District Councils, Office of the Vice President, Office of National Security, Ministry of Mineral Resources	Ministry of Information & Communication Ministry of Development
Project Officer	Alpha Turay	Peter Ngu Tayong Kalilu Totangi

 

 

	Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme
Project Background	The Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme aims to enhance Government and UN interventions to prevent further marginalization of youth in Sierra Leone. It aims at supporting the Government National Youth Employment Programme (YEP) and similar UN initiatives. Specifically, it aims to provide rapid employment opportunities and income generating activities for young people, strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Youth and Sports at the national and local levels that will facilitate the participation of young people in decision making process. It will build on successful on-going youth projects as well as implement pilot initiatives for the purpose of providing immediate employment simultaneously as developing a medium and long-term strategy for tackling youth unemployment. The programme uses a basket funding mechanism managed by UNDP and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, UN agencies, youth networks, NGOs, CBOs and other community groups and with technical support from the UNDP Peace and Development Unit.
Project Objective	Support the implementation of the National Youth Employment Programme to provide rapid employment opportunities and income generation activities to young people through public works, private sector incentives, and self-employment programmes. Strengthen and expand already successful ongoing youth engagement and income generating initiatives through the UN agencies and partners. Increase Youth participation in decision-making process through the strengthening of capacity of key institutions such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Youth Groups and the Youth Networks. Support mainstreaming of youth employment within development policies and programmes in order to mitigate the marginalization of young people in Sierra Leone. Support awareness campaigns on drug abuse and trafficking and HIV/AIDS. Provide literacy and employment relevant to youth education in the non-formal sector
Project Outcome	Increased Job opportunities for the young people Enhanced Youth Participation in decision making process Youth Employment mainstreamed into national policies
Links with MDGs
Related Documents
Duration	2005-2009
Budget	US$ 9,342,054
Donor	UNDP, the Government of Sierra Leone, Irish Aid, Government of Norway, SIDA, Government of Japan through the United Nations Human Security Fund, Government of Italy through the World Bank Chayo Project and the Peace Building Commission through the Peace Building Fund.
Region Covered	All regions
Project Status	Ongoing
Key Partners	Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Employment and Social Security, Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Drug Control Agency (NDCA), UN Agencies (UNDP ,UNIDO, ILO and FAO), Youth Collaborative Forum, Youth Groups, Youth Net­works as well as National and International NGOs.
Project Officer	Wahab Shaw