Do you know how to encourage individuals to offer their services? Do you know how to organise a successful round of interviews, or modify a Financing Agreement with or without an addendum? Or how to mobilise public expertise from an EU Member State?
If not, then check the Questions and Answers sections of chapter 7, 10 and 12, or section 2.2.1 in Annex 5 to the Guidelines for Making Technical Cooperation More Effective. This annex goes some way to helping you discover that the rules and procedures of the Commission are not as complex as their reputation. Well applied rules can facilitate the implementation of TC reform, if adequate choices are adopted during the project design and forward planning takes into account the time it takes to mobilise elements like technical assistance.
The annex is an effort to explain EC procedures in a friendly manner for non-specialists in contractual and financial matters. This document explains the main procedural options and applicable rules already contained in the practical guide for contract procedures for EC external actions, or PRAG, as well as other relevant instructions from the Director General of EuropeAid. It does not introduce changes to EC procedures, but re-thinks when and how procedural issues should be considered during the preparation of TC support.
A working group chaired by G7 prepared the annex with the participation of other AIDCO services. It is a good example of team work within AIDCO, drawing on the expertise of operational and legal services staff. So while procedures still take time and can be demanding, look beyond the perceived complexities and put the procedures to the test yourself!
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