SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) & trust fund application process Matthew Gubb, Coordinator, SAICM secretariat Caribbean Workshop on SAICM and related chemicals and hazardous waste management instruments Bridgetown, Barbados, March 2009

2 Contents QSP overview, objective & strategic priorities and set-up QSP overview, objective & strategic priorities and set-up QSP Trust Fund overview QSP Trust Fund overview QSP TF applications process and materials, projects, eligibility, initial project development phase, appraisal and support to applicants QSP TF applications process and materials, projects, eligibility, initial project development phase, appraisal and support to applicants QSP TF projects in Caribbean region QSP TF projects in Caribbean region Conclusion and contact information Conclusion and contact information

3 SAICM ’ s Quick Start Programme (QSP) was mandated by the ICCM in its resolution I/4 in February 2006 and was launched in April SAICM ’ s Quick Start Programme (QSP) was mandated by the ICCM in its resolution I/4 in February 2006 and was launched in April QSP aims to support initial enabling activities in developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States and countries with economies in transition. QSP aims to support initial enabling activities in developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States and countries with economies in transition. QSP consists of a trust fund, as well as bilateral, multilateral and other forms of cooperation. QSP consists of a trust fund, as well as bilateral, multilateral and other forms of cooperation. QSP overview

4 QSP objective & strategic priorities QSP aims to mobilize resources for national priority initial enabling activities, in particular: QSP aims to mobilize resources for national priority initial enabling activities, in particular: a) Development or updating of national chemical profiles and the identification of capacity needs for sound chemicals management; b) Development and strengthening of national chemicals management institutions, plans, programmes and activities to implement SAICM, building upon work conducted to implement international chemicals-related agreements and initiatives; c) Undertaking analysis, interagency coordination, and public participation activities directed at enabling the implementation of SAICM by integrating – i.e., mainstreaming – the sound management of chemicals in national strategies, and thereby informing development assistance cooperation priorities

5 QSP governance and administration QSP Executive Board: QSP Executive Board: –Trust fund donors, other contributors and Government regional representatives. –Reviews progress and provides overall operational guidance once a year. Trust Fund Implementation Committee Trust Fund Implementation Committee –Considers project proposals twice a year. –FAO, ILO, OECD, UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR and WHO. UNEP administers trust fund UNEP administers trust fund SAICM secretariat SAICM secretariat –Services the Executive Board and Trust Fund Implementation Committee. –Facilitates the trust fund application process and project implementation.

6 Non-trust fund QSP contributions Non-trust fund contributions declared by Canada, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, FAO, ICCA, OECD, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR, WHO Non-trust fund contributions declared by Canada, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, FAO, ICCA, OECD, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR, WHO Valued at over $23 million plus in-kind contributions. Valued at over $23 million plus in-kind contributions. Example: Switzerland’s support of $2.75 million for SAICM pilot projects in five countries. Example: Switzerland’s support of $2.75 million for SAICM pilot projects in five countries.

7 QSP Trust Fund: overview Open to contributions until 2011 and can make disbursement until 2013 Open to contributions until 2011 and can make disbursement until 2013 –Already over $19 million from 21 donors, in which around $2.5 million will be in particular for MEAs related project for countries in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific. Governments are eligible Governments are eligible –Under exceptional circumstances, NGOs can receive support. –IGOs cannot apply but can be involved as executing and implementing agency. Over the lifetime of the QSP, countries may normally take part in Over the lifetime of the QSP, countries may normally take part in –one individual Government national project, –one multi-country Government project and/or, –one civil society project. Projects can receive $50,000 to $250,000 and be for a maximum of 2 years. Projects can receive $50,000 to $250,000 and be for a maximum of 2 years.

8 QSP Trust Fund: application process There are two application rounds per year. The current round closed on 27 February The next one will close in August or early September There are two application rounds per year. The current round closed on 27 February The next one will close in August or early September Applications must be submitted in English to the SAICM secretariat by post with all the required signatures. Applications must be submitted in English to the SAICM secretariat by post with all the required signatures. Signed advance copies can be forwarded by or fax. Signed advance copies can be forwarded by or fax. After each application deadline the SAICM secretariat screens applications for eligibility. After each application deadline the SAICM secretariat screens applications for eligibility. Two months after each application deadline, the TFIC meets to appraise and approve the applications. Two months after each application deadline, the TFIC meets to appraise and approve the applications. After the meeting, applicants are notified by the SAICM secretariat of the Committee’s decisions. After the meeting, applicants are notified by the SAICM secretariat of the Committee’s decisions. Implementation arrangements for approved projects are made between the project manager and the trustee (UNEP) through the SAICM secretariat. Implementation arrangements for approved projects are made between the project manager and the trustee (UNEP) through the SAICM secretariat. Approved project documents are made publicly available on the SAICM website. Approved project documents are made publicly available on the SAICM website.

9 QSP Trust Fund: application materials I. Application form I. Application form –Applicant information –Summary of the budget and project description –Focal point(s) endorsement(s) II. Budget tables II. Budget tables –Breakdown of the total costs and budget (Excel template) –Annexes (if relevant) Job descriptions and description of the recruitment process Job descriptions and description of the recruitment process Information on group training, meetings or conferences Information on group training, meetings or conferences List of non-expendable equipment List of non-expendable equipment III. Project Description III. Project Description –Main document of the application –Project background, management and description –Work plan and evaluation plan Proofs of co-funding from other sources (where applicable) Proofs of co-funding from other sources (where applicable) –Confirmations of co-financing or in-kind contributions Letter of support and other supporting information (where applicable) Letter of support and other supporting information (where applicable) –Confirmation of multi-stakeholder and/or multi-sectoral support –Press articles –Etc.

10 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: Governments Governments of: Governments of: –Developing Countries –Countries with Economies in Transition LDCs and SIDS have priority LDCs and SIDS have priority Governments must have nominated a SAICM National Focal Point (NFP) Governments must have nominated a SAICM National Focal Point (NFP) –Official nomination procedure via Ministry of Foreign Affairs –13 out of 16 countries in the Caribbean have nominated a national focal point: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago

11 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: NGOs NGOs that have expertise in chemicals management and the necessary resources and administrative capacity. NGOs that have expertise in chemicals management and the necessary resources and administrative capacity. To be considered under on an “exceptional circumstances” NGO projects need to: To be considered under on an “exceptional circumstances” NGO projects need to: –Address a significant need in chemicals management; –Address a gap – i.e. other stakeholders are not addressing the need; and –Demonstrate the value of the project being undertaken by an NGO. NGO projects need the endorsement of the official national focal point of the country(ies) where the project will be implemented. NGO projects need the endorsement of the official national focal point of the country(ies) where the project will be implemented. NGOs projects also need the endorsement of a SAICM NGO focal point, normally the one of the NGO applying. NGOs projects also need the endorsement of a SAICM NGO focal point, normally the one of the NGO applying.

12 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: regional projects Regional or multi-country project proposals may also be submitted by Governments and civil society networks for a maximum total funding of $250,000 per project. Regional or multi-country project proposals may also be submitted by Governments and civil society networks for a maximum total funding of $250,000 per project. Regional or multi-country project proposals need the endorsement of national focal points of all the countries where project activities would be undertaken. Regional or multi-country project proposals need the endorsement of national focal points of all the countries where project activities would be undertaken.

13 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: focal point endorsement On-time endorsement of the application by the national focal point(s) is essential. Nomination of national (or NGO) focal points should therefore be finalized prior to the submission of the application. Nomination of national (or NGO) focal points should therefore be finalized prior to the submission of the application. Focal point endorsements should be coordinated as early as possible. Focal point endorsements should be coordinated as early as possible. Additional information and documents on focal points and the nomination process are available on the SAICM website: Additional information and documents on focal points and the nomination process are available on the SAICM website:

14 QSP Trust Fund: initial project development phase Develop the project concept in line with SAICM and QSP framework. Develop the project concept in line with SAICM and QSP framework. Coordinate the proposal with existing or previous projects to avoid duplication. Coordinate the proposal with existing or previous projects to avoid duplication. Consider multi-sectoral and multi- stakeholder scope and involvement. Consider multi-sectoral and multi- stakeholder scope and involvement. Applications should also highlight the direct links between the project and the QSP objective and strategic priorities. Applications should also highlight the direct links between the project and the QSP objective and strategic priorities.

15 QSP Trust Fund: IGO involvement IGOs may take an active part in projects by IGOs may take an active part in projects by –Assisting Governments and NGOs in their development and submission of a proposal; –Providing a limited service and or taking part in activities, including as a sub-contractor; or –Serving as executing agency, responsible for the overall administration and delivery of the project. If involved, IGOs may charge administration costs and/or direct project costs If involved, IGOs may charge administration costs and/or direct project costs –Administration costs may be up to 8% of the project budget. –Direct costs for staff, travel, activities may also be charged.

16 QSP Trust Fund: appraisal by TFIC Compatibility with the QSP objective and strategic priorities (see ICCM resolution I/4) Compatibility with the QSP objective and strategic priorities (see ICCM resolution I/4) Geographical balance Geographical balance Sectoral balance Sectoral balance Priority for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Priority for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Other relevant factors: Other relevant factors: –co-funding –multisectoral impact –participation of stakeholders

17 QSP Trust Fund: projects Since May 2006, 5 application rounds have been held. The 6 th round of applications will be appraised by TFIC on April Since May 2006, 5 application rounds have been held. The 6 th round of applications will be appraised by TFIC on April applications have been submitted. 186 applications have been submitted. 74 projects have been approved for a total of $14 million. 74 projects have been approved for a total of $14 million. Many other projects have been recommended for further development and resubmission. Many other projects have been recommended for further development and resubmission. Activities to be implemented in 73 countries. Activities to be implemented in 73 countries. List of approved projects available on List of approved projects available on

18 QSP projects: Caribbean region (1) 7 Governments are participating in QSP trust fund projects: 7 Governments are participating in QSP trust fund projects: –Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago. –Projects are related to, for example, Basel Convention, mainstreaming of sound chemicals management, national profile development, PRTRs, Stockholm Convention, etc; –All projects have an executing agency; –The region received approximately US$1.12 million out of total funding US$14 million, as of the 5 th round of QSP trust fund in Oct 2008.

19 QSP projects: Caribbean region (2) Government (national) projects (5): Barbados/UNITAR: Barbados/UNITAR: –Updating a national chemicals management profile, developing a national SAICM capacity assessment, and holding of a national SAICM priority setting workshop in Barbados (US$ 55,450) (QSP Priority A). Belize/UNDP: Belize/UNDP: –Mainstreaming into Developing Plans Sound Management of Chemicals (SMC) Priorities for Key Development Sectors in Belize and Associated SMC Governance (US$250,000) (QSP Priority C). Cuba/UNEP: Cuba/UNEP: –Capacity building for POPs laboratories in Cuba under multilateral environmental agreements (US$250,000) (QSP Priority B). Guyana/ UNITAR: Guyana/ UNITAR: –Developing an Integrated National Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and SAICM Implementation in Guyana (US$90,000) (QSP Priority A & B). Trinidad & Tobago/ Secretariat of Basel Convention: Trinidad & Tobago/ Secretariat of Basel Convention: –Strengthening the legislative, regulatory and enforcement capacity of SIDS in the Caribbean (US$178,794) (QSP Priority B).

20 QSP projects: Caribbean region (3) Regional/ Multi-country projects (2): Bahamas, Barbados & Haiti /UNEP: Bahamas, Barbados & Haiti /UNEP: –Capacity building for POPs analysis to support the Global Monitoring Plan of POPs for effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention ($250,000) –Addressing QSP Priority B. Haiti/UNITAR (together with Cote d’Ivoire, Mongolia, Republic of Congo & Syria): Haiti/UNITAR (together with Cote d’Ivoire, Mongolia, Republic of Congo & Syria): –Updating the national chemicals management profile, development of a national SAICM capacity assessment and holding a national SAICM priority setting workshop (Total project amount US$248,296). –Addressing QSP Priority A.

21 QSP Trust Fund: support to applicants Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Provides essential information on the application process and package Provides essential information on the application process and package Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic The secretariat is available: The secretariat is available: –to provide guidance on the application procedure –to answer questions on the application forms –to review applications –to provide further advice of applications Do not hesitate to send an to Do not hesitate to send an to

22 Conclusion The QSP provides opportunities for countries in the Caribbean region - SIDS are a priority. The QSP provides opportunities for countries in the Caribbean region - SIDS are a priority. The seventh round of applications will close in Aug/ Sept The seventh round of applications will close in Aug/ Sept Applications should be developed as early as possible to ensure the meet all requirements and the deadline for submission. Applications should be developed as early as possible to ensure the meet all requirements and the deadline for submission. If interested, develop an initial proposal and contact SAICM national focal points. If interested, develop an initial proposal and contact SAICM national focal points. Engage with IGOs, Convention Secretariats or SAICM secretariat if needed. Engage with IGOs, Convention Secretariats or SAICM secretariat if needed. Visit for further information and application materials. Visit for further information and application materials.

23 Contacts and information Contacts and information Please visit the SAICM web site at: or contact: SAICM secretariat, c/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, chemin des Anémones, CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel , Fax