LAO PDR Summary Findings from NOSPA Mission and Possible Next Steps

Opportunity to combine the WBI experience with the NOSPA skill and experience in curriculum design and tailoring for the Lao audience in order to prepare different stakeholders for the implementation phase. Rather than imposing policy and process change, this is an occasion to expose the policy and process options tried elsewhere and reflect on the results. Urgency across ministries to develop action plans and a shared sense that the capacity to do so is lacking. Immediate issue is one of prioritization, which is one that combines operational and financial realities and translates them into programs. WBI is increasingly involved in facilitation of high level ministerial action-oriented learning events. (A joint high level retreat could be organized with NOSPA and UNDP in early 04 to provide informed guidance and support in designing NPEP prioritizing, action planning) NEXT STEPS WITH NOSPA IN SUPPORT OF LAO PDR COUNTRY TEAM CE STRATEGY Tailoring global Knowledge on PRSP Implementation to local needs Experience Sharing on PRSP implementation

Setting the agenda for capacity development /donor coordination Pinpointing the critical skills and systems needed to ensure implementation of priorities and plans Analyzing the actual operational capacities needed to move from baseline to interim development indicators Missing links in the PRSP documentation to date Organizing a facilitated event, which NOSPA would help to prepare, with key government officials to project scenarios which spell out these linkages. Involving NOSPA would serve as a demonstration of their capacity as a local institution to support various public sector organizations in Lao to build their own capabilities. NEXT STEPS WITH NOSPA IN SUPPORT OF LAO PDR COUNTRY TEAM CE STRATEGY

Web Based Platform for Capacity Enhancement Support to NPEP implementation NEXT STEPS WITH NOSPA IN SUPPORT OF LAO PDR COUNTRY TEAM CE STRATEGY WBI could provide support to CPC in NPEP implementation unit is in the design and delivery of a Learning and Knowledge sharing web space which would allow for sharing of newly designed action plans, capacity enhancement needs, learning resources as they are developed. This support would help facilitate cross-ministerial information sharing as well as donor coordination by ensuring an ongoing updating of donors on priorities, gaps and resources available and needed. Efforts might also be made to help leverage donor contributions to support connectivity to various virtual gateways for development knowledge.

Over the coming cycle, WBI support to the Lao CT in the framework of the CAS and NPEP support can be broadly described in four areas: WBI STRATEGY FOR SUPPORT TO CAS Introducing and piloting a process of integrating CE by targeting specific development outcomes and results in two or three selected sector strategies and action plans being developed for the NPEP. Generating a replicable process skills for prioritizing doable actions and outcomes and pinpointing critical capacity inputs, approaches and indicators for monitoring the progress of the specific audiences accountable for achieving them 1.Learning Developing an MOU with NOSPA for the design and development of curricula, research and consultancy skills to service policy makers at the center, as well as sub national leadership through provincial branches of NOSPA. Working with local institutions to leverage the design and development of tailored content and advisory skills on sector specific policy reform, and good practice in implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation. 2. Content

Brokering partnerships between appropriate members of WBI s global network of institutions and thematic expertise in order to support a longer-term process of reinforcing the capacity of Lao PDR learning institutions (e.g. twinning, staff exchanges, joint activities, etc.) Leveraging capacity and donor support to help respond to needs for just in time Support. Initiating and supervising a locally managed inventory of Lao learning infrastructure, which would survey and give a broad overview of the range of human, institutional and technology based resources and provide a baseline for prioritizing investment, not only of WBI s resources but also donor funds. WBI STRATEGY FOR SUPPORT TO CAS 3. Partnerships 4. Support to Institutions and Technology for Learning

1. Develop with the country team a joint process of organizing the PRSP forum – together with UNDP. This will require formal Government approval of the components of a capacity building strategy outlined above. 2. Assist NOSPA begin preliminary review of relevant curricula for adding / tailoring PRSP related content and supporting the forum preparation by mobilizing the WBI poverty team expert. 3. Facilitate CPC and NOSPA outreach to support line ministries in developing prioritized action plans and capacity inputs, by engaging a consultant (pending approval of WBI PHRD grant). NEXT STEPS Drawing on the relative strengths of WBI, the country team, and other partners, we propose the following: