ANTI-CORRUPTION SCHOOL FOR CIVIC ACTIVISTS QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT SUPPORT TO ANTI-CORRUPTION CHAMPION INSTITUTIONS (SACCI) PROJECT IN UKRAINE April 1 – June 30, 2019
This report is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of Management Systems International, Inc., A Tetra Tech Company, and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. This document was prepared by Management Systems International, A Tetra Tech Company, for the “Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions” (SACCI) Project, USAID Contract AID-121-C-17- 00003.
CONTENTS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... II CONTEXT UPDATE ...... 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS...... 5 CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES ...... 5 OBJECTIVE 1: KEY GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS EMPOWERED TO FIGHT CORRUPTION ...... 7 OBJECTIVE 2: PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR AND ENGAGEMENT IN ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS INCREASED ...... 16 OBJECTIVE 3: PUBLIC TOLERANCE OF CORRUPT PRACTICES REDUCED ...... 20 PROGRESS AGAINST TARGETS ...... 26 PERFORMANCE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING ...... 26 LESSONS LEARNED ...... 26 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ...... 27 PROGRESS ON LINKS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES ...... 27 PROGRESS ON INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT ...... 27 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ...... 27 SUB-AWARD DETAILS ...... 28 ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES ...... 28 ATTACHMENTS ...... 31 ANNEX 1. STATUS OF DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES ...... 32
USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program | Quarterly Progress Report i ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ATC Amalgamated Territorial Community AU Authorized Unit AWP Annual Work Plan CCU Constitutional Court of Ukraine CIH Civic Initiative of Halychyna CMU Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine CPLR Center for Policy and Legal Reform CSO Civil Society Organization CoST Construction Sector Transparency Initiative DOBRE Decentralization Offering Better Results and Efficiency ENGAGE Enhance Non-Governmental Actors and Grassroots Engagement GAO U.S. Governmental Accountability Agency GOU Government of Ukraine HACC High Anti-Corruption Court HRS Health Reform Support IDP Internally Displaced Person IIFA Institutional Integrity Framework Assessment MIP Ministry of Information Policy MIU Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine MES Ministry of Education and Science MOH Ministry of Health MOU Memorandum of Understanding MRD Ministry of Regional Development MSI Management Systems International MSP Ministry of Social Policy MYP Ministry of Youth and Sports NABU National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine NACCS National Anti-Corruption Communication Strategy NACS National Academy of Civil Service NAPC National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption NDI National Democratic Institute
USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program | Quarterly Progress Report ii NHSU National Health Service of Ukraine NPCG National Principles of Corporate Governance OPU Office of the President of Ukraine OSA Oblast State Administration PEA Political Economy Analysis RPR Reanimation Package of Reforms SACCI Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions SAEG State Agency for E-Governance SAIUP Strengthening Academic Integrity in Ukraine Project SAPO Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office SCMU Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine SMM Social Media Marketing SOSA Sumy State Oblast State Administration TAC Together Against Corruption TIU Transparency International Ukraine UCMC Ukrainian Crisis Media Center UCU Ukrainian Catholic University ULA Ukraine Leadership Academy UNDP United Nations Development Programme USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government UShU Ukraine School of Governance VRU Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program | Quarterly Progress Report iii CONTEXT UPDATE
The Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) program in Ukraine is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech company. The overall purpose of the SACCI project is to reduce corruption and increase accountability and transparency of governance in Ukraine through three primary objectives: 1) key government institutions empowered to fight corruption; 2) public support for and engagement in anti-corruption efforts increased; and 3) public tolerance for corrupt practices reduced. This quarterly progress report covers SACCI’s activities from April 1 to June 30, 2019.
The anti-corruption sphere in Ukraine was dominated by presidential candidate rhetoric that emphasized corruption issues throughout the reporting period. With Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s surprise landslide victory, Ukrainian citizens overwhelmingly expressed their frustration with the previous leadership’s insufficient progress on addressing corruption in the country. Immediately after his inauguration, the newly elected president passed a decree to dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (VRU) and announced snap parliamentary elections. Although 62 lawmakers questioned the legality of the president’s decree and appealed to the Constitutional Court, the court upheld the decree and the early election was confirmed for July 21, 2019.
Also, the new Office of the President of Ukraine (OPU), formerly known as the Administration of the President of Ukraine, shared its vision for anti-corruption reforms with SACCI, USAID, and other donors. The agenda includes enhancing the asset declaration system, ensuring the independence of anti- corruption institutions, strengthening e-service systems, introducing seizure practices for ill-gotten assets, and implementing whistleblower protection measures through new legislation anticipated to be brought forth after parliamentary elections in July 2019. Additionally, the new OPU suggested that it may prioritize reform of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC). President Zelenskiy began delivering on his election promises by submitting a draft law that would restore criminal liability for illicit enrichment. However, it is not expected that new legislation or reforms will be enacted before the parliamentary elections.
At the institutional level, 35 judges were selected to the Higher Anti-Corruption Court (HACC), and its head was also appointed. HACC is expected to launch in September 2019 although an issue involving the court’s premises has not been resolved. NAPC performance and leadership composition remained unchanged during the reporting period, while the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have significantly toned down their rivalry since the culmination of the presidential election period.
Against this backdrop, SACCI continued assisting partner institutions at the national and local levels to implement corruption prevention measures. The project also continued engaging citizens and youth in anti-corruption activities and promoting effective communications that appeal to citizen values.
1 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
SACCI tracked and evaluated political developments in the anti-corruption sphere through an updated political economy analysis, meetings with stakeholders, and analyses of draft regulations. SACCI also continued producing a weekly media monitoring analysis on health care reform issues to better inform key GOU stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health (MOH), the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), and USAID’s (and other international) implementing partners as they sought to design citizen engagement/public outreach campaigns on health issues. SACCI also produced an analysis of the OPU’s new anti-corruption agenda as well as the possibility and implications of relaunching the NAPC. In partnership with other USAID projects, SACCI completed and validated its analysis on how corruption impacts internally displaced persons (IDPs). Additionally, SACCI initiated activities to lay the groundwork for new legislation on whistleblower protections.
In the civic engagement sphere, SACCI collaborated with sister USAID projects such as DOBRE, ENGAGE, and New Justice to strengthen the capacity of youth council representatives from Amalgamated Territorial Communities (ATCs), helped activists properly monitor road construction, co- authored analytical pieces on anti-corruption, led two Anti-Corruption Schools, contributed to a draft law on illicit enrichment, and began developing a concept note for whistleblower protection.
In collaboration with partner GOU institutions, SACCI conducted an Institutional Integrity Framework Assessment (IIFA) for each of its four new partner municipalities and advanced assistance to Year I partners. SACCI also placed advisors within the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine (MIU) and Ministry of Health (MOH). Further, the project hired a local audit company to work with the MIU and Sumy Oblast State Administration (SOSA). Also, SACCI analyzed the expected impact of Drohobych’s new eHealth system as the Drohobych City Council considers developing additional e-health services. The Construction Sector Transparency (CoST) Initiative, a SACCI grantee, trained local government and civil society representatives on how to monitor public spending on and quality of road construction projects. SACCI also helped the MOH develop its eSick Leave Certification System by analyzing its business processes and drafting regulations that would launch the system through the GOU’s current eHealth system. In addition, the civil society organization (CSO) Together Against Corruption (TAC), a SACCI grantee, facilitated collaboration among the MOH, the State Pension Fund, the State Agency for eGovernance (SAEG), and the Ministry of Social Policy (MSP) to develop implementation policies and procedures for the system.
SACCI continued working with the National Agency for Civil Service (NACS) and the Ukrainian School of Governance (UShU) to develop an anti-corruption e-learning course for civil servants. The CSO Eidos, a SACCI grantee, helped to strengthen public oversight councils (POCs) by advocating for a new Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) decree that regulates POCs countrywide. Also, CSO TAC continued promoting several pieces of legislation through the CMU-sponsored cross-sectoral TAC Initiative.
Throughout the reporting period, SACCI collected lessons learned and data from two anti-corruption communications campaigns: a joint project with the USAID Enhance Non-Governmental Actors and Grassroots Engagement (ENGAGE) project (“Corruption Steals from You. Vote Responsibly”) and a campaign with SAEG (“Keeping Up with the Joneses—Vasyl and Petro”). The Ministry of Information
2 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Policy (MIP) also invited SACCI representatives to provide input on anti-corruption campaigns that will be funded by MIP. Furthermore, SACCI taught local government representatives how to better communicate when discussing sensitive issues such as transparency, public finances, and allegations of corrupt behavior. To institutionalize this training, the CSO Prometheus, a SACCI grantee, is developing an online anti-corruption communications course. SACCI and other donors also helped fund two of the largest forums for investigative journalists in Eastern Europe, Mizhyhirya Fest and the Lviv Media Forum.
SACCI, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ENGAGE, and the International Renaissance Foundation (IRF) targeted youth by implementing two Anti-Corruption Schools. The project also finalized testing its “civic engagement and integrity awareness instruments” in partnership with its grantees CSO EdCamp and CSO Civic Initiative of Halychyna (CiH). Lessons learned will also be discussed at eastern Europe’s largest teacher innovation forum in early July 2019, the EdCamp Conference. SACCI also joined UNDP in preparations for the U-Inn Social Innovations Initiative, which will take place in early July 2019 and will last until the end of the year.
QUANTITATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
SACCI measures its progress against 21 indicators and reports annually on each indicator. It collects data regularly to routinely measure its ongoing progress. In particular, the following results were achieved during the reporting period:
# Indicator Results 25% on average. 4D package implementation continued in Y1 with Level of implementation of action four champions (MIU, SOSA, SCMU, Drohobych) and started with 3 plans (Packages of Integrity) by four new champions (cities of Khmelnytskyi, Mukachevo, Pokrov, champion institutions and Pervomaiskyi). IIFA conducted in four new champions. Three (amendments to CMU Resolution No. 996 “On Ensuring # of anti-corruption laws, Public Participation in Shaping and Implementing Public Policy”; amendments, bylaws, regulations, or CMU Resolution No. 328 “Maintenance for the Electronic Register 4 policies on the national, regional, or of Sick Leave Certificates”; Ministry of Regional Development’s ministerial/institutional levels adopted Order on the approval of a “red list of unallowable deviations from standard construction practices”) 173 government officials (99 women, 74 men) received training on # of government officials receiving 5 civic monitoring of road repair, anti-corruption proofing of USG-supported anti-corruption training legislation, and anti-corruption communications # of mechanisms for external One new mechanism was implemented (manual on road quality 6 oversight of public resource use control) and one mechanism was enhanced (on public participation supported by USG assistance in the formation and implementation of state policy) Level of implementation of Action Action Plan to implement Anti-Corruption Communications Plans of Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2019 launched. Eight champion institutions signed Action 9 Communications Strategy of the Plans (Packages of Integrity) with sections on anti-corruption Government communication. Implementation has started. # of people affiliated with 105 people affiliated with NGOs (64 women, 41 men) received nongovernmental organizations anti-corruption training and tools for conducting anti-corruption 14 receiving USG-supported anti- civic activities with public authorities, youth, schools, health corruption training facilities, media, etc. # of individuals receiving civic 413 individuals (243 women, 170 men) received anti-corruption 21 education with SACCI support (on civic education through informal education events organized by anti-corruption) SACCI and partners
3 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION
There were no significant management or operational challenges during the reporting period despite the sensitive political environment surrounding the presidential election period.
SUBSEQUENT REPORTING PERIOD
In the next quarter, SACCI will continue implementing activities according to its approved Annual Work Plan (AWP). The project will deliver regular political economy analysis updates, provide policy papers or other analytical materials, coordinate with partners, and engage stakeholders through its Solutions Hub. The project also remains responsive to Ukraine’s dynamic environment to capitalize on new opportunities and change course when obstacles arise. SACCI regularly discusses this with USAID and seeks approval for any changes to its AWP.
SACCI will continue working on whistleblower protection legislation, seek to engage the new VRU on developing a code of ethics, and contribute to the development of a new draft law on illicit enrichment. SACCI will also be ready to contribute to reform efforts that impact the NAPC. SACCI will also collaborate with all champion institutions and support institution-specific initiatives (for instance, a knowledge portal for the MOH’s Authorized Unit). In cooperation with NACS and UShU, SACCI will also continue to finalize an anti-corruption e-learning course for public officials.
Furthermore, it is not clear whether the National Anti-Corruption Communications Strategy (NACCS) will remain in place after the advent of a new CMU (uncertainty also surrounds the MIP’s role in its implementation or further existence of the ministry). Regardless, SACCI will continue implementing national-level communications campaigns and regional initiatives to mobilize citizens.
Throughout the next quarter, SACCI plans to further its cooperation with CSO EdCamp and strengthen its ties to the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES) and Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) to continue involving youth in anti-corruption and integrity-driven activities. Lastly, SACCI will continue implementing its approved Youth Strategy and Action Plan.
4 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES
TASK 0.1 UPDATE POLITICAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS
SACCI continued monitoring developments in the country that could impact the project and the anti- corruption sphere. The updated political economy analysis provides a key-issues analysis. (See attachment 2 for the full text of the analysis). In addition, SACCI produced thought-pieces on two issues: the potential relaunch of the NAPC (implications, prospects, and overall stakeholder landscape) and illicit enrichment (an analysis of legal positions, briefs on developments, and proposals for a constructive resolution). Also, SACCI provided USAID with a weekly analysis of the latest developments in anti-corruption.
TASK 0.3 UPDATE GENDER/VULNERABLE GROUPS CORRUPTION ASSESSMENT
SACCI continued supporting a project implemented by the CSO Studena that promotes female corruption fighters from various sectors. CSO Studena produced 12 video “storytelling” interviews from women throughout Ukraine. Although the stories have yet to be posted to social media, CSO Studena began an online campaign that garnered more than 63,000 Facebook views using messages and publications about petty corruption, as well as recommendations for preventing and countering it.
SACCI also completed a poll to measure the public’s understanding of corruption and engagement in the sphere. Although there was no significant difference between men and women in understanding what corruption is and what its costs are, there was a difference in engagement—16.9 percent of men and 11.9 percent of women reported engaging in anti-corruption activities over the past 12 months. SACCI is addressing the low level of women’s engagement through the initiative mentioned above.
Lastly, SACCI finalized IDP research on the group’s experience with corruption, perception and awareness of corruption, and engagement in civic activism to prevent and counter corruption. Results of the research were discussed at SACCI’s Solutions Hub, where experts identified specific reasons why IDPs are more vulnerable to corruption and provided recommendations (see Task 0.8 below).
TASK 0.4 USE SOCIAL MEDIA AND LAUNCH WEBSITE
SACCI continued using a web portal launched by its grantee the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center (UCMC). The dedicated section of the website serves as a repository for key program resources, news, and analytical pieces.1 Also, SACCI’s social media pages continued to gain traction. The number of SACCI Facebook page followers rose more than 40 percent in the last quarter (1,780 in April to 2,510 in June) and the number of followers on Instagram rose more than 100 percent (125 in April to 254 in June).
1 http://ucmc.org.ua/uk/usaid_vzaemodia/
5 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov TASK 0.5 COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
All planned activities for this task were implemented and reported on in Quarter 1.
TASK 0.6 RESEARCH IDEAS FOR COMMON BRANDING
The contract currently requires SACCI, together with its counterparts, to develop a common anti- corruption brand to serve as an identifiable symbol that could be used across a range of activities, uniting all players in anti-corruption movement(s). Unfortunately, unity across players, once strong immediately following the 2014 Euromaidan events, has been deteriorating over the last several years. Moreover, the presidential elections and upcoming parliamentary elections bring more division within society, particularly on corruption. Therefore, there is limited traction for developing a common, cross- sectoral brand in the current operating environment.
TASK 0.7 COORDINATE ACTIVITIES WITH OTHER PROJECTS
During the reporting period, SACCI worked with its international partners and sister USAID projects to help integrate anti-corruption work into thematic and sector-specific areas. In partnership with the USAID Health Reform Support (HRS) project and CSO 100% LIFE, SACCI contributed to a legislative compliance analysis of Ukraine’s eHealth system for personal data protection issues. The project also trained 50 youth council representatives from ATCs who are partnered with the DOBRE project. Further, SACCI taught local activists and community leaders from specific DOBRE partner ATCs how to properly monitor road construction quality. Also, ENGAGE and SACCI authored two brief articles and co-designed a web tool to offer insight into 11 years of data from sociological polls on anti- corruption.2 SACCI also cooperated with UNDP, IRF, and ENGAGE to organize two Anti-Corruption Schools—one for activists and one for young leaders. Furthermore, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy’s office on International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and the European Union’s Anti- Corruption Initiative (EUACI), SACCI experts contributed to drafting regulations on illicit enrichment. Lastly, SACCI and USAID’s New Justice project helped develop a concept note for whistleblower protection legislation.
TASK 0.8 CONDUCT SOLUTIONS HUB ACTIVITIES
In June, SACCI gathered experts on IDPs and anti-corruption to review findings of its IDP research on the group’s experience with corruption, perceptions and awareness of corruption, and engagement in civic activism to prevent and counter corruption. The Solutions Hub validated the research finding that IDPs are more vulnerable to corruption than other demographic groups. This is primarily due to a higher dependency on public social services and vague legislation that leaves room for discretion and abuse by officials who make decisions about IDPs. Also, IDPs are typically less aware of their rights. Participants suggested several ideas for SACCI or other development projects moving forward, including: 1) information campaigns that detail the rights of IDPs, 2) compiling a list of positive changes to practices related to IDPs, 3) creating an e-certification system for IDPs, 4) external audits of government services to IDPs and the redesign of business practices in service delivery to IDPs, and 5)
2 http://bit.ly/2Xk3HGB
6 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov developing a sustainable and free legal aid system for IDPs and residents of non-government-controlled territories.
SACCI’S signature initiative, implemented by CoST Ukraine, teaches jounalists in Lviv how to monitor the quality of road repair. – Photo by CoST Urkaine
OBJECTIVE 1: KEY GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS EMPOWERED TO FIGHT CORRUPTION
Tasks under Objective 1 are targeted at improving the anti-corruption legal and regulatory framework and aligning it with international standards, as well as supporting and building the capacity of selected champion institutions in implementing corruption prevention measures.
ER 1.1: COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-CORRUPTION LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK DEVELOPED AND ADOPTED
TASK 1.1.1 SUPPORT DRAFTING AND PROMOTION OF NATIONAL LEGISLATION
During the reporting period, SACCI focused on several pieces of national-level legislation:
Whistleblowing Legislation. SACCI engaged international and local experts to develop a concept paper that reconciles different views about whistleblowing legislation and aligns them with international standards. The experts reviewed legislation and cases in Ukraine, interviewed whistleblowers and their lawyers, experts and CSOs, and other stakeholders, including a representative from the VRU’s Corruption Prevention Committee and the Ombudsman on Human Rights of Ukraine. Based on the findings, the team developed a draft concept paper that will be shared among stakeholders for discussion and to collect feedback. In the next quarter, SACCI will organize a roundtable to refine the concept paper and to develop a road map for proceeding with the legislation drafting process.
7 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Lobbying Legislation/Code of Conduct for VRU. SACCI continued discussions on the feasibility, timeliness, and importance of lobbying legislation. Consultations with the VRU’s Corruption Prevention Committee showed their interest in the development of a code of conduct for legislators with provisions on conflict of interest and lobbying. Further discussions were postponed due to the VRU’s dismissal and early parliamentary elections. SACCI will relaunch these consultations after the elections. Illicit Enrichment. A SACCI team member continued to serve on an advisory group composed of representatives from the European Union (EU), International Monetary Fund, World Bank, USAID, and INL. This group developed a consolidated donor position on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine’s decision to remove Article 368-2 (Illicit Enrichment) from Ukraine’s Criminal Code. The group developed a unified position that underlined principles for a new article on illicit enrichment in line with the UN Convention against Corruption. In addition, a SACCI representative helped the VRU`s Committee on Legislative Support of Law Enforcement draft changes to the Criminal Code on illicit enrichment. Relaunch the NAPC. SACCI met with representatives of the newly established OPU to discuss their vision and plans for anti-corruption reforms. This included issues of rebooting the NAPC and reviewing possible proposed changes to the law on preventing corruption. SACCI staff also participated in meetings with CSOs such as AnTAC, Transparency International Ukraine (TIU), and Center for Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) as they consolidated ideas for a draft law to relaunch the NAPC. This draft law stipulates a new provision on the NAPC’s leadership but does not suggest any changes to the NAPC’s institutional mandate. National Principles of Corporate Governance. SACCI continued collaboration with the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Corporate Governance Academy to revise the National Principles of Corporate Governance (NPCG). The NPCG seeks to improve governance practices in Ukraine and establish standards for the relationships between companies and investors, managers, employees, and the government. SACCI provided text related to anti-corruption and integrity to be incorporated into the overall document. Once the document is finalized by the partners, SACCI will cosponsor the launch of the NPCG, which is currently scheduled for September 2019.
TASK 1.1.2 SUPPORT DRAFTING ANTI-CORRUPTION BYLAWS AND INTERNAL REGULATIONS
SACCI’s support to champions. Following the Action Plans signed with champion institutions (MIU, SOSA, and the Municipality of Drohobych) in Year 1, SACCI provided each institution with advisors who help draft internal policies and procedures that enable the partners to better prevent corruption and mitigate corruption risks. The advisors will work with Authorized Units (AUs) and other managers to draft or enhance codes of ethics, conflict-of-interest regulations, personnel guidelines on hiring or dismissing middle management, work done with whistleblowers, regulations for the allocation of bonuses, internal audits, the transparency of licensing for educational institutions, qualification requirements for managers of educational institutions, monitoring mechanisms for the leasing of state property, and others. In addition, SACCI’s partners started activities to improve internal regulations on internal controls and audit as well as information security. Finally, the SACCI team conducted research and consultations to continue developing SOSA’s internal regulations aimed at preventing corruption in school and land resources management.
8 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Legal drafting activities, supported by SACCI’s grantee CSO Eidos, include:
Amendments to CMU Resolution No. 996 “On
Ensuring Public Participation in Shaping and Implementing Public Policy.” On April 24, 2019, the CMU approved amendments that regulate the work of all public oversight councils (POCs) and procedures for conducting public consultations. CSO Eidos, in collaboration with other CSOs, contributed to the following improvements: 1) a limitation on the number of POC members (35 members) to provide a reasonable quorum; 2) mandatory considerations of POC recommendations by government bodies; 3) online selection of new POC members to increase the transparency of the selection process; and 4) criteria for POC members that include at least five years of Figure 1. Deputy Director of the Department of experience in the sector to increase the level of Information and Communication of the Secretariat professionalism within POCs.3 CSO Eidos also conducted of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) Natalia Oksha at CSO Eidos’ panel discussion on a panel discussion “Is it Possible to Reload Public Council the newly approved amendments to CMU Activities?” at UCMC, where the key features of the Resolution No. 996. She noted, "the adoption of aforementioned amendments were presented and the new provisions are big steps forward." – Photo by CSO Eidos discussed with representatives from public councils, the Ministry of Justice, the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (SCMU), and CSOs. A Draft Order for the MIU “On Amendments to the Procedure for the Compilation, Submission, and Consideration of Public Information Requests.” Eidos worked with MIU on drafting an order to improve public access to the MIU’s information. The need for this order came out from the corruption risk assessment (CRA) conducted last year by SACCI. Draft Decree for Drohobych City Council “On the System of Accounting for Public Information.” This decree was developed to improve access to public information at the Drohobych City Council. It was recommended by SACCI, based on the IIFA, and drafted by Eidos.
Legal drafting activities, supported by SACCI’s grantee TAC, include:
CMU Resolution No. 328 “Maintenance for the Electronic Register of Sick Leave Certificates.” CSO TAC ensured public oversight throughout the development of this document. TAC also proposed several key points within the resolution that were incorporated into the Resolution. The Resolution was approved by the CMU on April 28, 2019. Concept Paper for Public Management in the Construction Sector. CSO TAC helped the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) collect feedback from all ministries about the concept paper and its implementation plan. Public management will make construction more transparent and reduce opportunities for corruption. The concept paper envisions incorporating construction regulations into a single planning code. Developing a planning cadaster and linking it to other
3 http://eidos.org.ua/novyny/hromadskist-otrymala-novi-instrumenty-kontrolyu-ta-spivpratsi-z-orhanamy-vykonavchoji-vlady/
9 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov cadasters will make the permitting process public, ensure citizen oversight, and protect historical sites. The MRD’s approval of the concept paper is expected in September 2019. Updates to Ministry of Education and Science’s Order No. 707 “National Repository of Academic Texts.” In the previous reporting period, CSOs TAC and the Reanimation Package of Reforms (RPR) drafted amendments to the repository’s rules and procedures, approved by the Ministry’s Order No. 707. In the reporting period, other stakeholders have developed an alternative version of the document. This repository will enable the detection of plagiarism in research and doctoral theses, thus reducing corruption in awarding doctoral degrees. The proposed rules and procedures are being considered by the ministry. Updates to Draft Law #10015, as an alternative to CMU Order #358-2014.The VRU`s Committee on Tax and Customs Policy returned a draft law initiated by CSOs TAC and RPR. The draft envisioned changes to the Tax Code that would eliminate corruption schemes and involved a web platform that registers reports for real estate appraisal. Upon consultations with RPR, TAC will not pursue the issue. Instead, RPR is considering other approaches that will pressure the government to address the issue. Amendments to the Ministry of Social Policy’s regulations. CSO TAC proposed amendments to legislation related to the funding of national CSOs advocating for disabled persons and confirming the status of IDPs. CSO TAC conducted a CRA of the business processes related to CSO funding. It has also developed an alternative procedure for confirming the status of IDPs. CSO TAC shared the analysis and the alternative procedure with the Ministry of Social Policy and will support the ministry with the modification of business processes and the removal of identified risks. Approval of a “red list of unallowable deviations from the standard construction practices” by the Ministry of Regional Development. CSO TAC helped the MRD structure a list that would result in a more transparent decision-making process at the local level related to urban construction and establish better control over construction company activities. The list was approved by the MRD through a ministerial order on May 21. Pursue national reforms. CSOs TAC and CPLR helped draft an alternative national 2020–2023 Anti-Corruption Strategy for Ukraine. They also secured support from the SCMU to begin preparations for replacing CMU Decree #803. CSO TAC started collecting information from different ministries about which initiatives will be included in a list of the new decrees.
TASK 1.1.3 EQUIP GOU WITH TOOLS TO MONITOR EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
During the first quarter, SACCI developed and submitted to the SCMU for review a methodology for improving and standardizing the process of developing and tracking the implementation of national anti- corruption strategies and programs. The methodology also envisions the development of a web-based information system to monitor the implementation of national anti-corruption programs. The CMU assigned the Ministry of Justice and the SCMU to review the methodology and their review is ongoing.
10 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ER 1.2: GOVERNMENT CAPACITY TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICIES, TOOLS, AND MECHANISMS STRENGTHENED
TASK 1.2.1 SUPPORT TO CURRENT CHAMPION INSTITUTIONS
In this reporting period, SACCI initiated the implemented activities with all champion institutions according to each individual Action Plan (Integrity Package) signed during the previous quarter.
NATIONAL LEVEL
SECRETARIAT OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS OF UKRAINE. As mentioned in Task 1.1.3, SACCI’s methodology for monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption reform is still under review by the MOJ and the SCMU. SACCI will help the SCMU implement the methodology as soon as the methodology is approved. Also, upon request from the SCMU, SACCI continued providing informal consultations to AUs from all ministries via a chat group formed using the online messaging platform Viber. In this chat group, SACCI experts answer questions, including questions on e-declarations and conflicts of interest. Also, the SCMU requested that SACCI and CSO Eidos organize a workshop for AUs from various ministries and agencies on the requirements and procedures of public access to information.
MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE OF UKRAINE. The implementation of SACCI’s 4-Dimensional (4D) package of assistance helped the MIU implement measures that reduce corruption risks and establish corruption prevention systems. This included hiring an in-house advisor and a local internal audit company to work with the ministry over the next few months. The advisor will focus on helping the MIU develop and implement policies and procedures that reduce corruption in human resource management, help implement conflict-of-interest policies, and build the capacity of its AU. SACCI will also support the development of a system that will help monitor and assess the performance of departmental tasks and objectives; draft internal documents related to corruption prevention policies, internal investigations, and financial monitoring; and monitor anti-corruption programs of subsidiary agencies. The auditors will help the MIU develop policies and procedures that mitigate risks for corruption by improving their internal controls, auditing standards, and information security.
Additionally, SACCI contracted a team of international and Ukrainian experts to assess opportunities for introducing “general inspectors” within the MIU. The team began reviewing international experiences and Ukrainian legislation to provide context to their work. In the next quarter, the team will start gathering information and discuss approaches with the ministry and other stakeholders.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF UKRAINE: Following the AU capacity and effectiveness assessment conducted by SACCI during the previous reporting period, SACCI and MOH agreed to implement joint activities. This includes SACCI providing the MOH with an in-house advisor to strengthen its AU. Also, SACCI agreed on a scope of work for the development of an internal web portal (intranet) that will enable its central AU to strengthen and provide guidance to approximately 90 subordinate AUs housed across key health institutions, such as regional health centers, medical universities, the National Health Service, and others. At the beginning of July, SACCI will start the bidding process for IT services to implement the platform.
11 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov SUB-NATIONAL LEVEL
SUMY OBLAST STATE ADMINISTRATION. The implementation of SACCI’s 4D package of assistance helped SOSA strengthen internal control and audit, improve information security, and reduce opportunities for corruption when hiring managers in the education sector. CSO Eidos, a SACCI grantee, also developed amendments to regulations for SOSA’s Competition Commission responsible for recruiting and assigning the directors of schools in the Sumy Oblast. The amendment requires involving public representatives in a commission to enhance transparency in the decision-making process. Also, CSO Eidos helped SOSA develop amendments to its licensing commission regulations that are responsible for licensing educational activities in the Sumy Oblast. The amendments require the inclusion of public representatives in the work of a commission. SACCI contracted a local company to provide internal control and information security.
CITY OF DROHOBYCH (LVIV OBLAST). In accordance with its Letter of Cooperation with the City Council of Drohobych, SACCI implemented its 4D package of assistance. SACCI engaged an expert who will (within the next two months) work closely with the city to improve internal policies and procedures that enhance budget transparency, standardize business processes, implement conflict-of-interest policies, strengthen compliance with its code of ethics, and install complaint mechanisms and whistleblower protection protocols. SACCI is also helping the council develop documentation to introduce a set of regulatory and operational changes that will allow for the establishment of an AU.
SIGNATURE INITIATIVES
SACCI is implementing two signature initiatives: Combatting Corruption in Road Construction and Repair, which is aligned with the decentralization of road construction and repair led by the MIU, and Combatting Corruption in Sick Leave Certification in support of the Ukraine eHealth initiative led by the MOH.
COMBATTING CORRUPTION IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR. As of June 2019, the CoST Initiative had delivered nine trainings for 189 participants representing oblast administrations, CSOs, amalgamated communities, and regional media outlets. The trainings were conducted for representatives from Sumy, Lviv, Khmelnitsky, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, Poltava, Zaporizhia, Volyn, Chernihiv, Kherson, and Odessa. The topics of the trainings were “Road Infrastructure Data Disclosure” (four trainings for OSAs and municipalities) and “Road Quality Control and Procurement Monitoring” (four trainings for OSAs, CSOs, and ATCs, as well as two seminars for journalists). After these trainings, CoST recruited three CSOs to monitor the quality and transparency of road construction in six regions. Additionally, based on feedback from journalists, SACCI’s partner UCMC initiated the development of a model training course for journalists to transfer knowledge and bring attention to the issue. Moreover, during the reporting period the CoST Initiative also:
Signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that formalized its cooperation with three oblast state administrations (OSAs)—Sumska, Lvivska, and Chernivetska. According to the MoUs, all three OSAs will release data about their road construction projects, use international infrastructure data standards promoted by the CoST Initiative, and increase engagement with communities around this effort. Continued negotiations with the City Council of Khmelnytskyi to formalize future cooperation. Although the City Council demonstrated some resistance to the idea of disclosing information
12 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov about road funding and expenditures, the CoST Initiative is optimistic that they will be able to pursue the city using success stories and the public’s political willpower. Finalized changes to instructions for disclosing road construction data on the initiative’s portal.4 The instructions will soon become publicly available on the initiative’s web portal to help OSAs correctly disclose data about road infrastructure projects in their regions. These instructions can also help CSOs monitor local road construction and verify that information was properly disclosed. Developed a draft manual for road construction quality control and piloted the draft during several trainings with representatives of ATCs, OSAs, CSOs, and the media. Monitored the road sector procurement procedures in the Chernivtsy and Khmelnitsky regions and shared the results on its Facebook page.
COMBATTING CORRUPTION IN SICK LEAVE CERTIFICATION. SACCI supported the MOH in its effort to implement its Sick Leave Certificate Initiative by providing in-house legal, IT, and management consultants. The consultants mapped the business processes necessary for launching the eSick Leave services module as part of Ukraine’s eHealth system. They also drafted the regulatory framework for the eSick Leave Certificate services system, which will help establish the eSick Leave service system. While working on this initiative, SACCI became aware of Figure 2. "We have repeatedly witnessed that uncertainties and obstacles impeding the module’s judges who made lawful decisions in cases development and successful launch. This includes the investigated by SAPO and NABU, then received reprimands or disciplinary proceedings. In fact, overall eHealth system’s data protection, data exchange, they were under constant pressure for a and configuration as well as the procurement process of decision whose legitimacy was subsequently the module’s developer. Upon consultations with USAID, confirmed by the Court of Appeal." SACCI will suspend activities related to software – Artem Sytnik, Director of the National Anti- Corruption Bureau of Ukraine development on this initiative until these issues are Photo by TIU resolved.
RAPID RESPONSE ASSISTANCE
Illicit enrichment legislation. SACCI continued responding to the developments around the Constitutional Court of Ukraine’s decision to rule Article 368-2 (Illicit Enrichment) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code unconstitutional. SACCI experts continued to serve on an advisory group composed of representatives from USAID, INL, the European Union (EU), the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. SACCI also contributed to the review of two draft laws submitted separately to the VRU by the former and newly elected presidents. Contribution to building skills of the High Anti-Corruption Court’s justices. A SACCI consultant presented at an orientation session for the HACC’s newly selected judges, an event organized by the USAID New Justice project. SACCI’s consultant presented about whistleblower
4 http://portal.costukraine.org/
13 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov issues and provided case studies. Also, SACCI’s partner grantee organized an expert discussion with more than 60 participants about the HACC’s establishment and operation. Anti-corruption reform priorities. At USAID’s request, SACCI drafted an analytical note about the key issues that will advance anti-corruption reforms during the election season. The note helped guide discussions with the new OPU and donor community. Technical support to OPU in anti-corruption areas. At the OPU’s request and with USAID consent, SACCI initiated the recruitment of two experts who will work on the OPU’s Anti- Corruption, Judiciary, and Law Enforcement Taskforce until the end of the 2019 calendar year.
TASK 1.2.2. SELECT AND SUPPORT NEW CHAMPION INSTITUTIONS
SUPPORT TO NEW CHAMPIONS
Following the Letter of Cooperation signed in the previous quarter, SACCI launched assistance to the municipalities of Pervomayskiy (Kharkiv oblast), Pokrov (Dnipropetrovs oblast), Khmelnytskyi (Khmelnytska oblast), and Mukachevo (Zakarpattia oblast). The first step was a comprehensive assessment of the current corruption prevention systems in each municipality. The assessment, conducted using SACCI’s IIFA methodology, addresses 10 dimensions, including leadership, management and decision-making process, internal controls and audits, conflicts of interest, enabling whistleblowing, gifts and benefits, transparency, public accountability, and others. CSO Eidos, a SACCI grantee, assisted with the assessment of transparency, public accountability, and complaint management. Also, SACCI contracted an internal auditor who will assist with assessing internal controls and audits. SACCI’s assessments will be finalized at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and these reports will guide further assistance to the municipalities.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE ACCOUNTING CHAMBER OF UKRAINE. In March 2019, the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine (ACU) approached the U.S. Embassy asking for technical assistance and help in reaching out to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The U.S. Embassy contacted USAID, and USAID asked SACCI to respond to ACU’s request. In April 2019, the SACCI team conducted meetings with the ACU and the key international donors working with the ACU, such as Germany’s development agency and the EU. Through these meetings, SACCI identified a wide range of areas where the ACU requires assistance. This includes an increase in institutional development and management, auditors’ professionalism, the quality of audits, data and information analysis, tracking and enforcing recommendations, and ethics and integrity. The ACU also expressed interest in learning from the GAO.
As follow-up assistance, SACCI engaged a consultant with more than 30 years of management experience at the GAO. In late June, the consultant started a series of interactive workshops and discussions with the ACU’s managers to share approaches and practices implemented by the GAO. Through these discussions, the consultant will analyze the ACU’s experience, capacity, and needs. Based on this information, the consultant will develop recommendations for SACCI support to the ACU.
In addition, SACCI and the MSI home office facilitated linkages between the GAO and ACU related to an anticipated ACU visit to the United States. An ACU delegation, including its chairman, Mr. Valeriy Patskan, will attend an international conference organized by the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions’ (INTOSAI)
14 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Development Initiative on July 22–23 in New York City. The ACU has requested meetings with GAO’s leadership in Washington, D.C., following the INTOSAI event in New York. MSI’s home office has helped the ACU set up meetings with GAO’s head, Mr. Gene Dodaro, and other GAO staff.
TASK 1.2.3. SUPPORT COLLABORATION, INNOVATION, AND CROSS-SECTORAL PARTNERSHIP
SACCI continued supporting intersectoral collaboration through the TAC Initiative, coordinated by the CSO TAC. With a grant from SACCI, CSO TAC coordinated several cross-sectoral working groups involving CSOs and the government in the areas of health, law enforcement, education, environmental protection, and regional development.
During the reporting period, CSO TAC also started preparing its next monitoring report on the status of the GOU’s implementation of 83 anti-corruption measures under CMU Decree # 803. CSO TAC experts began collecting and reviewing information from each participating institution using methodology developed with SACCI support early last year. Also, CSO TAC developed a series of videoblogs to advocate for the anti-corruption agenda with the president and government. The topics covered include the following:
Is everything really bad in the fight against corruption? What results do we have? What are the tools for measuring the effectiveness of the fight?5 Why is it important to complete reforms, as exemplified by the e-social system? The e-system is now at 30 percent capacity and expected to launch in 2021. If the new government stops this reform, we risk being left without significant changes, but with debts.6 What should be done to overcome legislative loopholes in the construction sector? There are three important tasks for the ministry and regions.7 The possible introduction of a registration system within the Ministry of Justice to increase the personal responsibility of each official.8
CSO TAC facilitated collaboration between participating ministries and agencies with CSOs and experts around different issues. This included the following:
With the MOH, TAC specialists contributed to a discussion about amending the procedures for competitive selection of hospital administrators (CMU resolution No.1094). The specialists also engaged experts from the medical community and members of the MOH’s POC to ensure consensus among stakeholders. However, the Deputy Minister of Health requested that the TAC initiative conduct an additional review of related procedures within the ministry before adopting the amendments to the procedures. The Ministry of Education and Science (MES), subject matter experts, CSO TAC, and CSO ”Disergate” developed draft amendments to the procedural formation of the list of professional
5 https://www.facebook.com/RazomProtyKorupcii/videos/792813177785882/ 6 https://www.facebook.com/RazomProtyKorupcii/videos/799987853729547/ 7 https: //www.facebook.com/RazomProtyKorupcii/videos/407424876772096/ 8 https://www.facebook.com/RazomProtyKorupcii/videos/321127068815422/
15 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov publications (MES Order #32 of January 15, 2018). The recommended changes should minimize fraud in managing scientific publications. CSO TAC helped the Ministry of Culture organize meetings with city mayors to discuss ways to prevent corruption in urban planning and development at the municipal level. This is a continuation of CSO TAC’s promotion of the Historical and Architectural Support Plans (HASP) to better regulate construction.
TASK 1.2.4. PROMOTE AND INSTITUTIONALIZE ANTI-CORRUPTION CAPACITY BUILDING OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Anti-corruption e-training and certification course. Upon consultation with NACS and UShU, SACCI started redesigning the certification training course for civil servants on anti- corruption. The course will be used by UShU to annually train up to 12,000 civil servants and public officials. The need for the course modifications came after the adoption of a CMU regulation in February 2019 that set the requirements of learning formats for civil servants. SACCI developed a sample module of the course according to new requirements. The sample will be shared with NACS and UShU to get their consent before proceeding with further developments of the course. Also, NACS and UShU are still developing the web platform that will house the e-learning course. AU Toolbox. SACCI continued modifying modules of the AU Toolbox based on the results of a pilot program with SOSA’s AU personnel. The toolbox will consist of guidelines for AUs (“How to Organize and Deliver Training Activities”) and four training modules. The modules will focus on e- declarations, anti-corruption review of the regulatory acts, CRAs and the development of anti- corruption programs, and conflicts of interest. SACCI has updated the presentations for the modules on e-declarations and anti-corruption review of regulatory acts. SACCI is planning to complete and pilot the AU Toolbox next quarter. AU capacity assessment tool. SACCI conducted an assessment of the SCMU’s AU. However, it postponed transferring the tool to the SCMU due to uncertainty whether the responsibility for oversight of the AUs will remain with the SCMU or will be transferred to NAPC. As soon as there is clarity, SACCI will officially hand the tool over to the appropriate institution. The tool will enable the SCMU or NACP to better implement their function of controlling AUs across all public institutions and provide more targeted technical support to AUs. 4D package. SACCI is conducting IIFAs in each of its four new champion municipalities. Upon completion of the assessment, SACCI will develop assistance plans customized to each municipality and will deploy the “4D package.”
OBJECTIVE 2: PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR AND ENGAGEMENT IN ANTI- CORRUPTION EFFORTS INCREASED
Tasks under Objective 2 are targeted toward improving government outreach to the public on anti- corruption reforms and engaging citizens in the fight against corruption.
16 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ER 2.1: GOVERNMENT OUTREACH ON ANTI-CORRUPTION REFORMS AND SUCCESSES IMPROVED
TASK 2.1.1 BOOST GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES
Support implementing NACCS and Action Plan. Throughout this quarter, SACCI monitored the implementation of the 2019 Action Plan for NACCS. At the request of MIP, SACCI prepared a presentation outlining the progress so far and proposals for the next review period. Although there is no certainty that NACCS will continue its implementation after the parliamentary elections, SACCI continues planning its anti-corruption communications campaigns. Build skills among targeted GOU institutional staff and units to communicate corruption issues and anti-corruption reforms. In Kyiv, UCMC, a SACCI grantee, brought together 18 representatives from six champion institutions (Drohobych, Mukachevo, Pokrov, Khmelnytskyi, Pervomayskyi city councils, and SOSA) to discuss anti-corruption communication strategies. This was an opportunity for the representatives to work on specifically tailored communication plans. The topics chosen were e-services, medical procurement, school finance, and local tariffs. Cities with limited local television (Pokrov and Pervomaisky) were advised to focus on social media marketing (SMM), whereas bigger cities were told to focus on building communication strategies that combine SMM and television campaigns. Provide forums for the media and champion institutions to communicate. In late June, the City Council of Pervomayskiy, a new SACCI champion institution, approved an optimization plan, which resulted in the closure of two schools and the transfer of children to neighboring schools. Shortly before this vote, UCMC supported the city administration in the development of a communication campaign focused on changes to the local school system and budget. Specifically, UCMC experts assisted in the implementation of a roundtable discussion on school financing that was moderated by an independent journalist from Kharkiv. Special attention was paid to creating evidence-based messages that were checked for consistency using financial statements provided by the city. In the next quarter, UCMC and SACCI will continue to build the administration’s capacity to implement communication campaigns and closely monitor the situation in Pervomayskiy.
TASK 2.1.2 IMPLEMENT AWARENESS, EDUCATIONAL, AND ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS
Support SACCI champions and other public institutions with developing and implementing targeted anti-corruption communications campaigns. 1. SACCI continued its support for SAEG’s awareness-raising campaign “Keeping Up with the Joneses.” The campaign included a series of six short PSA videos about land registration,9 business registration,10 drivers’ services,11 social benefits for children,12 passport services,13 and construction permit issuance.14 In the month of April, the series garnered 786,926 views on
9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQ6ZW-qq4E&feature=youtu.be 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL8u_Cd4RSk&feature=youtu.be 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRIs_JWqvO8&feature=youtu.be 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCnMipZpgcg&feature=youtu.be 13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOrInrC7OgE&feature=youtu.be 14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa_KO4C3HD8&feature=youtu.be
17 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov YouTube and 224,969 views on Facebook during its second wave of paid advertisements. An assessment of the campaign’s effectiveness has been rescheduled for completion in early Quarter 4. 2. SACCI continued to implement a dedicated media monitoring system for health reform issues, which could be used to guide policy decisions and the MOH’s communications strategy. The monitoring is conducted weekly and is then shared with the USAID implementer community as well as the health office. Findings are then generated into a monthly report and, on a quarterly basis, included in the SACCI political economy analysis update.
Support implementation of communications campaigns for the SACCI Year 2 signature initiatives. To support SACCI's signature initiatives, UCMC, a SACCI grantee, launched a pilot project with Ukrainian Radio after they selected UCMC’s health care procurement long-read to be a central discussion during a live studio program on local medical procurement with representatives from Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi. Furthermore, UCMC supported Ukrainian Radio with the production of multimedia stories (audio, video) that ensured a dynamic discussion, as well as with the preparation of a post-discussion review. This approach will be used as a case study for future work with other media organizations. Moreover, signature initiatives became an integral part of other tasks related to the media. For instance, most of the media trainings provided by UCMC were (and will be in Quarter 4) dedicated to the issue of road repair transparency. And a media competition for journalists will target stories in this sphere. SACCI will also encourage potential grantees to focus their activity on signature initiatives when constructing concept notes sent to SACCI through its APS grant program. Intended media support to the eSick Leave Certificate initiative is currently on hold.
ER 2.2: ENGAGEMENT OF CITIZENS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION INCREASED
TASK 2.2.1 INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
SACCI continued working with champion institutions to provide mechanisms to engage citizens in anti- corruption efforts. During the reporting period, the following activities were conducted:
Assist champion institutions in enabling and encouraging citizens to voice their concerns using social audits and participation mechanisms. In collaboration with the SCMU’s Department of Information and Communication, CSO Eidos conducted an educational event for more than 80 officials from different governmental institutions on the proper approaches for providing citizens with access to public information. Also, CSO Eidos provided the MIU with specific recommendations for improving their policies and practices to enable citizens to access information. CSO Eidos will develop similar recommendations for the MOH and will assist both institutions in implementing the recommendations. Engage citizens in social accountability activities around SACCI signature activities. In the first quarter, SACCI grantee TIU trained seven regional monitors and one regional coordinator to monitor public procurement in the cities of Khmelnytskyi, Pokrov, Sumy, Trostyanets, Dolina, and Drohobych and the region of Kherson—specifically, to monitor the procurement of medical products in the regions using the DOZORRO system. As a result, during the reporting period, civic monitors reviewed 798 tenders and filed 325 appeals to their respective controlling bodies. These appeals are waiting to be resolved.
18 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Enhance POCs to provide effective citizen oversight. CSO Eidos, a SACCI grantee, pushed for the CMU to approve amendments to “CMU Resolution No. 996: Ensuring public participation in the formation and implementation of state policy." These regulatory changes will increase participation of CSO representatives in decision-making processes. Furthermore, a panel discussion entitled “Is It Possible to Reload Public Council Activities?” was held at UCMC, where the key features of the aforementioned amendments were presented and discussed with representatives from the public councils, MOJ, SCMU, and CSOs. Participants discussed the need to ensure that this legislation will be implemented by creating penalties for those who ignore the law.
SACCI also continued supporting a CSO Eidos instrument on open budgets at the local level. Throughout the reporting period, 14 schools and kindergartens from the city of Vinnytsia placed budget information or links to this data on their websites. Seventeen other budget entities (schools and amalgamated communities) started placing open budget data on their webpages.
TASK 2.2.2. MOBILIZE MEDIA TO ENGAGE CITIZENS
Develop journalists’ abilities to report on citizen engagement instruments. UCMC, with the support of the CoST Initiative, conducted a two-part event in Lviv for journalists. The first session was a condensed presentation for 19 journalists on how to access online resources developed by CoST. The second session provided the opportunity for seven journalists to take a deep dive into the subject, covering such topics as financial transparency within the road construction sector and techniques to strengthen the quality of media coverage using open source data. In July, SACCI plans to replicate this training in Kyiv due to popular demand. Promote citizen engagement mechanisms provided by the SACCI 4D package and signature activities. Increasing citizen engagement using mechanisms provided by the SACCI 4D package is an integral part of several activities organized under Objectives 2 and 3. The crucial need to use anti-corruption mechanisms was discussed and trained on during SACCI’s Anti-Corruption School for Youth and Civic Activists. In relation to communications, SACCI currently works with prominent CSOs that teach local communities how to access instruments that increase the transparency of local spending. Also, SACCI highlighted successful women who have fought corruption on various levels to encourage others to follow their example.
TASK 2.2.3. MOBILIZE CSOs TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Build the skills of CSOs and activists to engage in anti-corruption efforts. During the reporting period, SACCI in partnership with UNDP, IRF, and ENGAGE held the fifth annual Anti- Corruption School. The school brought together 24 civic activists from 15 oblasts. For three days, civic activists learned about anti-corruption legislation, public sector responsibilities, transparency mechanisms and tools, and organizational development. The activists also discussed how to create positive changes and influence the government, improve the quality of public policymaking, and cooperate with their local communities. SACCI’s aim is to further facilitate networking between a group of CSOs capable and willing to work in the anti-corruption sphere. Also, SACCI will monitor outcomes of this program as civic activists implement projects in their communities or apply for funding through SACCI’s APS program. Promote CSO engagement in anti-corruption activities through SACCI’s small grants program. SACCI continued using its Annual Program Statement (APS) to support CSO
19 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program | Year 2 Workplan usaid.gov engagement in anti-corruption activities. SACCI awarded four grants during the reporting period (Media Development Foundation, Civic Initiative of Halychyna (CiH), White Collar Hundred, and Prometheus). Also, SACCI continued to support projects that were awarded funding in previous reporting periods. This includes funding to CSOs Studena, CoST Ukraine, GoVote, and Edcamp Ukraine. In addition, SACCI continues supporting key partner CSOs TAC, TIU, Eidos, and UCMC. Four more awards are expected to be made using the APS instrument in the next quarter. Overall, SACCI received more than 60 grant applications during the reporting period, a signal that this mechanism is growing in popularity. Below is a short overview of each grant awarded in this quarter: 1. Media Development Foundation “Mezhyhiria Fest 2019.” This was a two-month project that started on May 6, 2019. The primary objective of the project was to help journalists engage their audience and use anti-corruption instruments provided by specialized CSOs using a festival atmosphere. (Relevance to Task 3.1.2) 2. Civic Initiative of Halychyna “Conscious Choice of Ukrainian Youth.” This project began on April 15 and will run until August 3, 2019. The aim is to promote integrity and intolerance of corruption in schools through anti-corruption lessons. The lessons are currently being carried out in Ivano-Frankivsk and Drohobych. (Relevance to ER 3.2) 3. White Collar Hundred “Declarations IV: A New Hope.” This is an 11-month project that will run until February 2020. The project streamlines actionable analysis based on data from 12+ state registries and databases, enabling grassroots activists to use the most advanced civic investigative networks (e.g., OCCRP, Open Ownership, Open Corporates) to cross-check information relevant to public officials’ e-declarations. (Relevance to ER 3.1) 4. Prometheus. This project began on June 17 and will run until November 30, 2019. Its primary objective is to help civil servants implement the National Anti-Corruption Communication Strategy, developed and adopted by the GOU with the support of SACCI. (Relevance to Task 2.1.1)
Facilitate networking and experience exchange. SACCI’s Anti-Corruption School enabled 24 civic activists and 24 youth to network with people from more than 18 oblasts. Participants exchanged their experiences and discussed future collaborative efforts. Moreover, a Facebook group was formed after this event to establish a networking platform. SACCI plans to add next year’s participants to the same collective to exchange experiences and add to coordination among alumni. This platform will also allow SACCI to track the program’s short- and long-term outcomes.
OBJECTIVE 3: PUBLIC TOLERANCE OF CORRUPT PRACTICES REDUCED
Tasks under Objective 3 are targeted at building citizens’ understanding of corruption and its costs, reducing their tolerance of corruption, and increasing the rejection of corruption as a social norm among youth.
20 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ER 3.1: PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF CORRUPTION AND ITS COSTS INCREASED
TASK 3.1.1 TARGETING COMMUNICATION TO IDENTIFIED AUDIENCES
Complete values-based study to inform communication. SACCI continued using results of the values-based study completed earlier this year for formulating messages appealing to citizen values. SACCI continued using these findings to generate content and messages for trainings and presentations with ministries and OSAs. Also, SACCI discussed the study findings with prospective grantees to ensure that their communications campaigns are properly focused and deliver relevant messages to the target audience. This includes SACCI grantee Studena’s interview videos of women who have stood up to corruption. The values-based survey was also presented at the largest journalistic festival in Eastern Europe, “Mezhyhirya Festival of Investigative Journalism,” another SACCI-sponsored activity.
TASK 3.1.2 ENGAGE MEDIA TO REPORT ON CORRUPTION AND ENGAGE CITIZENS IN ANTI- CORRUPTION
SACCI continued working with journalists to build their capacity to professionally and responsibly report on corruption and anti-corruption. In the reporting period, the following activities were implemented:
Promote responsible reporting among journalists.
1. Mezhyhirya Fest 2019. SACCI, the U.S. Embassy, IRF, EUACI, and other donors supported the sixth annual Mezhyhirya Fest, which was implemented by the Media Development Foundation. With more than 500 participants, it is the largest annual platform for professional journalism in Eastern Europe. At the event, journalists learned about tools used to monitor public procurement in the health care and road construction sectors. SACCI also presented polling results from its research on the public’s tolerance of petty corruption, indignation toward high-level corruption, and distrust of the government.
2. Lviv Media Forum. SACCI partner grantee UCMC conducted a panel discussion on constructive journalism at the seventh annual Lviv Media Forum. Through these sessions, UCMC helped local media organizations develop stories about the transparency of local governments and their use of local funds. UCMC also led a panel discussion on constructive journalism that focused on the Figure 3. A representative of Ukrainian Crisis Media Center, problems created by a system of a SACCI grantee, opens a panel discussion on constructive journalism at the 2019 Lviv Media Forum. adversarial journalism, which, at times, Photo by Lviv Media Forum crosses professional boundaries. 3. Constructive Journalism Initiative. UCMC launched an initiative on constructive journalism following a discussion on the topic at the Lviv Media Forum. The initiative promotes the media’s ability to report on transparency or corruption, explains the impact public money has on
21 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ordinary lives, and presents potential solutions to the problem, thereby enhancing a journalist’s ability to be more constructive while reporting on anti-corruption topics. UCMC tests this approach when training journalists to report on topics related to SACCI’s signature initiatives. Moreover, a special webpage was developed to inform the media about the opportunities and benefits of constructive journalism.15
Develop information materials for use by journalists. UCMC also worked with both national and regional media outlets to prepare extensive publications that can be used as a resource by Ukrainian journalists. It continued to provide the media with relevant information on important topics that include the following long-read publications:
1. School closures caused by a lack of public finance. This long-read, produced in response to concerns raised in Drohobych, aimed to detail the need for more transparent systems of government allocation, which in turn, increase confidence in decisions made by local governments.16
2. Methodology for reporting on the quality of road repair. This publication is a core text for the trainings that were implemented throughout the fiscal year on how to monitor the quality of road construction and repair. See Task 2.2.2 for more information.17
3. Successful cooperation between activists and the media. This text was based on a panel discussion at SACCI’s Anti-Corruption School.18
Launch an educational program for anti-corruption journalism. Building upon the successful program implemented at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Quarter 1, UCMC implemented a second iteration of the program in Kharkiv in Quarter 2, after which prominent Kharkiv journalists mentored 11 participants to prepare reports on how the allocation of funds impacts local citizens. In June, three teams finalized their work and pitched articles to a local media outlet. One of those three was published this quarter.19 SACCI continues to work with UCU to develop an implementation plan for this program’s second iteration in Lviv.
ER 3.2: YOUTH INCREASINGLY REJECT CORRUPTION AS A SOCIAL NORM
SACCI continued implementing its two-pronged approach to youth engagement and empowerment in Year 2: expand (engage existing youth networks) and dive in (mentoring, social innovation lab events, mini-grants for the implementation of innovative ideas, and networking opportunities to a narrower group of youth). Also, SACCI’s Youth Communications Strategy guides public outreach for the project’s activities.
15 http://construct.uacrisis.org/ 16 http://bit.ly/2MyWU7K 17 http://bit.ly/2L2OfYI 18 http://bit.ly/2MWLkn6 19 https://nakipelo.ua/obshhezhitie-chto-pochem-i-pochemu/?fbclid=IwAR3DJ1HY1LbH7m-u- 3K2ekC00t8mfHh_ZE2KHEYS89sy1odQWAio5ayl8fk
22 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov TASK 3.2.1 SHAPE NEW VALUES AND ATTITUDES
Under this task, SACCI cast a wider net to engage a larger number of youth and to encourage new values and get youth thinking about transparency and integrity.
Expand the number of youth learning about corruption and disseminate anti- corruption instruments to the local level. SACCI expanded its youth network while encouraging youth to act with honesty and integrity. Among the networks involved in SACCI’s activities were the UNDP, IRF, EdCamp Ukraine, DOBRE, National Democratic Institute (NDI), and PC-UA. Throughout numerous trainings spanning the country, more than 400 participants were taught how to promote anti-corruption values or disseminate SACCI’s Anti-Corruption Toolkit. The toolkit includes an anti-corruption civic education course and implementation guidelines for four interactive activities (Anti-Corruption Mafia, Pub Quiz, anti-corruption scenarios, and an Anti-Corruption Quest game) and the Social Innovations Camp. SACCI’s youth activities included:
1. Anti-Corruption School. A school focused on helping 24 young activists from 17 oblasts develop anti-corruption initiatives and communicate their activities effectively in their respective communities. Topics of the three-day session included positive youth development, strategic communications, project management, and anti-corruption tools. 2. Mini-EdCamps. These conferences encouraged educators to teach about corruption and anti- corruption in the classroom. Six mini-EdCamps were held for approximately 250 educators working in the cities of Odessa, Zhovti Vody, NizhynPoltava, Stanytsia Luhanska, Hlukhiv, and Kryvyi Rih. Also, SACCI developed a set of answers to the most frequently asked questions about corruption and anti-corruption to help teachers respond to questions and spark discussions. 3. Peace Corps Ukraine (PC-UA). SACCI conducted two sessions for 55 Peace Corps volunteers and 60 local counterparts from across Ukraine during PC-UA’s in-service trainings. These sessions helped increase citizen engagement in anti-corruption dialogue. PC-UA reported that anti-corruption activities were implemented in several communities, but SACCI will continue to monitor this situation. Most importantly, SACCI invited PC-UA staff to its training- of-trainers program planned for the next fiscal year to develop a sustainable relationship and better integrate SACCI’s youth activities with PC-UA programs. 4. State Builder. SACCI supported the second annual State Builder youth internship program, an event implemented by the MYS (for ages 18 to 25) and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy (ULA). Throughout the program, more than 100 youth from each Ukrainian region took a 10- day deep dive into state work. SACCI also developed and implemented a two-part session on anti-corruption and provided lessons on networking and developing constructive relationships with the donor community. In the future, SACCI will focus on expanding the internship program to city governments (with an emphasis on SACCI partner cities—Sumy, Drohobych, Pervomaisky, Mukacheve, Pokrov, and Khmelnytskyi). 5. NDI Debates. SACCI’s team taught more than 120 university and high school students to promote zero tolerance for corruption through playing interactive games created by SACCI. The four sessions conducted by SACCI were part of a larger event—the annual National
23 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Debate Tournament on Political Reforms—organized by NDI and Institute Respublika. In Year 3, SACCI will explore ways to expand its work with organizations that facilitate student debates. 6. DOBRE “Do It Yourself” Youth Forum. SACCI partnered with USAID DOBRE to train 50 youth council representatives from 10 amalgamated communities. The training involved talks about how the youth can impact local decision making, their role in acting with honor and integrity, and the practical application of SACCI-developed tools. 7. CSO Eidos youth events. Twenty-three youth from ULA competed to see who knew the most about anti-corruption topics during the intellectual game “Pub Quiz,” and a similar event was implemented by Eidos in Ternopil for 32 participants. CSO Eidos also conducted an Anti- Corruption Mafia session for visitors to NABU premises. 8. Entrepreneur training. The Lviv Business School and CSO Eidos conducted an entrepreneur module called “Business-Wave.” At this session, 30 youth participants (aged 16 to 20) gained knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurship. Also, participants gained knowledge about responsible entrepreneurship, including sessions with the head of the Lviv’s Regulatory Hub, which is responsible for anti-corruption oversight in the business sphere throughout the Lviv region. 9. Agora Club. CSO Eidos’ Agora Club creates a platform for youth to discuss corruption. For instance, CSO Eidos implemented a session about media literacy for 16 young activists. This type of conversation facilitates informal and unconventional communication among youth on important issues in a format that is more appealing to them. CSO Eidos plans to continue implementing more clubs in the fourth quarter.
10. CSO “Civic Initiative in Halychyna.” Through SACCI’s APS grant program, this initiative organized youth-centric events in SACCI’s partner city of Drohobych. These events were also attended by school students from the Ivano-Frankivsk region. The events introduced participants to the SACCI-developed youth engagement toolkit. After a feedback session, a facilitator stated that Anti-Corruption Mafia was a great tool Figure 4. The Civic Initiative in Halychyna (CiH), a SACCI to understand how each individual impacts a grantee, partnered with the Drohobych Youth Center to apply SACCI -developed activities and teach youth from SACCI’s community, as shown in the statement champion city the importance of making virtuous choices in below. everyday life. Photo by CiH
“Anti-Corruption Mafia is more interesting than the classic mafia as it enables participants to understand that everyone makes an impact on the city or a town they live in. Every location has its budget, and the participants learn how to manage their taxes. It motivates the participants to find the truly corrupt officials and make the city free from corruption.”
– Valeria Lehka, facilitator for the Civic Initiative in Halychyna
24 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Integrate anti-corruption into the student Olympiad competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine SACCI will approach the new leadership of the Ministry of Education with this idea and potentially reshape it after approval by USAID. Organize the third annual competition of schoolchildren and youth videos for greater transparency, integrity, and anti-corruption. The partner organization, Strengthening Academic Integrity in Ukraine Project (SAIUP) postponed implementation of the competition and SACCI will report on results in the next quarter. Support youth social network communication. SACCI’s Facebook and Instagram pages continue gaining traction with youth. The number of SACCI Facebook page followers rose more than 40 percent in the last quarter (1,780 in April to 2,510 in June) and the number of followers on Instagram rose more than 100 percent (125 in April to 254 in June). In the final quarter of Year 2, SACCI will hire a communications specialist who will enhance content targeting youth on social media.
TASK 3.2.2. ENGAGE YOUTH IN ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTIVITIES
Under this task, SACCI continued to nurture youth that have shown not only general interest in the events organized by the project but also willingness to convert their new knowledge and skills into action.
Support integration of anti-corruption training into the Ukrainian Leadership Academy (ULA) program. TIU, a SACCI grantee, provided 15 training sessions for 176 ULA students in Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Chernivtsi. These students are responsible for implementing community projects in their respective cities and towns. TIU’s trainings are a small example of the future cooperation between TIU and ULA as the program integrates anti- corruption issues into its curriculum and community service projects. Support innovative ideas generated by youth and/or targeted at youth. SACCI continued to support youth initiatives through its APS grants program (as mentioned under Task 2.2.3). SACCI seeks innovative ideas and approaches that encourage youth to act honestly and with integrity. In addition to Go Vote, SACCI provides support to youth-focused projects implemented by CSOs KomendaBot, CiH, Eidos, and EdCamp. In Quarter 4, SACCI plans to help implement the U-Inn Social Innovations program. Support social innovation aimed at anti-corruption. Throughout the quarter, SACCI worked with UNDP Ukraine to co-design and prepare a social innovations program for youth. The U-Inn Social Innovations program supports anti-corruption, transparency, and integrity. Its core participants will include 80 young people from all over Ukraine who will be encouraged to form teams and develop project proposals. Engage youth in citizen journalism to communicate on corruption issues and anti- corruption initiatives. This activity is planned to be conducted in partnership with SACCI subcontractor International Media Solutions and was rescheduled to Quarter 4.
25 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov PROGRESS AGAINST TARGETS
SACCI’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan has 21 indicators. SACCI reports on each indicator annually.
PERFORMANCE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING
SACCI’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan has 21 indicators. This includes three Standard Foreign Assistance Indicators. The indicator data come from five streams: project records, a SACCI-sponsored public opinion poll, a civic engagement survey by ENGAGE, grantee records, and contextual data collected from global surveys. Progress made on all indicators will be added to SACCI’s Annual Report. Additionally, the project uses an internal tracking tool to monitor all progress. The tool shows every indicator's current status and explains how SACCI contributes to the expected results.
SACCI continued to present findings from three major anti-corruption surveys (social poll conducted by USAID ENGAGE as well as a value-based survey and media monitoring conducted by SACCI) to government communication officers, journalists, and the wider public. This included a round of presentat ions to journalists, civil society experts at Ukrainian Crisis Media Center in April-May 2019, and a presentation at Mezhyhiria Fest for investigative journalists on June 9.
Also, during the reporting period, SACCI received results from an omnibus survey conducted in May- June 2019. These data are used to monitor progress against indicators # 13, 16, and 17. The data were entered into the result tracking system.
The omnibus also helped assess the campaign “Corruption Steals from You” jointly aired by SACCI and ENGAGE in Quarter 2 – namely, the recall rate, prompted recall rate, and sources through which Ukrainians saw/heard the campaign messages, including the internet/social networks, TV, radio, and billboards.
In Quarter 3, SACCI helped USAID develop indicators for Immediate Results (IR) and sub-IRs to Development Objective 1 (Corruption Reduced in Target Sectors) of the CDCS for 2019-2024. Seven indicators were developed, discussed, and approved. SACCI is dealing with four of them. Also, SACCI produced Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRSs) for these indicators.
SACCI ensures a system of evidence-based decision making by producing and/or analyzing important research pieces and contextual data. This also helps the project stay up to date on key statistics, trends, and values associated with (anti-)corruption, which are significant when providing daily contextual updates to USAID.
LESSONS LEARNED
This quarter once more emphasized that Ukrainian politics may have unexpected turning points and that international technical assistance must continue working in constant uncertainty. Therefore, flexibility and responsiveness are key to ensuring that the development agenda makes a large impact in Ukraine.
26 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Furthermore, and especially in the next year, international donors must properly coordinate and improve information sharing. This is crucial to ensure consolidated efforts of assistance to the anti- corruption sphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
No activities during this reporting period fall outside the approved Request for Categorical Exclusion (RCE): DCN: 2014-UKR-010.
PROGRESS ON LINKS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES
The SACCI project is built around close coordination with the Ukrainian Government. In the reporting period, SACCI worked with its Year 1 and Year 2 champion institutions, including the SCMU, two ministries, five city administrations, and one Oblast State Administration. Also, SACCI conducted several consultations with the new OPU to ensure that the project’s activities align with the new leadership’s vision and priorities. SACCI experts are also part of an MYS working group that helps develop a multiyear strategy for youth in Ukraine.
PROGRESS ON INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT
As described in Task 0.3, SACCI continued supporting CSO Studena in promoting female corruption fighters from various sectors. Through video interviews with 12 women, SACCI and Studena hope to encourage women to follow these examples and take a more active position against corruption.
SACCI also continued its research into how well specific demographics understand specific corruption issues to better target communications strategies and engagement activities. A recent poll—sponsored by SACCI—showed that women engage in anti-corruption activities less than men (16.9 percent of men vs. 11.9 percent of women).
Finally, SACCI finalized research on IDPs’ experience with corruption, perception and awareness of corruption, and engagement in civic activism to prevent and counter corruption. Research results were discussed at SACCI’s Solutions Hub. Experts identified specific reasons IDPs are more vulnerable to corruption than other groups and suggested actionable recommendations for intervention. SACCI will use these recommendations for future programming to better engage IDPs.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CASH FLOW REPORT AND FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS (PIPELINE BURN- RATE) Provided separately in Quarterly Financial Report.
OBLIGATIONS Provided separately in Quarterly Cost Estimate Report.
27 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ACTUAL EXPENDITURES THROUGH THE CURRENT REPORTING PERIOD Provided separately in Quarterly Financial Report.
PIPELINE PROJECTION Provided in Quarterly Estimated Expenditures Report.
SUB-AWARD DETAILS
Provided separately as attached table.
ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
CONSTRAINTS AND CRITICAL ISSUES
The project faced no significant constraints or critical issues in the operating environment in Ukraine despite the sensitive nature of work in anti-corruption and the need for greater discretion during the presidential election period that this report covers. As the upcoming report will cover the period during the parliamentary elections, the project anticipates a similar operating environment in the coming quarter.
PERSONNEL
The project saw the conversion of its monitoring, evaluation, and learning specialist from a full-time staffer to short-term technical assistance (STTA) due to his preference for engaging in a wider variety of activities and sectors. Consequently, during the upcoming quarter, SACCI is working with its COR to re-scope the position to possibly include oversight of monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities (including STTA) and coordination of regional representatives under Objective Area 3 (Public Understanding of Corruption and Its Costs Increased).
CONTRACT, AWARD, OR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
No contract modifications or amendments occurred during the reporting period.
STATUS OF DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES
SACCI planned three deliverables under the reporting tasks in this quarter: the quarterly report, an updated program one-pager, and quarterly financial and accrual reports. All deliverables were submitted in the designated timeframe. Key programmatic deliverables completed during Quarter 3 are as follows:
Updated political economy analysis (Task 0.1). Policy memos to USAID on relaunch of NAPC, advisory notes to USAID on illicit enrichment (Task 0.2). Updated gender/vulnerable groups corruption assessment focusing on IDP issues.
28 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov Solutions Hub activities. (Task 0.8) Review and consultations of the draft legislation on whistleblower protection (Task 1.1.1). Drafting of regulations on lobbying/parliamentary ethics or code of conduct is delayed due to anticipated parliamentary elections in July 2019. Draft law on reinstating illicit enrichment as a criminal offense and comments to the other, alternative draft (Task 1.1.2). Draft of a methodology to monitor progress in implementing a national anti-corruption policy/program (Task 1.1.3). Finalization of the methodology postponed to Quarter 4, as the draft is still being considered by MOJ and SCMU. IIFA conducted in four new champion cities (Task 1.2.1). eSick Leave Certificate functionality of the eHealth system: regulatory documents elaborated, procurement of software development services postponed until issues of the overall eHealth system information security and system architecture are resolved (Task 1.2.1). Draft manual by CoST for citizen monitoring of road construction quality (Task 1.2.1). First draft content of one module of the anti-corruption e-learning course. Deployment as a full course delayed until NACS and USG agree on course structure and format and the platform to run the course (Task 1.2.4). Scenarios for the online anti-corruption communications course (Task 2.1.1). English-language summary of the values-based study (report) and recommendations for anti- corruption communications campaigns (Task 3.1.1). MizhyhiryaFest 2019 (substituted for journalist competition special nomination) (Task 3.1.2).
Several deliverables planned for Q2–3 that will be completed/continued in Q4:
Policy paper scheduled for March 2019 (Task 0.2) will be provided in Q4. Memorandum of cooperation with new champions planned for June (Task 1.2.2) will be signed in Q4 upon completion of IIFA. Pilot the AU Toolbox. The new deadline is end of September 2019 (Task 1.2.4) upon completion of pilot scheduled for September 2019. Online anti-corruption communications training course (Task 2.1.1) planned to be launched in Q4. Journalist competition special nomination (Task 3.1.2) postponed until Q4. Organization of annual competition of youth videos (Task 3.2.1) postponed until Q4.
In this quarter, SACCI’s reporting deliverables are the quarterly report and the quarterly financial and accrual report. All deliverables were submitted on schedule.
COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
In the reporting period, SACCI worked hand in hand with its international partners and sister projects to help mainstream anti-corruption work into thematic areas. Throughout the quarter, SACCI contributed to analysis of eHealth system vulnerabilities in terms of proper certification (HRS and 100%
29 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov LIFE projects). The project has trained 50 youth council representatives of AMCs that are targeted by the DOBRE program. Also, SACCI involved local activists and community leaders from DOBRE amalgamated communities to learn proper monitoring of road construction. With ENGAGE, the project authored two brief articles and co-designed a web tool to offer insight into 11 years of data from sociological polls on anti-corruption.20 SACCI cooperated with UNDP, IRF, and ENGAGE to organize two Anti-Corruption Schools—one for activists and one for young leaders. Finally, the project experts contributed to drafting regulations on illicit enrichment in cooperation with INL and EUACI and catalyzed development of a concept note for whistleblower protection in partnership with New Justice.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Geographic data submitted on July 2, 2019, via the Web App.
20 http://bit.ly/2Xk3HGB
30 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ATTACHMENTS
PERFORMANCE DATA TABLE
See Attachment 1.
SUB-AWARDS TABLE (IF APPLICABLE)
See Attachment 1.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES TABLE
See Attachment 1.
LIST OF DELIVERABLES
Attachment 2. Program Fact Sheet Attachment 3. Impact Analysis Attachment 4. SACCI Research Paper
PUBLIC OUTREACH DOCUMENTS
Attachment 5. UCMC Health Care Infographics
31 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov ANNEX 1. STATUS OF DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES
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33 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov
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35 | USAID/Ukraine – Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program | Quarterly Progress Report usaid.gov