Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Progress Report (Sept 2017)
Description (Project Title) : Strengthening Development Planning and Management in Greater Cairo : Priority Development Projects. Implementing Partner : General Organization for Physical Planning (GOPP) Award ID : 00093544 Project ID : 00097793 Period Covered : From Project Start June 2016 till September 2017 Date of Submission : 15th of September 2017 Report No. : Progress Report # 2
Introduction :
Greater Cairo, one of the most populated metropolitan regions around the world, includes the governorates of Cairo, Giza and Qalioubiya with a population exceeding 22 million. It hosts the most famous and important world touristic sites, the government headquarters, government institutions, foreign embassies, prestigious universities, hospitals, as well as Egyptian and international finance institutions.
Greater Cairo is one of the largest populated zones and is facing environmental pressures in terms of traffic, infrastructure, and public utilities. The future vision and strategic trends for Greater Cairo were prepared through a previous project (Strategic Urban Development Plan for Greater Cairo Region) during the period between 2008 and 2015. This project suggested a framework and strategies that made up a set of plans aiming at improving the quality of life and achieving social justice for all segments and economic strata of the population when implemented.
Therefore, in order to benefit from the outcomes & results of the previous project and to complete related development studies, a new project entitled ‘Strengthening Development Planning and Management in Greater Cairo: Priority Development Projects’ was initiated in June 2016. The strategic objective of this Project is represented in the active contribution of realizing the strategic vision for the development of Greater Cairo. The vision is also conveyed through achieving social justice and economic competitiveness, being environment-friendly through preparing priority development projects and participatory planning processes, and preparing studies of institutional and administrative development.
According to the project document and work-plan, the project specified seven main outputs which should be achieved by the end of the project lifetime (three years) as follows :
- Output 1: Project Management Unit Established. - Output 2: Strategic Development Plans, Studies and Action Plans for Priority Projects Prepared. - Output 3: Regulations and Mechanisms on Metropolitan Finance and Governance Enhanced. (This output is reported by UN-HABITAT). - Output 4: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan Developed and Non Motorized Transport (NMT) Promoted (This output is reported by UN-HABITAT). - Output 5: Partnership and Communication on Greater Cairo Development Strengthened. - Output 6: Gender Strategy and Guidelines for Urban Planning Developed and Piloted. - Output 7: Capacity of Targeted National Staff Developed and Enhanced.
The key activities and achievements of each output in the covered period are shown in the section titled ‘Project Performance’ in this report.
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Project Issues :
Even though Greater Cairo is imperative, it suffers from a number of issues demonstrated in negative urban symptoms and challenges such as housing, utilities, services, transport and the environment. The previous project identified and studied the challenges and problems that Greater Cairo faces. It prepared general policies and strategies to address these problems in accordance with the Greater Cairo future vision. These challenges are represented as follows:
Inability to keep up with the steady population growth If Greater Cairo’s population continues to increase at the current rates, this threatens the plans for sustainable development in Greater Cairo by creating severe pressure on all utilities and services and exaggerating problems relating to economic and urban development, traffic congestions, as well as the deterioration of the roads network, pedestrian sidewalks and infrastructure deficiency, leading to a lower quality of life and economic and social development in Greater Cairo.
Continued unregulated urban growth The steady population growth has led to poor urban and living conditions that pose a major challenge represented in the growth and spread of unplanned and unsafe areas that suffer from service deficiencies. In addition, these areas also pose threats to social peace due to the strong inequality in the living standards between these areas’ residents and the residents of official areas.
Deterioration of heritage and historic areas Unregulated urban growth and the growth of unplanned areas near or even inside some of the archaeological and historical areas led to the deterioration of these areas and the decline in their tourism, economic value, and importance, resulting in the loss of very important heritage and economic resources. Despite the fact that there are many historical and heritage areas in Greater Cairo, they suffer from continuous degradation and failure to provide outstanding tourism services that benefit the residents of Greater Cairo and the national economy.
Serious traffic congestion and inadequacy of the public transport system Greater Cairo suffers from severe traffic congestion problems with large and adverse effects on both the quality of life and the economy. There are many causes for the traffic congestion in Greater Cairo. One of the most important causes is the lack of efficient public transportation systems. In addition, there is an increasing reliance on private cars and absence of safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
Environmental degradation and the scarcity of open public spaces Overcrowding, the high population density, the random growth of urbanization, and various economic activities led the environmental degradation in Greater Cairo. Air pollution from transport exhaust and factory emissions is another main issue. This is accompanied by Nile water contamination by sewage and industrial wastewater in violation of the laws, the increase in water consumption, and the accumulation and improper disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Another environmental issue is the increase in noise levels. All of these factors pose a major threat to the public health. Moreover, population overcrowding and the rising urbanization rates that caused the decrease in green areas and open public spaces led to the phenomenon of random strolls on the sides of bridges and the river banks.
Enhancing the Institutional framework and integrating urban development operations in Greater Cairo Greater Cairo has no legal status. It is a vital region that administratively falls within the range of three governorates (Cairo, Giza and Qalioubiya), in addition to the New Urban Communities Authority. As the central government headquarters, many ministries and central government bodies play direct and indirect roles and have direct and indirect impact on issues of administration and urban development.
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Financial and Administrative issues - The process of pre-signing the project document consumed more than fourteen months, from April 2015 to June 2016, as a preliminary coordination stage to meet the observations, comments and requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security authorities.
- Due to the decision of the floating exchange rate of the Egyptian pound, many issues were raised in terms of technical and financial challenges which had a magnificent effect on the project in both the delivery target and the GOPP government-cost sharing, which paid in local currency has been greatly inflated. Additionally, the rates of local consultants and experts were highly decreased and procurement items, such as equipment and consumables were almost double priced.
Project Performance:
OUTPUT 1: Project Management Unit Established Project ID: 00097793
Description : In the Period Covered, Output 1 included the following activities: Introduction and General Administrative Arrangements. a) Procure and establish office furniture, equipment, consumables & Office operations. b) Recruit PMU Staff (Technical, Administration & Support). c) Recruit national & international experts/ consultants
Introduction and General Administrative Arrangements:
This output is the basic element necessary for implementing the project and providing provision of the physical and human resources required for all the project’s activities. After signing the project's document on the 9th of June 2016 by all of project partners (GOPP, NUCA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs , UNDP and UN-Habitat), project setup has been initiated which was necessary to run the project activities in a way that ensures smooth and active involvement of representatives & key stakeholders. General administrative arrangements were taken as below: National Project Director (NPD): Eng.Salwa Abd Al-Wahab (GOPP Vice-Chairman) was nominated by GOPP as NPD and she was officially in charge of the position in July 2016. Government Cost-sharing contribution to UNDP: Upon signing of the project document, the first payment from GOPP (300,000 USD) was converted to UNDP with equivalence to Egyptian Pounds according to the official exchange rate at June 2016. Operational Management Agreement (OMA) was signed by GOPP and The Operational Unit for Development Assistance (OUDA) for the project in August 2016. Project Manager: with coordination with OUDA, project manager (Eng. Nahed Naguib) was assigned early Jan 2017. Accordingly several meetings were held with UNDP Team, UNHABITAT team, Head of Regional Center of Greater Cairo Region and consultants in order to compile all background data, information and future needs, and to overcome any obstacles to ensure continuous coordination of project works. On the executive level: Two workplans were prepared for mid-year 2016, and Annual Work Plan 2017. Formulation of Project Management Committee (PMC): On Feb 2017, the Project Management Committee (PMC) was comprised of technical representatives from UN agencies and GOPP. The PMC is responsible for the overall direction and management of the project, as well as the operational coordination of the Project and its activities. Project Board Meetings: First board meeting was scheduled to be held this month September 2017.
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
The following chart shows the project structure :-
Activity ID: 1-a) Procure and establish office furniture, equipment, consumables & Office operations Deliverable Description:
In order to efficiently use the existing resources, the new project will benefit from some of the previous project’s assets (such as vehicles) after assuring the quality of their technical condition and their validity for operation throughout the project’s duration.
In cooperation with OUDA, the project has purchased new office equipment, supplies, and stationary which were identified and needed for project operational purposes. Procured items were listed in financial reports.
Start and End Date : June 2016 - June 2019 % Progress to date: 35 %
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Activity ID: 1-b) Recruit PMU Staff (Technical, Administration & Support). Deliverable Description:
During the covered period, and in cooperation with OUDA, a qualified & efficient staff of urban/ infrastructure engineers, accountant, secretaries, office boys & drivers were recruited in order to support and handle the technical, administrative and financial fields necessary to run the project.
Start and End Date : Sept 2016 - June 2019 % Progress to date: 40 %
Activity ID: 1-c) Recruit national & international experts/ consultants: Deliverable Description:
Experts in various specializations shall be contracted through this output according to project needs. This started with contracting with a professional urban consultant as a technical support expert for the project to lead technical assistance in preparing project plans and reports and follow up the implementation of project activities. Weekly meetings were held in this regard with project management and the project team.
Start and End Date : Feb 2017 - June 2019 % Progress to date: 35 %
OUTPUT 2: Strategic Development Plans, Studies and Action Plans for Priority Projects Prepared. Project ID: 00097793
Description : In the Period Covered , Output 2 included the following activities: a) Develop Projects as per the outputs of the Urban Structuring Study c) Prepare development plans for the Fustat area
This output includes the preparation of urban plans, and executive action plans for a number of priority projects which were previously identified, in addition to new emerging studies throughout the project duration in line with the development process needs.
Several activities took place and important specialized studies have been prepared in this context. These studies and activities could be listed as follows :
Activity ID: 2-a) Develop Projects as per the outputs of the Urban Structuring Study : Deliverable Description: Under this title comes seven different projects:
1. Strategic vision of land use around the Regional Ring Road – Greater Cairo Region. 2. Manual Guideline for urban structuring for metropolitan areas and major cities. 3. Administrative Structuring of Greater Cairo Region. 4. Strategic Plan for Giza City. 5. Prepare Development plan for the area surrounding the Academy of Arts – Giza Governorate. 6. Prepare Master plan and urban design for development of Al-Dahab & Al-Bekbashy islands 7. Development Plan of Al-Qursaya & Al-Disimy Islands – Giza Governorate.
Executive status is shown in the following :
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
1. Strategic vision of land use around the Regional Ring Road – Greater Cairo Region:
The main objective of this study is to develop a strategic vision, priority projects, and recommendations for land use around the regional ring road. Different maps have been produced for roads network and land uses around it. The study has started and finished during the period covered.
Tasks Achieved:
- TOR has been Prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - Submission of Milestone 1. - Submission of Milestone 2 . - Submission of GIS data. - Digital copies of the study were distributed to the related governmental entities, to consider it in different development future phases.
Start and End Date : Nov 2016 - June 2017 % Progress to date: 100 %
2. Manual Guideline for urban structuring for metropolitan areas and major cities:
Urban structure is a great challenge especially in the greater Cairo region. The main objective of the study is to prepare a technical guide (not procedural) used by those responsible for preparing an urban structure for a metropolitan area, a major city or a one-city governorate that is consistent with the national vision and based on the visions contained in the strategic plans of the governorates. In addition, it should incorporate the urban structure in the laws governing urban planning.
Tasks Achieved:
- TOR has been Prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - Main workshop with experts was held to approve the vision and manual logic followed by several meetings with the GOPP team. A planned workshop has been adopted. - Submission Phase 1: Definition of the urban structure and areas of application of the guide.
Tasks In-Progress :
- Submission of Phase 2: Present and study of the detailed methodology to carry out all the tasks of the structure and how to be included in the manual. - Submission of Phase 3: Compiling different task formulations and preparing and presenting the entire manual.
Start and End Date : March 2017 - March 2018 % Progress to date: 35 %
3. Administrative Structuring of Greater Cairo Region.
Proposed TORs were prepared for Administrative Structuring of Greater Cairo Region which has a great role to get urban plans to light. Egypt suffers from a complicated administrative structure as urban plans are usually implemented by the government so it is majorly affected by this structure.
Start and End Date : To be started in 4Q 2017
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
4. Strategic Plan for Giza City
This task requires coordination, forming a stakeholder team for participation, a field survey, GIS analysis, vision setting, and a finally strategic plan. The preliminary meeting for implement the activity has been held in Giza governorate with the presence of the Giza Governor, representatives from local governorate, the National Project Director, the project manager, GOPP representatives, and consultants. This meeting finalized the priorities of the Governorate.
Tasks Achieved:
- TOR has been Prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - Submission of draft technical paper from consultants. - Preparatory phase and data collection.
Tasks In-Progress :
- Define the basic features and future vision of the city - Preparing the general strategic plan for the city
Start and End Date : June 2017 - June 2018 % Progress to date: 25 %
5. Prepare Development plan for the area surrounding the Academy of Arts – Giza Governorate.
The Area around academy of arts is in a bad situation and is suffering from Urban deterioration; therefore, it was pointed by the government as a priority action area for an upgrade detailed plan. A preliminary study for the area’s land use and documentation of current situation has been carried out. This was followed by Visioning plan for the area.
Tasks Achieved:
- TOR has been prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - Current situation studies and field surveys. - General analysis and development scenarios. - Initial design solutions associated with each scenario. - Design concept for the first alternative. - Design concept for the second alternative.
Start and End Date : May 2017 - July 2017 % Progress to date: 100 %
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
6. Prepare Master plan and urban design for development of Al-Dahab & Al-Bekbashy islands
The aim of this study is to prepare a developmental, environmental and urban vision to rehabilitate Al-Dahab & Al-Bekbashy islands to be an ecological, natural and tourist destination within Greater Cairo, which qualifies it to be one of the best parks and tourist resorts at national level.
Tasks Achieved:
First Stage: - TOR has been prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - Current situation studies in all sectors of the two islands. - Current situation analysis and basic decisions. - Prepare alternatives of the master plan.
Tasks In-Progress :
Second Stage: - Design of urban planning alternatives in the light of general analysis. - Develop the proposed alternative. - Report of development plan for the two islands. - Detailed plan studies.
Third Stage: - Full two reports for each island (includes all studies). - GIS for the two islands. - Presentation for each island + animated video.
Start and End Date : July 2017 - Dec 2017 % Progress to date: 35 %
7. Development Plan of Al-Qursaya & Al-Disimy Islands – Giza Governorate.
This study is a method to prepare the design and planning perceptions of Al-Qursaya & Al-Disimy Islands , in order to achieve a comprehensive vision that reflects the environmental, cultural and civilizational dimension of the Nile River to achieve international and local development goals by address new approaches to reach respect of the natural and social environment and the economic value of the Nile Islands, while paying more attention to the available potentials.
Tasks Achieved: - TOR has been prepared. - Consultants were contracted.
Tasks In-Progress : Phase 1: Data collection & field surveys. Phase 2 - General analysis and formulation of the design vision & initial plan. - Analyses and design issues for islands Phase 3: - The final master plan
Start and End Date : Aug 2017 - Jan 2018 % Progress to date: 20 %
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Activity ID: 2-c) Prepare development plans for the Fustat area : Deliverable Description:
1. Detailed plan for action areas in Al-Fustat (Cairo Governorate). 2. Initial conception for development of Al-Warraq Island )Giza Governorate).
Executive status is shown in the following:
1. Detailed plan for action areas in Al-Fustat (Cairo Governorate)
Al-Fustat area is located inside the districts of Al-Khalifa, Misr al-Qadima, Sayeda Zeinab and Basateen. It is bordered by the Ring Road from the south, Fatimid and Khedivial Cairo areas from the north, Moqattam plateau from the east, and the Nile river and Siyyalat al-Roda from the west. Most of the Fustat area’s activities are industrial activities and handcrafts.
The project contributes to achieving the proposed vision for the Fustat area to become an open museum, a worldwide distinguished and unique heritage site. This is through adopting rehabilitation, preservation and preparation policies which aim to integrate historical and modern areas while guaranteeing continuity and vitality. Thus, detailed studies and urban plans will be prepared for pioneering projects represented in developing historical and heritage areas.
Tasks Achieved: - TOR has been Prepared. - A meeting was held with Cairo Governor to determine area priorities. - Identification of two main areas (Ain Al-Sira Lake and Al-Fustat Lake for approximate 280 feddans) to prepare development detailed plans for it. - Completion of selecting process of the consulting office which will prepare the detailed plan for development of Ain Al-Sira Lake and Al-Fustat Lake, Cairo Governorate. - Coordination meetings were held with the consulting office to develop the workplan. (This activity is implemented & reported in cooperation with UN-HABITAT)
2. Initial conception for development of Al-Warraq Island )Giza Governorate)
Areas of scenic values greatly contribute in city profile, Al-Warraq island is one of these places that would change the perception of the city. An initial conception (ideas and perceptions) for the development of Al-Warraq Island was prepared in the framework of developing the Nile islands.
Tasks Achieved:
- TOR has been Prepared. - Consultants were contracted. - First stage: Planning studies and current situation studies. - Second stage: Preliminary urban design for the island. - Third stage: Preliminary detailed drawings and landscape.
Start and End Date : March 2017 - May 2017 % Progress to date: 100 %
Additional Related Task : - The preparation of the proposed vision and master plan for Al Warraq is being prepared and presented to the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities. - Several meetings were held with the expert to clarify the importance and the role of such areas in our cities, followed by analysis and meetings to finalize TOR for the project. A consultant team was finalized. (This task is implemented & reported in cooperation with UN-HABITAT)
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
OUTPUT 5: Partnership and Communication on Greater Cairo Development Strengthened Project ID: 00097793
Description : In the Period Covered, Output 5 included the following activities: a) Develop and implement public engagement plan. b) Develop National and international publications. c) Conduct National conference and seminars
Activity ID: 5-a) Develop and implement public engagement plan Deliverable Description:
Several meetings in cooperation with the UN-habitat team were held and draft Terms of References (TOR) were prepared to develop and implement the project communication strategy.
Activity ID: 5-b) Develop National and international publications. Deliverable Description:
A series of studies are scheduled to be printed and published during the late 2017, such as :
Manual of Activities Distribution and Land Use in Egyptian cities. Manual of Preparing Detailed Urban Plan for Egyptian Cities.
Start and End Date : June 2016 - June 2019 % Progress to date: 30 %
Activity ID: 5-c) Conduct National conference and seminars Deliverable Description:
Two Main Workshops were held in the period covered :
The "Expert Group Meeting" workshop was held in October 2016. This workshop aimed to present the most important planning issues facing the development process in the Greater Cairo Region and development updates and evaluation of priority projects through an opening session. Additionally, it had two plenary sessions and eight specialized consecutive discussion sessions by an elite team of experts in the fields of planning and urban development.
A workshop entitled "The Urban Planning System and Interaction of Manual Guidelines for Different Planning Levels" was held in April 2017 as part of the preparation of Manual Guideline for urban structuring for metropolitan areas and major cities. A group of experts and consultants were invited as they played a key role in preparing Manual Guidelines in order to exchange their views on the entire planning system.
Start and End Date : June 2016 - June 2019 % Progress to date: 30 %
OUTPUT 6 : Gender Strategy and guidelines for urban planning developed and piloted Project ID: 00097793
Description : In the Period Covered, Output 6 included the following activities: a) Prepare gender strategy and guidelines for urban planning projects
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
Activity ID: 6-a) Prepare gender strategy and guidelines for urban planning projects Deliverable Description:
Study Objective :
The project will adopt a clear strategy to integrate the gender issues into the studies and plans that will be developed during the project work of the GOPP. In this line, an expert in this field was contracted to formulate a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and study the impacts of the priority projects on gender issues and how gender issues can be addressed in all project activities
Tasks Achieved :
- Finalizing and submission of the Inception Report. - Several interviews and meeting were held with GOPP Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Head sectors and departments general managers to achieve final formulation of the strategy. - Prepare gender strategy and guidelines for urban planning projects (drafting). - Two workshops were held on 22 & 29 August for GOPP staff to introduce gender strategy concept and how to integrate needs of men & women in planning and urban development.
Tasks In-Progress : - Prepare studies on the impact of one of the proposed priority projects on gender and how to observe this element among other project activities. - Submission of Final Gender Strategy.
Start and End Date : March 2017 - Nov 2017 % Progress to date: 75 %
Lessons Learned
During the period covered, various lessons and experiences were learned and gained, which could be previewed as follows :
1. Strategic planning is a nonstop process that needs to be updated and continuously followed up in order to ensure its efficient implementation and the achievement of its objectives. The adaption of a flexible strategy in planning and implementing projects in line with the requirements of development and the situation on the ground is also vital. 2. Integration between local, regional and national visions moving from the details to general view should be incorporated with the ongoing and future planning projects. 3. The strategic plan always faces the challenge of coordination with the administrative structure that any change in partners harms the process ( the changes of Governors). 4. Importance of developing a communication strategy and putting it into action, which strengthens the ability to promote and activate the participation of key stakeholders throughout different stages of planning process with a wider range of interest groups to showcase the efforts which have been made, and ongoing efforts to change the urban conditions on the national and regional scale. 5. Documentation of community participation process gives more credibility, social support and public encouragement. 6. It is strongly recommended to involve and engage the beneficiary institutions at early stages to ensure or at least to increase chances of implementation of the produced project outputs. 7. Workshops could be considered as an important tool for implementing a participatory approach that incorporates the society, local authorities and consultants. Workshops must be held after each planning and implementation phase to sustain the public participation in the planning process.
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Project: SDPM in Greater Cairo Progress Report Date: September 2017
8. Involvement of non-planners widened the scope of the plan and was used to strengthen the comprehensiveness of the output. 9. Economical and financial situation after the exchange rate of Egyptian pound related to Dollar rate that makes some consultants, jobs, even activities nonrealistic, especially those relating to local currency. 10. Communication through the local leaders (key persons) in local areas is a positive element to gain residents’ confidence and continuous awareness about urban development sensitive issues. 11. Level of participation is significantly affected by the level at which the process is developing. Wide public participation is always required at early stages of the policy formulation, while detailed planning requires a narrower circle of participation to ensure focus and a high technical level of participants, which suites the detailing stage. 12. Strengthening the capacity of local actors in GCR governorates is required to ensure sustainability of project activities and to improve its staff capabilities in managing urban areas, including supervising the plan implementation. 13. Continuous data collection/ updating and linking to maps using Geographic Information System (GIS). 14. The cooperation between GOPP and UNDP/UNHABITAT in implementing the project indicates a successful and constructive relationship. This engagement allows GOPP to implement large scale national planning projects with more flexibility and accessibility to recruit top notch experts and consulting firms who support them in delivering high quality deliverables in the planning field as well as in institutional strengthening, skills development and management fields. 15. This cooperation also allows GOPP to implement activities such as capacity development and strengthening its technical and physical resources in a less bureaucratic manner, making projects more visible on the national and international levels, and exposing GOPP staff to international experiences. 16. Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security authorities is a key element of the initiation of new upcoming projects and agreements. 17. Importance of cooperation with The Operational Unit for Development Assistance (OUDA) to ensure the proper flow of the financial and operational matters. 18. Continuous documentation and electronic archiving for project documents to avoid potential risks and threats (fire, destruction … etc.).
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