Participación Cívica Project Participación Cívica Project YearWork Plan –4, FY3 Quarterly Report 3 October 2017 – September 2018 April – June 2019
Original Submission: August 15, 2017 Resubmission:Submission: NovemberJuly 30, 20196, 2017
1 This publication waswas producedproduced byby CounterpartCounterpart InternationalInternational forfor reviewreview byby the UnitedUnited StatesStates AgencyAgency for International Development underunder Cooperative Cooperative Agreement Agreement No. No. AID AID-520-520-LA-LA-15-15-00001-00001
Counterpart International 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 301 Arlington, VA 22202
Contact: Franco Sánchez Chief of Party [email protected]
Katie Appel Deputy Chief of Party [email protected]
DISCLAIMER This publication was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Counterpart International and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 2 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... 5
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 7 Socio-Political Context ...... 7 Key Activities this Quarter ...... 8 Key Results/Achievements ...... 8 Financial ...... 9
II. SOCIO-POLITICAL CONTEXT ...... 10
III. PROGRESS PER RESULT AREA ...... 11 Objective 1: Improve the Government of Guatemala’s Institutional Capacity to Develop and Implement Key Transparency and Public Accountability Initiatives ...... 11 Result 1.1: Strengthened GoG Institutional Capacity to Comply with National and International Open Government Commitments ...... 11 Result 1.2: Enhanced Capacity of Targeted GoG Institutions to Develop and Implement Effective Transparency, Accountability and Citizen Participation Mechanisms ...... 18 Objective 2: Improve the Capacity and Effectiveness of Targeted CSOs to Promote More Accountable, Open and Transparent Public Institutions ...... 20 Result 2.1: Enhanced Technical Capacity of Targeted CSOs to Effectively Advocate, and Oversee GoG Compliance with National and International Commitments Related to Transparency and Open Government .. 20 Result 2.2 Improved Organizational Capacity of Targeted CSOs Contributing to the Promotion of More Accountable, Open and Transparent Public Institutions ...... 28 Result 2.3 I Increased Citizen Awareness and Participation in Transparency, Accountability and Democratic Processes ...... 33
IV. CROSS-CUTTING THEMES ...... 35 Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) ...... 35 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. Result and Indicator Analysis ...... 36 TraiNet ...... 39 Program Quality and Learning ...... 39
V. PROJECT MANAGEMENT ...... 39
VI. DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE CLEARINGHOUSE ...... 38
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 3 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
VII. COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER USAID PROJECTS ...... 39
VIII. ACHIEVEMENTS FOR QUARTER 1 ...... 40
IX. BEST PRACTICES, SUCCESS STORIES, CHALLENGES, AND LESSONS LEARNED ...... 41
X. PROJECT EXPENDITURE ...... 48
XI. PROGRAMMING PRIORITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER ...... 48 Objective 1 ...... 48 Objective 2 ...... 48 GESI ...... 48
ANNEX A: Agenda for INAP's Certificate Course in Open Government ANNEX B: List of Participating CSOs in the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program ANNEX C: Agendas for the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program's Modules ANNEX D: Contribution of Current Grants to the USAID Journey to Self-Reliance Indicators
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 4 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACOP Acting Chief of Party FADS Relatives and Friends Against Crime and ANAM National Association of Municipalities of Kidnapping (Familiares y Amigos contra la Guatemala (Asociación Nacional de Delincuencia y el Secuestro) Municipalidades de la República de FMM Myrna Mack Foundation (Fundación Guatemala) Myrna Mack) AOR Agreement Officer Representative FUNDAL The Alex Guatemalan Foundation for ASIES Association for Social Studies and Deafblind Children (Fundación Research (Asociación de Investigación y Guatemalteca para Niños con Estudios Sociales) Sordoceguera Alex) CC Constitutional Court (Corte de FUNDESA Foundation for Guatemala’s Development Constitucionalidad) (Fundación para el Desarrollo de CEIDEPAZ Center for Studies and Investigations for Guatemala) Development and Peace (Centro de FY Fiscal Year Estudios e Investigaciones para el GCSS-LWA Global Civil Society Strengthening Leader Desarrollo y la Paz) with Associates CGC Comptroller General’s Office (Contraloría GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion General de Cuentas) GOG Government of Guatemala CICIG International Commission against Impunity GPAT Commission for Open Public Management in Guatemala (Comisión Internacional and Transparency (Comisión de Gestion contra la Impunidad en Guatemala) Publica Abierta y Transparencia) CIIDH The International Center for Human Rights ICEFI Central American Institute for Fiscal Studies Research (Centro de Internacional para (Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Investigaciones de Derechos Humanos) Fiscales) CIEN Center of National Economic IFES International Foundation for Electoral Investigations (Centro de Investigaciones Systems Económicas Nacionales) INAP National Institute of Public Administration CIG Industrial Chamber of Guatemala (Cámara (Instituto Nacional de Administración de la Industria de Guatemala) Pública) CODEFEM Association for the Defense of Women's INFOM Institute for Municipal Development Rights in Guatemala (Colectiva para la (Insituto de Fomento Municipal) Defensa de los Derechos de las Mujeres en IREX International Research and Exchanges Guatemala) Board CONADI National Council for the Attention of IRM Independent Reporting Mechanism Persons with Disabilities MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning CONADUR National Council of Urban and Rural MESICIC Mechanism for Follow-Up of the Development (Consejo Nacional de Implementation of the Inter-American Desarrollo Urbano y Rural) Convention against Corruption COP Chief of Party MIDES Ministry of Social Development COPREGAT (Former name) Commission for Open (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social) Public Management and Transparency MINEDUC Ministry of Education (Ministerio de (Comisión de Gestion Publica Abierta y Educación) Transparencia) MINFIN Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de COVIAL Executing Unit of Road Conservation Finanzas) (Unidad Ejecutora de Conservación Vial) MP Attorney General’s Office (Ministerio CSO Civil Society Organization Público) DAI Development Alternatives International MTGA Open Government Technical Roundtable DEC Document Experience Clearinghouse (Mesa Tecnica de Gobierno Abierto) DOSES Association for the Development MSPAS Ministry of Health and Social Assistance Organization, Services and Sociocultural (Ministerio de Salud y Asistencia Social) Studies (Asociación Desarrollo, MOU Memorandum of Understanding Organización, Servicios y Estudios NAP National Action Plan Socioculturales) NGO Non-Governmental Organization DQA Data Quality Assessments OD Organizational Development
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 5 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
OG Open Government TOS Transparency and Organizational OGP Open Government Partnership Strengthening PDH Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office TSE Supreme Electoral Council (Tribunal (Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos) Supremo Electoral) POC Point of Contact UDAF Financial Management Units (Unidad de RFA Request for Applications Administración Financiera) SDPP Social Development and Population Policy UDAI Unit of Internal Audit (Unidad de Auditoria SENACYT National Secretariat for Science and Internal) Technology (Secretaría Nacional de UNCAC United Nations Convention against Ciencia y Tecnología) Corruption SEPREM Presidential Secretariat for Women USAID United States Agency for International (Secretaría Presidencial de la Mujer) Development TA Technical Assistance USG United States Government
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 6 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Participación Cívica Project, hereafter referred to as “the Project,” is a five-year Project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the framework of the Global Civil Society Strengthening Leader with Associates (GCSS-LWA) agreement. The Project builds the capacity of Guatemalan civil society organizations (CSOs) and key government institutions while fostering a society that participates in the promotion of accountability and transparency of public institutions in Guatemala. The Project aims towards a goal of strengthened civil society and key government institutions to more effectively promote accountable governance and transparency of key institutions in Guatemala.
The Project works towards this goal through two complementary and mutually reinforcing objectives: • Objective 1: Improve the Government of Guatemala’s institutional capacity to develop and manage key transparency, public accountability, and Open Government initiatives. • Objective 2: Improve the capacity and effectiveness of targeted CSOs to advocate for more accountable, open, and transparent public institutions, including under the Open Government Partnership framework.
Socio-Political Context The General Elections took place in Guatemala on June 16, 2019 to elect a new President and Vice President, members of Congress, local authorities, and representatives to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN). In the Presidential and Vice-Presidential race, no candidate received a majority of the vote (over 50%), mandating a second round of elections on August 11, 2019. As such, the top two candidates, former first lady Sandra Torres of the social democratic party National Unity of Hope Party (Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza, UNE), and Dr. Alejandro Giammattei of the conservative party Vamos, will face one another in the next round.1
Additionally, on April 3rd, after a delay of six months since the departure of the previous official, Congress elected the new Comptroller General of Accounts. Mr. Salazar was elected with 103 votes out of 158 votes in Congress and received a score of 66.5 points from the Evaluation Committee’s rubric.
Over the next six to eight months, Guatemala will be immersed in a process of administrative transition. In October 2019, there will be changes to the Judicial Branch, including Congress’ election of the Magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice and of Appellate Courts. In addition, due to the recent elections, there will be a substantial change of the elected officials in the majority of local governments and across the Legislative Body and Executive Branch in January 2020.
The recent increase of migrants from Guatemala to the United States has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries. On March 29, 2019, President Trump unexpectedly announced that the United States would divert $450 million that had been intended for the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.2 Yet on June 17, 2019, the Administration said it would ease previously announced cuts in hundreds of millions of dollars to the Northern Triangle, but would not allocate additional funding until the countries did more to reduce migration to the United States.3 One such action includes a proposed agreement for Guatemala to establish itself as a "third safe country.” Under this agreement, the United States could potentially bar asylum to migrants who could first be returned to Guatemala.4 As of the end of Q3, it is unclear whether Guatemala will sign the agreement, if the United States will impose any sanctions on Guatemala, or on how these actions may impact the Project’s funding or activities.
1 https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48658491 2 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/world/americas/trump-turns-us-policy-in-central-america-on-its-head.html?module=inline 3 https://www.apnews.com/0eaa42865d974e46ba04a51e21e1a81b 4 https://lahora.gt/trump-dice-que-guatemala-esta-cerca-de-ser-tercer-pais-seguro/ Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 7 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Key Activities this Quarter: • The Project signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP) to co-implement courses for Government of Guatemala (GoG) officials on Open Government and transparency and an in-kind grant agreement with the Comptroller General’s Office (CGC) for the in-kind donation of a server to increase the CGC’s capacity to store municipal documents. • Participación Cívica and INAP are jointly implementing two courses on Open Government with participation of over 80 GoG officials. • The Project provided technical assistance for Guatemala’s on-site evaluation from April 9-11th by representatives from Chile and Honduras for the Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC). • The Project launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program for over 30 CSOs. • The Project signed three new grants to local CSO partners, CIIDH, CEIDEPAZ, and GuateCívica. • Project grantee Guatemala Visible launched the Elecciones Visibles smartphone application (app), to promote citizen monitoring of the 2019 General Election process. • The Project facilitated the participation of three officials from the GoG and two representatives from local civil society in the Open Government Partnership Global Summit held in Ottawa, Canada in May.
Key Results/Achievements:
Objective 1 • The Project and the General Director of the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP), signed an MoU as a bilateral agreement to provide a formal mechanism to co-implement two distinct courses for GoG officials on Open Government and transparency, and other to-be-determined activities during Year 5. • Participación Cívica and INAP co-implemented two courses with the participation of more than 80 GoG officials: a certificate-level course on Open Government (blended learning, both in-person and online) and a virtual course on Principles of Open Government. The courses directly contribute to the completion of Commitment 10, Milestone 3 of the 4th Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan (NAP) (2018-2020). The virtual course concluded with the participation of 32 people, including 19 government officials, in Q3 and the certificate course will conclude in Q4. • The Project signed an in-kind grant agreement with the Comptroller General’s Office for the future in- kind donation of a server that will increase the CGC’s storage capacity for the financial and municipal management reports submitted by 340 municipal governments. The server will be delivered in Q4, contributing to the fulfillment of Commitment 14 of the 3rd OGP NAP (2016-2018) to create accountability mechanisms for local governments. • For the first time since 2012, Guatemala underwent an on-site evaluation from April 9-11th by representatives from Chile and Honduras for the MESICIC of the Organization of American States (OAS). The Presidential Commission of Public Open Management and Transparency (GPAT) participated in two panels and technical conversations with representatives of civil society organizations and public officials of various institutions, respectively, who had been identified by the Project. The results from the evaluation are anticipated for September, which will provide Guatemala with concrete recommendations from the MESICIC evaluators to continue to improve transparency and anti- corruption initiatives, and will have completed Milestone 10, Commitment 14 of the 4th OGP NAP. • In May, three GoG officials, including two representatives from GPAT and one from the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), participated in the Open Government Partnership Global Summit held in Ottawa, Canada. The Summit served as an opportunity for the officials to share lessons learned from the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala and capture best practices from some of the 78 other countries in the initiative. As fulfillment of their commitment to the Project for attending the Summit, the GoG officials will lead workshops within their respective institutions to extend further the reach of the Summit’s key takeaways. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 8 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Objective 2 • During this quarter, the Project signed three new grants to local CSO partners, CIIDH, CEIDEPAZ, and GuateCívica, all of which directly support the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP (2018-2020). These three grants directly contribute to the completion of Commitments relating to the thematic areas of Education; Anti-Corruption Mechanisms; Protection and Social Inclusion; Health, Food Security, and Nutrition; and Fiscal Transparency, Procurement, and Public Contracting.5 • The Project launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program with a total of 35 participating CSOs, and concluded all five training modules, the first of two key phases of the Program. A total of 184 people attended the five modules, with 151 completing all necessary module requirements for participation. The modules built the capacity of the CSOs and their members in technical knowledge and organizational development, such as in open government, advocacy, financial sustainability, human resources, project management, and communications. As a result of the trainings, CSOs improved their technical knowledge of Communications for Advocacy by an average of 15%, their knowledge of organizational development topics by an average of 71% across the four OD modules, and an overall increase across the entire Program of 57%. The second phase of the Program, the convening of working groups and developing of distinct organizational products, will start in Q4. • As a result of its participation in the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program,and understanding better the value of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the CSO Fe y Alegría signed an MOU to be integrated into the OGP Technical Roundtable, thereby providing more representation from civil society in the initiative. • CODEFEM, a local grantee focused on women’s rights, completed its full cycle of organizational development with the Project, finishing its Capacity Building Action Plan. CODEFEM has updated its institutional strategic plan for the period 2019-2021 and developed a stronger internal legal structure with updated organizational statutes. CODEFEM increased its overall organizational development score by 38.43% over the initial evaluation conducted in August 2017. • Project grantee Guatemala Visible launched the Elecciones Visibles smartphone application (app), with the participation of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Inspection Department, to promote citizen monitoring of the 2019 General Election’s process. By June 10, the app had facilitated the submission of 833 of electoral violation reports and 415 formal complaints. • Participación Cívica’s former grantee, Movimiento Pro Justicia, helped develop language for the reform of the use of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Band under its 2017 grant. In response to the organization’s continued advocacy efforts, the Guatemalan Congress began deliberations on Initiative # 5531, which proposes to the integrate the revised reform language within decree number 94-96: The General Telecommunications Law. As such, Movimiento Pro Justicia’s initiative demonstrates the long- term impact of the Project’s capacity building and grant-making activities, which in this case led to continued advocacy and the consideration of legal reform.
Financial As reported in the SF-425 submitted to USAID, as of June 30, 2019, the Project expenditure totaled $11,129,200 out of an obligated amount of $12,231,506.
II. SOCIO-POLITICAL CONTEXT
General Elections and the Transition Period
5 The grants contribute to the completion of milestones within Commitments 4, 14, 16, 18, 19, and 23 of the 4th OGP NAP. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 9 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The General Elections took place in Guatemala on June 16, 2019 to elect a new President and Vice President, members of Congress, local authorities, and representatives to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN). In the Presidential and Vice-Presidential race, no candidate received the majority of the overall vote (over 50%), mandating a second round to elect the President and Vice-President on August 11, 2019. As such, the top two candidates, former first lady Sandra Torres of the social democratic party National Unity of Hope Party (Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza UNE), and Dr. Alejandro Giammattei of the conservative party Vamos, will face one another in the next round.6
The Project is confident that both political platforms could effectively support a pro-transparency agenda if elected. In its Government Plan 2020-2024: Prosperous and Peaceful Guatemala, UNE has named its fourth priority area: Transparent Open Government and Combatting Corruption, which seeks to improve the efficiency of public institutions, especially within the Executive Branch. In this light, the Project has ample possibilities to make strategic alliances with a new UNE government if Ms. Torres is elected, as the party has stated its commitment to fighting corruption, which will be important to further strengthen the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala. UNE also aims to focus on Public Expenditure Optimization and Quality, strengthening the Ministry of Public Finance (MINFIN), and optimizing the execution of the resources from international cooperation.
The opposing political party, Vamos, in its Government Plan: National Plan for Innovation and Development, focuses on Open Government as a tool for the modernization of the State. In general terms, Vamos plans to use an e-Government strategy, including institutionalizing the Electronic Government Program, as a gateway to Open Government. The Plan also recommends an analysis of Guatemala’s Open Government commitments, clearly naming the OGP mechanism.
On April 3rd, after a delay of six months since the departure of the previous official, Congress elected the new Comptroller General of Accounts. He was elected with 103 votes and he received a score of 66.5 points from the Evaluation Committee’s selection rubric. In addition, over the next six to eight months, Guatemala will be immersed in a process of administrative transition. Following recent elections, there will be a substantial change in the majority of local governments and across members of the Legislative Body and Executive Branch in January 2020. In October 2019, the Judicial Branch will undergo a transition with the election of the new Magistrates to the Supreme Court of Justice and judges to the Court of Appeals.
Migration and Relationship with the United States The recent increase of migrants from Guatemala to the United States has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries. On March 29, 2019, President Trump unexpectedly announced that the United States would divert $450 million that had been intended for the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.7 Yet on June 17, 2019, the Administration said it would ease these previously announced cuts but will not allow new funding until the countries did more to reduce migration to the United States.8 One such action includes a proposed agreement for Guatemala to establish itself as a "third safe country,” under which the United States could to potentially bar asylum to migrants who could be returned to Guatemala.9
6 https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48658491 7 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/world/americas/trump-turns-us-policy-in-central-america-on-its-head.html?module=inline 8 https://www.apnews.com/0eaa42865d974e46ba04a51e21e1a81b 9 https://lahora.gt/trump-dice-que-guatemala-esta-cerca-de-ser-tercer-pais-seguro/
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 10 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
These developments coincided with the mobilization of Mexican troops to the border it shares with Guatemala in June.10 Mexico took this step after the Trump Administration, in May, announced a 5% tariff increase on products imported to Mexico if the US if border security conditions did not improve. After negotiators from the two countries reached an agreement to reduce the flow of migrants across the border, the Trump Administration called off the proposed tariffs.11
Yet it seems the spotlight is now on Guatemala. The Government of Guatemala continues evaluating the possibility of becoming a “safe third country” amid pressure from the United States. Such an agreement would enable migrants from El Salvador and Honduras to remain in Guatemala while the US processed their asylum applications. Under this designation, Guatemala, as a “third party,” would receive individuals seeking asylum in the United States and offer them a similar degree of protection. According to the Geneva Convention, a safe third country must meet minimum conditions to receive such a designation, including guaranteeing the rights to housing, social security, medical services, employment, education, and family reunification. Many in the international community to not believe that Guatemala currently meets these conditions.12 To date, Mexico has refused to become a safe third country, instead devoting resources to bolstering border security. As of the end of June, it is yet to be determined if Guatemala will sign the third safe agreement, if the United States will impose any sanctions on Guatemala, or on how these actions may impact the Project’s funding or activities.
III. PROGRESS PER RESULT AREA
Objective 1: Improve the Government of Guatemala’s institutional capacity to develop and manage key transparency, public accountability, and Open Government initiatives
Result 1.1: Strengthened GoG institutional capacity to comply with commitments (including but not limited to OGP)
Given the freeze on FY2018 funds, the Project has conducted an internal exercise to determine prioritized activities for the remainder of Year 4 to most efficiently use financial resources. Afterward, the Project requested a meeting with GPAT to relay the change in circumstances in person. The Project met with GPAT on Thursday, June 21 to communicate that several anticipated activities will not move forward, such as financial support for a web developer to update GPAT’s website and high-cost activities related to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Review Mechanism visit in September. GPAT received the news well, delivering appreciation to the Project for its previous and continued support, stating that GPAT is a partner “in good times and in bad.” The Project will continue to provide weekly technical assistance to GPAT, in addition to other activities outlined in the draft Contingency Plan (pending USAID approval).
The implementation of the 4th OGP NAP has remained a top priority for GPAT this quarter. Highlights include: • Host technical assistance sessions: The Project held seven meetings in Q3 with GPAT leadership. Meetings occurred on April 5, 16, and 24; May 9 and 21; and June 5 and 13. Additionally the Project held 22 meetings with the OGP Point of Contact (POC) to provide technical assistance to GPAT on-site at their offices to help guide the implementation of joint activities in the Project’s FY2019 work plan. Lastly, on April 3, the Project met with GPAT’s Executive Director and the OGP POC to finalize the list of technical activities to be delivered by the Project during the MESICIC country evaluation. The consistent technical support has resulted in a closer relationship between the Project and the GPAT leadership, easing communication and allowing for greater mutual trust.
10 https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-06-12/mexico-deploying-troops-to-border-with-guatemala 11 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/us/politics/trump-tariffs-mexico.html 12 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/28/world/americas/guatemala-safe-third-asylum.html Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 11 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
• Facilitate the process for GPAT to develop a long-term Strategic Plan and Annual Plan: During this quarter, Participación Civica worked with GPAT officials to fulfill the content already approved by both institutions in GPAT’s Strategic Plan and Annual Plan. The priorities during this quarter included that: a) GPAT positions itself as the expert public institution in work related to transparency and anti- corruption; and b) shows tangible results before the change of administration. However, due to some internal conversations between the Project and GPAT, the focus of the activity has shifted to create an Open Government Transition Plan in Q4, with the upcoming change of administration in January 2020. GPAT leadership would manage the development of the Transition Plan, ensuring the Open Government Partnership will be well known by the new authorities, with the aim to involve the President-elect in GPAT’s actions during the last months of the Morales administration. The development of this document also provides an opportunity for the Project to create bridges with the new authorities, especially related to the sustainability of efforts related to Open Government, transparency, and anti-corruption.
Activity Area 1.1.b Support to the Open Government Point of Contact and Relevant Public Institutions to Implement OGP Commitments in Guatemala
NAP Implementation The Project supports GPAT leadership with the implementation of three milestones within two commitments of the 4th OGP NAP through technical assistance (see chart below and see more information under 1.1.c).
GoG Institutions Responsible Commitments Milestones *Target institutions in bold NAP Thematic Area: Local Governments
Commitment 10: Strengthening of tools and Milestone 7: Continuing INFOM and ANAM, with technical capacity of local governments to implementation of transparency collaboration from: SENACYT implement mechanisms for Open portals in 20% of the (technical support), INAP Government, accountability, and citizen municipalities that lack (training), GPAT, and Local participation, to improve public services technological tools for the Governments. publication of public information, according to the prioritized list of the PDH, following up on the results of Commitment 8 of the Third NAP (2016-2018)
NAP Thematic Area: Transparency and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms Milestone 1: Co-creation of an GPAT and the MTGA, with Commitment 15: Creation and integral strategy of transparency, support from the Social implementation of an integral strategy of Open Government, and anti- Communications Secretariat of the transparency, Open Government, and anti- corruption mechanisms for Presidency corruption 2018-2023 in the context of the MTGA, in which the National Council for Urban and Rural Development (CONADUR) and other relevant stakeholders are invited to participate Milestone 4: Design and implementation of a communication plan for the dissemination and socialization of the strategy
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 12 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The Project has held a series of on-site meetings with the OGP Technical Point of Contact to create and implement procedures and technical inputs for the fulfillment of their commitments in the 4th Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan (NAP) (see Activity 1.1.a above). As part of this on-site support, the Project has facilitated meetings with different teams within GPAT, including with the Executive Director. As a result, communication and the exchange of information with the OGP Point of Contact has improved, and, as such, Participación Cívica has established itself as the key partner on the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP through two distinct channels: a) supporting the prioritized commitments under GPAT’s responsibility; and b) supporting the Point of Contact’s role in facilitating the OGP Technical Committee and the Technical Roundtable, providing him with tools, comparative experiences in Open Government, and technical assistance to aid the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP.
Open Government Partnership Global Summit Based on the selection process the Project facilitated during the January Technical Roundtable, the Project sponsored the travel of two representatives to the Summit in Ottawa, Canada in late May, one each from the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) and the local CSO CEIDEPAZ. The Project also sponsored the participation of the Executive Director of GPAT, and OGO Point to Contact, as GPAT is the government entity responsible for the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP. These four participants were accompanied by the Project’s Senior Civil Society and Accountability Specialist, to assist with their travel logistics and engagement in the event during the week.
During this quarter, the Project conducted eight coordination meetings with the participants before the OGP Global Summit, to clarify relevant aspects of their participation, and to provide guidance on how to attend and participate in the different presentations and side events to most effectively collect information and form links with other international and regional OGP actors.
The four participants jointly engaged in the Summit in May to “From my participation in the Summit, what share their experiences with the implementation of the Open I realize is that Guatemala has made Government MTGA with representatives from Mexico and importance advances in Open Government. Colombia during two unofficial meetings during the week. The For example, through some of our grants Governments of Colombia and Guatemala agreed to exchange and technical assistance, the Project is supporting local CSOs to channel technical assistance with one another, specifically related to the community demands for the improvement of processes of co-creation of National Action Plans. The CSO the use of resources and the quality of representative from CEIDEPAZ flew to Ottawa early to attend a services, in alignment with the Sustainable CSO-wide meeting with representatives from all over the world, Development Goals, ensuring that “nobody relating to civil society participation in OGP. As a result, he falls behind.” arranged a pending visit to Mexico in 2020 to capture strategies ~Mr. Raúl Bolaños, Senior Civil Society and to better integrate more representation from civil society into the Accountability Specialist, MTGA in Guatemala. Participación Cívica
As a next step after their participation in the Summit, all four sponsored participants will host trainings with the staff of their respective institutions in Q4, extending the reach of the learnings from the Summit to other CSO staff and public servants, further contributing to the Project’s Indicator 11. The participants submitted their work plans for the delivery of their workshops to the Project in June for review.
Governance Mechanisms of the Open Government Technical Roundtable
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 13 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
On June 12 and 13, Participación Cívica hosted a workshop to present and validate the results of the consultancy to develop a Manual on Mechanisms of Participation and Governance of the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala to the Open Government Technical Roundtable, one session with government institutions and another with civil society. To achieve this goal, the leading consultant presented the purpose of the consultancy and the content of the draft Manual, which outlines and defines the roles and responsibilities of the various members of the Open Government Technical Roundtable in Members of the GoG provide feedback on the draft Manual on Mechanisms of Participation Guatemala, including: and Governance of the Open Government 1. Civil Society Organizations Partnership in Guatemala 2. Public Institutions 3. Observers 4. Donors 5. Collaborators Both government and civil society representatives contributed to the sessions through the following actions: • Viewing of a presentation of the draft Manual, providing their feedback; and • Discussion of the sustainability of OGP, and specifically the need for a presentation of the Open Members of civil society provide feedback on Government Partnership in Guatemala to the teams of the draft Manual on Mechanisms of both candidates competing in the second round of Participation and Governance of the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala elections for the presidency. The presentation of the draft Manual and the recommendations will be presented to the Technical Committee in July, and subsequently considered for approval by the Technical Roundtable in September. The final Manual will provide the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala with a tool to support its sustainability in the future, ensuring that all participants have a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities, and of the value of the Open Government Partnership.
Open Government Technical Committee During the quarter, the Project participated in six OGP Technical Committee meetings, related to the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP. These meetings among a smaller group of government and CSO representatives often direct the content and priorities of the Technical Roundtable. Since Q2, several topics have required ongoing follow-up, such as the change of the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) and the monitoring of and use of the monitoring tools related to the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP in Guatemala.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 14 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
During the April 4th meeting, the Project hosted the Technical Committee meeting for a discussion on several topics, as: defining the strategic vision of the Open Government Partnership within the Presidential Commission of Open Public Management and Transparency. As such, the GPAT Executive Director, described the hiring of three additional people for the Open Government unit within GPAT, which was looked upon favorably by representatives on the Committee. As a highlight, the President’s Private Secretariat, directly thanked the Project for its technical and financial assistance to Open Government and in general to GPAT. He emphasized that the GoG appreciates the Project’s level The April 4th meeting of the Technical Committee of commitment as its main partner in international took place in the Project’s office. cooperation to date.
The Committee also expressed the need to elevate to the Government of Guatemala’s Cabinet of Ministers the monitoring of the 4th OGP NAP work plan, as several institutions13 have not yet started the implementation of their plans. The Project also explained its FY2019 planned activities related to Open Government, with an emphasis on those in which CSOs would be involved, such as the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program.
On April 25, the meeting focused on the report about the Mechanism for Follow-Up of the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption’s (MESICIC) visit to Guatemala, for which GPAT informed the Committee that April 26 would be the last day for Guatemala to send the documentation discussed during the visit, to be used as means of verification. In that regard, the Project provided technical assistance to the OGP Point of Contact developing the drafts of various communications following the templates and examples provided on the Organization of American State’s (OAS) website. Also, the Project, relayed information on the participation of Guatemala’s delegation in the Open Government Partnership Global Summit, schedule for May 2019, to OGP International representative.
On May 9, the Committee presented on the commitment and milestones close to being fulfilled, which would also be presented oat the next Technical Roundtable by the following institutions: The Technical Secretariat of the National Security Council on Commitment 7, Milestone 2, with the collaboration of the III Vice Ministry of Violence and Crime Prevention, the Ministry of the Interior, Executive Secretariat of the Commission Against Drug Trafficking and Addictions (Secretaría Ejecutiva de la Comisión Contra las Adicciones y el Tráfico Ilicito de Drogas-SECCATID), Secretariat Against Sexual Violence Exploitation and Human Trafficking (Secretaría Contra la Violencia Sexual Explotación y Trata de Personas-SVET), and National Youth Council (Consejo Nacional de la Juventud-CONJUVE); GPAT on Commitment 14, Milestone 14, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense (MINDEF), through the General Inspectorate of the Army; and the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) on Commitment 16, Milestone 2, in collaboration with Secretariat for Planning of the Presidency (Secretaría de Planificación y Programación de la Presidencia-SEGEPLAN).
13 Monitoring of the 4th OGP NAP has identified the following public institutions delayed in the implementation of their milestones: Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Labor, the National Institute of Municipal Strengthening, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and the Ministry of Social Development. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 15 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
On June 20, the representatives of public institutions and civil society organizations again met for the Technical Committee. Among the points discussed, the Technical Committee announced the upcoming membership of two new organizations: Fe y Alegría and the Commission Against Discrimination and Racism (CODISRA) to the Technical Roundtable.
Fe y Alegría formally requested its admission to the Technical Roundtable, a process that resulted from the The June 20th meeting of the Technical Committee took organization’s participation in various training courses place in GPAT’s office. within the Project’s Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program, hosted over several weeks in May and June. Fe y Alegria’s joining of the Technical Roundtable presents a direct, initial positive result from the Program, and from the Project’s recent approach reaching out to new civil society organizations on topics related to transparency and Open Government. The membership of the two new organizations will be made official at the Technical Roundtable meeting in July.
In addition, the OGP Point of Contact, presented the request to send a letter to the public institutions that have not yet reported progress on their milestones in the 4th OGP NAP. Given this, the Committee again urged GPAT to raise the request before the President and Cabinet of Ministers, to put pressure on non-compliant institutions by the highest authority. As such, in June, GPAT sent a letter to the Ministries that to date had not shown progress on NAP implementation, requesting their prompt attention to their commitments.
Open Government Technical Roundtable (MTGA) The Project continued supporting GPAT and the OGP POC with the coordination, planning, and content development of the OGP Technical Roundtable (Mesa Técnica, MTGA). The bimonthly session of the Open Government Technical Roundtable took place on Thursday, May 16, at the Ministry of Interior.
During this session, the OGP POC described the official communications sent to those institutions that currently do not have representation in the Roundtable, including: CONJUVE, National Council for the Attention of People with Disabilities (Consejo Nacional para la Atención de las Personas con Discapacidad, CONADI), the Presidential Secretariat for Women (Secretaría Presidencial de la Mujer, SEPREM), CODISRA, the Mayan Languages Academy, and INE. The goal of this exercise was to improve the participation and representation of public institutions in this space, encouraging these institutions to become engaged. The OGP POC also urged representatives to post status updates of the implementation of their commitments, as these updates should be publicly available.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) presented on the advances of Commitments 20 and 21. All commitments and milestones related to the General Elections should be fulfilled through August, based on the electoral results.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 16 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The TSE presented the tools being used to train other public institutions and citizens about the electoral process, including apps and websites, including Elecciones Visibles, developed by Project grantee Guatemala Visible. The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), and the Technical Secretariat of the National Security Council also all presented their progress on the implementation of their commitments.
th The MTGA convened on May 16 at the Ministry of the The OGP POC, informed the participants that Interior. GPAT would be present at the United Nations’ Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) session in Vienna, Austria the final week in May, for the selection of the two states that will evaluate Guatemala’s fulfillment of the Convention. The evaluation process will begin in September. As a final informative point, Participación Civica, reminded the participants of the upcoming Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Canada in late May. The Project supported the participation of two GPAT officials, a representative of MIDES, and a CSO representative from CEIDEPAZ (see information above).
Activity Area 1.1.c: Support GPAT and Other Public Institutions to Comply with Key International Commitments From April 9-11, the State of Guatemala received an on-site evaluation by the Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) of the Organization of American States (OAS). Currently, this mechanism brings together thirty-three Member States of the Convention to analyze another member country’s legal and institutional frameworks, in accordance with the provisions of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. Guatemala received its last visit by MESICIC in 2012 for the Round Four evaluation.
For Guatemala this year, officials from Chile and Honduras served as the members of Evaluation Committee, which had been determined by lottery. The Evaluation Committee collects information during the visit to respond to a standard questionnaire on issues related to the fight against corruption, transparency, and strengthening of democracy according to the policies of the Inter-American System. The purpose of the on-site country visit is to generate an updated country report with recommendations for the State to improve its legal frameworks and institutions to combat corruption.
As such, the Presidential Commission of Public Open Management and Transparency (GPAT), as the key public institution facilitating transparency initiatives in Guatemala, met with the evaluators during the site visit to participate in two panels and technical conversations. The first panel hosted representatives of civil society organizations and the second featured public officials of various institutions.
At the end of the day on Thursday, April 11, GPAT invited Participación Cívica’s leadership to meet with the MESICIC delegation. Before the introductions, the GPAT’s Executive Director of GPAT described to the Project team how he believed that MESICIC served as critical mechanism for fighting corruption in Guatemala, as it focuses on prevention as the first step.
Participación Cívica meets the MESICIC delegation
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 17 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
During the meeting with the MESICIC Evaluation Committee, the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and Transparency and Accountability Senior Specialist explained the Project’s objectives in Guatemala, with special emphasis on technical assistance provided to the public sector. The Project team highlighted that the objectives of the Mechanism align with those of the Project. As such, the Project requested a copy of the MESICIC country report, due to be published in September 2019, as the recommendations to the Government of Guatemala will be useful for the design of future Project activities.
Guatemala, as a Member State of the OAS, is committed to following up on the various recommendations that the Evaluation Committee provides. These recommendations aim to strengthen the Government’s institutions and its communication channels with civil society, and to improve Guatemala’s position in anti-corruption indexes.
This activity directly contributes to the 4th OGP NAP Commitment 14, Milestone 10 (see chart below). In addition, the Project will host a learning event in Q4 with civil society and government representatives to share the results of the evaluation.
GoG Institutions Responsible Commitments Milestones
NAP Thematic Area: Transparency and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms Milestone 10: Preparation of the Action Plan for Commitment 14: GPAT the follow-up of recommendations of the Strengthening mechanisms Mechanism for Follow-Up on the of transparency and anti- Implementation of the Inter-American corruption that demonstrate Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) results at national and international levels
Result 1.2: Enhanced Capacity of Targeted GoG Institutions to Develop and Implement Effective Transparency, Accountability and Citizen Participation Mechanisms
Activity Area 1.2.a Support to Selected Public Institutions within the Executive Branch to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability Capacity and Systems
For FY2019, the Project seeks to support prioritized GoG institutions in addition to GPAT, including the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP) and the CGC. In order to show a longer-term strategic partnership that extends beyond the current year, and to leverage the good will of the existing leadership before any potential changes from the General Elections, the Project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with INAP on May 31st.
INAP’s General Director, expressed his satisfaction for the signing of the MOU, as it gives greater weight to the activities jointly developed between both institutions, with the hope that the results will be of benefit for the country. Likewise, he highlighted the importance of interinstitutional alliances, as today organizations and institutions cannot remain isolated, as the achievement of their The Project signs an MOU with INAP objectives depends on interrelation and interaction. Finally, he thanked the Project for the support provided to INAP, hoping that it will continue to be strengthened in the future.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 18 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Additionally, on June 10, the Project and the newly elected Comptroller General, signed an in-kind grant agreement for the future delivery of a server to increase the storage capacity of the CGC’s archive system, an activity that has a long history with the Project. Starting in 2017, the Project supported the Center for National Economic Research (CIEN) through two grants that assisted the CGC, to fulfill Commitment 14 of the 3rd OGP NAP (2016-2018) by addressing the inefficiencies of the informatic system, specifically municipal reporting of financial and municipal management to national level authorities. As a result of the support provided to the CGC under CIEN’s grants, the CGC became the recipient of the financial and municipal management reports submitted by municipal governments, enabling the 340 municipal governments to upload their reports online and the information to be readily available to different government institutions responsible for oversight of local government. The Project signs an in-kind grant agreement with the CGC for the Yet while the system, “Sistema de Rendición de Cuentas de los Gobiernos future delivery of a server. Locales” (Accountability System for Local Governments), has improved the overall reporting process, the CGC’s IT infrastructure does not have the bandwidth for the increased volume of content generated by the municipalities. Therefore, through an in-kind grant, the Project will provide the CGC with a Storage Dell EMC Unit 350F. The server will be provided to the CGC in Q4.
Activity Area 1.2.b Assist Government Institutions to Develop OG Capacity-Building Strategies for National Civil Servants (including local level civil servants as feasible)
As one of the flagship activities with the Government of Guatemala this quarter, the Project worked together with INAP’s representatives to start the implementation of two programs: a certificate-level course on Open Government (blended learning, both in-person and online) and a virtual course on Principles of Open Government, to incorporate transparency and open government modules appropriate to each level. The virtual course, which concluded in early Q3, aimed to reach people outside of Guatemala City, especially candidates in the June elections. Additionally, the certificate course, launched in April and continuing through July, aims to The Project launches the certificate program in reach to Guatemala City-based public officials. Open Government with INAP.
The Project and INAP concluded the online course in Open Government in early Q3. As a result, 32 participants finished the course, including 19 government officials, mostly representing local governments. With their newly acquired knowledge, many of the participants have expressed the intention to run for local office in 2020, thereby having the potential to continue to apply these transparency practices to their public service. The Project has learned that five participants were elected to local public office in June, starting their new positions in January 2020.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 19 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
th On April 26 , the Project and INAP jointly launched the first “This Open Government certificate course session of the certificate-level course on Open Government provides us with the knowledge and tools for with the participation of 50 public officials. Due to more open and transparent of public overwhelming interest in the course, it was necessary to close administration management, which will the electronic registration page because of the high number of contribute to civil society’s active registration requests. In an effort to contribute to the participation in advocacy initiatives. At a professional development of the Project’s own team, the personal level, I would like to learn more Organizational Development Specialist, also registered in the about e-government to better take advantage of new technologies, both in my own life and course as a participant. As of the end of Q3, the attendance of in my professional life.” participants has been maintained, which is in itself a great ~Mr. Hugo Saravia, Organizational success for INAP’s courses, and conversations have already Development Specialist, begun about replicating this course in the future in other regions Participación Cívica of Guatemala. The course will finish next quarter (see related Success Story in section below, and information related to the course content in Annex A).
Additionally, on May 2, representatives of the Project provided technical assistance to INAP during the conference on Open Government and Public Administration in Guatemala, which was held at the University Center of the North of Petén. The Project presented on the importance of Open Government, referring to international good practices that work to strengthen transparency and democracy.
On May 3, Project representatives attended the official inauguration of INAP’s Regional Office of Petén, which was also attended by the Vice President of the country and a member of INAP’s Board of Directors. He formally thanked the Project for its support and technical assistance, mentioning the successful launch of the course on Open Government in Guatemala City. He expressed his hopes that a similar course would be available in Petén in the near future.
These two courses directly contribute to Commitment 10, Milestone 3 of the 4th OGP NAP (see chart below).
GoG Institutions Responsible Commitments Milestones *Target institutions in bold NAP Thematic Area: Local Governance Milestone 3: Implementation of a Commitment 10: Strengthening of INAP in collaboration with training program on open government, tools and technical capacity of INFOM, ANAM, and GPAT municipal management, municipal local governments to implement public services, generation of income, mechanisms for Open and other topics that aim to strengthen Government, accountability, and capacities of municipal officials to citizen participation, to improve update, standardize, and monitor public services municipal administrative instruments across 340 municipalities.
Objective 2: Improve the Capacity and Effectiveness of Targeted Civil Society Actors to Promote More Accountable, Open and Transparent Public Administration
Result 2.1: Enhanced Technical Capacity of Targeted CSOs to Effectively Advocate, and Oversee GoG Compliance with National and International Commitments related with Transparency, Public Accountability, Anti-Corruption and Open Government
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 20 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Activity Area 2.1.a Provide Grants and Targeted Capacity Building to CSOs for Government Oversight, Advocacy and Implementation of Prioritized Commitments of the NAP
In Q3, Movimiento Pro-Justicia a previous grantee demonstrated effective advocacy work. On May 16, the Guatemalan Congress began deliberations on Initiative # 5531, which proposes to reform decree number 94-96: The General Telecommunications Law, supported by Congressmen and Congresswomen from the Commission of Integrity and Transparency. Movimiento Pro Justicia, developed the basis for the reform language included within Initiative #5531, under their 2017 grant related to the social auditing of the usage of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Band. This initiative seeks to establish in the law, public and transparent processes to determine the use of the radio spectrum, mainly related to the AWS. Congress will vote on the proposed reforms within the next legislative period during July-November 2019.
The Project had also aimed to provide new grants to a targeted group of 11- Initiative #5531 in Congress 13 CSOs in Year 4 to advance advocacy initiatives related to transparency includes reform language and open government, elections, and transparency as it relates to gender and developed by former grantee social inclusion. Due to the current situation regarding the freeze on FY2018 Movimiento Pro Justicia. funds, the Project has had to remove eight grants from its pipeline (a total reduction of $331k). The Project only has sufficient funding for the launch of four new grants this quarter,14 totaling five CSO grants. The Project will also not be able to focus on themes of GESI to the extent anticipated through the awarded CSO partners, as it is not their area of focus. Yet, the Project, through work with these five local CSO partners, will contribute to Project indicators and to efforts to promote Guatemala’s journey to self- reliance (see more detail in Annex D).
The Project had worked with these eight local CSO partners in Q1, Q2, and Q3 on their grant applications, as a result of responses to recent RFA or limited competition opportunities. The Project was preparing to submit these requests to USAID when the notification of frozen funds was received, thereby preventing the ability to request approval of these activities. As such, and in order to preserve the existing, strong relationships with these organizations, the Project met with each of the eight CSOs in their offices in June to in-person relay the news that the grant applications would not be moving forward. In general, the organizations were very appreciative for the sensitivity, care, and transparency relayed during the meetings.
The CSOs seemed to understand the news, due to their awareness of the current context between Guatemala and the United States and offered appreciation of the Project’s support and partnership. Fortunately, all of the eight CSOs, which had all recently participated in the training courses provided by the Project’s Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program and expressed their intent to continue to participate in follow-on activities, including the working groups and the development of their Advocacy Plans, Financial Sustainability Plans, and other products related to organizational development.
SUBGRANTS UPDATE (RFA1) There are no current grants under Round 1, as they have all closed in previous quarters.
14 The Project signed new grants in Q3 with CEIDEPAZ, CIIDH, FUNDESA, and GuateCívica. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 21 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
SUBGRANTS UPDATE (RFA2) For Round 2 grantees, the Project supported CODEFEM through the conclusion of its remaining OD assessment this quarter (see more information in OD section below). CODEFEM and CIIDH both concluded their Round 2 grants in Q3. All other Round 2 grants closed in previous quarters.
SUBGRANTS UPDATE (RFA3) There are no current grants under Round 3, as they have all closed in previous quarters.
SUBGRANTS UPDATE (LIMITED COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE) In Q3, the Project facilitated the implementation of technical activities related to transparency and anti-corruption efforts in partnership with four CSO partners. This quarter, the Project launched three new grants with one Tier I (CIIDH) and two Tier II (GuateCívica and CEIDEPAZ) CSO partners. The Project also received USAID approval for another Tier I grant to FUNDESA on June 26 and anticipates signing the grant in early Q4.
CEIDEPAZ- To support the review and updating process of the Social Development and Population Policy The Project signed a new grant agreement with the Center for Studies and Investigations for Development and Peace (Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones para el Desarrollo y la Paz, CEIDEPAZ) on June 3, 2019. CEIDEPAZ will work for nine months to support the process to review and update of the Social Development and Population Policy (SDPP), related to Commitment 16 within the Protection and Social Inclusion thematic area of the 4th OGP NAP.
Through this process, CEIDEPAZ will collaborate directly with the MIDES and the SEGEPLAN to support the implementation of the Commitment and five of its seven associated Milestones, creating a space in which civil society organizations can engage with the public sector to obtain a more inclusive Social Development and Population Policy. The Policy, in place since April 2002, currently has outdated content and goals that are no longer consistent with the country’s context. This Policy should serve vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, youth, indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI, and people in situations of poverty and extreme poverty, while adequately addressing transparency, access to public information, accountability, and citizen participation. As such, it is necessary to carry out a participatory review process for the Policy, in accordance with Article 19 of the current Social Development Law.15
CEIDEPAZ promptly established direct communication with the MIDES Minister and the Vice Minister, as MIDES holds legal responsibility to fulfill Commitment 16. Yet the rollout of the new implementation plan for Commitment 16 has been delayed due to the current political context and issues outside the process, such as the interpellation, or questioning, by Congress of MIDES’ Minister. Despite the delay, CEIDEPAZ held a meeting on June 25 with the Technical Liaison of MIDES, in order to advocate for the resumption of the meetings related to the Protection and Social Inclusion thematic area, the first of which has been confirmed for July 17 of Q4.
Committed to USAID’s Journey to Self-reliance approach, the Project analyzed the objectives and activities of the grant awarded to CEIDEPAZ to identify links with the self-reliance indicators, and the mitigation of migration. The SDPP consists of the following components: health, education, disaster risk, social communication, and the final component specifically addresses the root causes of migration, titled “employment and migration.” The follow-up conducted by CEIDEPAZ throughout the process to update the SDPP will not only continue to build the organization’s own capacity but will contribute to three of the Journey to Self- Reliance’s indicators: Open Government and Accountability, Inclusive Development, and Government Effectiveness.
15 Article 19 of the current Social Development Law Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 22 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
CIIDH- Social Auditing and Participation in the Implementation of the Fourth Open Government National Action Plan 2018-2020
The Project and CIIDH signed a new grant agreement on May 30, 2019, which is the second grant CIIDH holds under the Project. During the 11 months of the grant, CIIDH will promote the social auditing of and participation in the implementation process of select milestones and commitments of the 4th OGP NAP related to the themes of: Education; Health, Food and Nutritional Security; Fiscal Transparency, Procurement and Public Contracts. These mechanisms will serve as part of the social auditing carried out by CSOs that participate in the Open Government Technical Roundtable (MTGA). This will serve to develop recommendations for government institutions to influence the implementation of strategies and work plans designed in the selected Commitments 4, 18, 19, and 23.
In the month of June, CIIDH submitted a draft work plan for the implementation of its grant, and the Project is currently providing feedback to CIIDH to finalize it. CIIDH’s first activity will take place in Q4.
Related to the USAID Journey to Self-reliance, CIIDH’s audit of the 4th OGP NAP will allow the findings to be used as a tool for civil society organizations that participate in the Technical Roundtable, to demonstrate their institution’s compliance with the commitments and the accountability of the institution. This grant directly contributes to the following self-reliance indicators: Open Government and Accountability, Government Effectiveness, and Effectiveness of Civil Society & Media.
GuateCívica- Disseminate knowledge of the content of the Open Government Partnership On May 29, the Project signed a grant agreement with Prosperiti GuateCívica Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala, with a gender and social inclusion approach.
Within the context of Milestone 13 of Commitment 14 in the 4th OGP NAP,16 GuateCívica will continue this process of citizen engagement in four of the six departments (Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Quetzaltenango and Zacapa), which held previous citizen consultations, selected due to the presence of GuateCívica’s existing networks. GuateCívica is contributing to addressing this gap in citizens’ knowledge by implementing a combination of in-person trainings and digital dissemination strategies to raise awareness of the Open Government Partnership, the 4th OGP NAP, and basic principles of open government.
After signing the agreement, the Project has provided consistent guidance and technical assistance to GuateCívica, focused on organizational strengthening. For example, the organization requested support in the development of communications materials, in addition to advice on more effectively incorporating its gender approach and implementing a communications strategy. The grant aims to generate materials about Open Government that will be used both in training workshops and on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Project provided technical guidance during the preparation of the Dissemination Strategy, in relation to the strategic use of the various dissemination channels and on how to reach the specific target audiences, to raise awareness of the importance of citizen participation in Open Government within the interior of the country. For example, the Project provided feedback on the design and preparation of the communications pieces, including infographics and other visual graphic materials (see below), and assured proper use USAID-approved Branding and Marking.
16 Commitment 14: Strengthening transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms that demonstrate results at the national and international levels. Milestone 13: Dissemination and feedback to the citizens about the 4th National Action Plan of Open Government Guatemala 2018-2020 in the 6 departments that hosted the citizen consultation forums; and will also be socialized at the national level in compliance with the standards of the Open Government Partnership. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 23 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The four training workshops will take place in Q4, during the month of July, in the departments of Guatemala, Zacapa, Quetzaltenango, and Sacatepéquez.
Likewise, after receiving the guidelines of having a greater intentionality of the grants in terms of the contribution they make to the USAID indicators on the country's “self-sufficiency” (Self-Reliance), the technical assistance provided to Guatecívica has also focused on aligning the activities planned by the organization towards the achievement of these indicators, within the framework of Open Government, inclusive development, government effectiveness and effectiveness of what to do of Civil Society and the Media; in order to promote the self-reliance of CSOs.
Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program- Transparency and Advocacy Modules On May 13, the Project launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening (TOS) Program. The invitation reached more than 60 civil society organizations based in Guatemala City, and 36 subsequently registered. The majority of the organizations did not have an existing relationship with the Project, which allowed for the Project to extend the scope of its influence with local CSOs. At the completion of the five modules in June, participating CSOs had demonstrated improved technical knowledge with an overall increase in post-test scores of 57% across the entire Program.
Organizations committed to participate in the entire Program by signing an MOU, which defined the six- month commitment, including the participation in trainings in May and June, participation in working groups, and the development of three specific products per organization. To date, a total of 30 organizations have signed and submitted an MOU.
Within the TOS Program, the Project prioritized building the capacity of CSOs in knowledge, management, and planning related to advocacy to WLI leads an interactive session on advocacy with CSO increase the technical knowledge of the representatives. organization’s staff. In order to draw in the Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 24 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
expertise to effectively train CSOs in these topics, the Project reached out to the WomenLead Institute (WLI), which is part of the Counterpart International network, to leverage their knowledge and experience in the implementation of dynamic transparency and advocacy workshops, in addition to the organizational development modules included in the TOS Program (more information in section 2.2.a).
Due to the number of organizations enrolled in the Program, the Project held the first module focused on Transparency and Communications for Advocacy in two separate sessions over two weeks, each with the same content, “The material shared is much appreciated, as to facilitate the participation of all organizations (see Annex it will facilitate the consultation processes B for the full list). The first session with the initial cohort of when implementing our organization’s advocacy plans and actions.” CSOs took place from May 13-17, and then second from May
20-24, both at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Guatemala City. Fundación Myrna Mack
A total of 61 staff members from 31 CSOs participated over the course of the two weeks (25 and 36 participants, respectively) participated. Of these 61 participants (44 women, 17 men), 46 people (36 women, 10 men) completed all requirements to be credited with the completion of the module. All CSOs participating in the Program attended this mandatory module. As a result of participation in the module, CSOs improved their knowledge of Communications for Advocacy by an average of 15%, increasing their average score from 70.43% to 81.17 from the module’s pre-test to the post- test.
A total of 25 CSO representatives participated in the first A total of 36 CSO representatives participated in the Transparency and Communications for Advocacy session. second cohort the following week.
As part of the workshop, the Project made the necessary arrangements to have an expert on Communications for Advocacy from WLI’s network in Bolivia, to facilitate the five-day workshop for the CSO participants, with the direct support from WLI Senior Director.
The topics addressed in the workshop included (see more information in Annex C): • Transparency within the Open Government Partnership • Law on Access to Public Information • Advocacy: o Introduction to Advocacy o The Advocacy Process o Definition of an Issue, Goal, and Objective of Advocacy • The Public Policy Process • Analysis and Definition of Audiences • Building Support for Advocacy
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 25 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
• Advocacy and Communications Tactics • Impact on the Media • Data for Decision Making • Monitoring and Evaluation for Advocacy
Some specific sessions hosted experts external to the Project to leverage their in-depth knowledge for the participants’ benefit. In the case of the Law on Access to Public Information, the Head of the Public Information Unit of the Ministry of the Interior, presented on the overall messages of the law, in addition to the process for citizens to request information of interest through the use of this law. She knows the Project well, as she is a former alumna of a previous OGP Global Summit, sponsored by the Project, and has conducted training-of-trainers for her Ministry of the Interior colleagues on topics related to transparency and Open Government.
For the discussion on Communications for Advocacy in the Media, a news anchor and political analyst, shared with the participants both weeks basic content related to the communications process and how to ensure that the media and journalists can be allies for the organizations’ advocacy causes, such as transparency and anti- corruption.
During the two workshops, CSO representatives identified important areas for advocacy to develop their sample advocacy plans, including the following, which may offer opportunities for further advocacy from CSO partners of the Project in future quarters: o Municipalities should implement standard tools to validate their data systematically as a mechanism of accountability; o The Municipal Council of Nuevo Progreso San Marcos should approve regulations to guarantee the implementation of the Municipal Code to strengthen human resources management, including transparent hiring procedures. o The National Association of Municipalities (ANAM) should accomplish its milestone in Commitment 3 of the 4th OGP NAP,17 related to the implementation of a training program in Open Government, Municipal Management, Municipal Public Services, and the generation of income for participants in 340 municipalities. o The Ministry of Education should train 50% of the educational community around issues of physical disabilities and adapt ramps to provide access and establish adequate parking, tactile guides, and adequate bathrooms in schools through December 2020. o The Ministry of Environment should implement a law to guarantee mechanisms of monitoring and evaluation for one of the nine public policies related to Annual Operational Plans and budgets; and report each year. o The National Education Council and the Ministry of Education should incorporate civic education within the Basic National Curriculum. o The Municipal Council of Petén should commit to fighting the effects of climate change by promoting the reforestation of the Mayan biosphere. o Congress should approve the Solid Waste Management Law. o The Ministry of Education should guarantee life skills education in primary education.
(See the section on Success Stories to read testimonials from some CSO participants).
17 Commitment 10 calls for the “Strengthening of tools and technical capacities for local governments to implement mechanisms of Open Government, accountability, and citizen participation, for the improvement of public services.” Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 26 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Activity Area 2.1.b Provide Technical and Logistical Support to Strengthen the Effectiveness and Sustainability of the Open Government Roundtables
CSO Roundtable Meeting In order to support the participation of CSOs in the OGP Technical Roundtable (MTGA), the Project facilitated a meeting with CSO representatives in Q3. On Monday, April 8, the Project convened representatives of the CSOs18 participating in the MTGA to discuss ways to become a more unified body and to have a stronger approach on decision-making and activities leading for a more open public management.
During the meeting, participants discussed the visibility of the contributions of civil society to the MTGA and to the Open Government Partnership. They agreed on the need to be more coordinated as a group, in order to have a greater impact on the implementation of 4th OGP NAP. As a first step toward a more unified approach, the CSOs in attendance selected priority commitments for their monitoring and follow-up. The prioritized Commitments are:
Implementation of integrated programs in support of school attendance and of tools that 1. Commitment 4 allow the educational community to provide follow-up at the local level. Strengthening of interinstitutional coordination and promotion of transparency and 2. Commitment 6 citizen participation in the security sector. Promotion and dissemination of progress on the implementation of the 3. Commitment 12 Competitiveness Policy and the Gainful Employment Policy. Strengthening of transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms that demonstrate results 4. Commitment 14 at the national and international levels 5. Commitment 16 Participatory update to Social Development and Population Policy Institutional strengthening of 425 health posts located in municipalities prioritized by the National Strategy for the Prevention of Chronic Malnutrition (ENPDC) of the 6. Commitment 18 departments of Quiché, San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Chiquimula, Totonicapán, Sololá, and Alta Verapaz. Strengthening of interinstitutional coordination and information on Food and Nutritional 7. Commitment 19 Security. 8. Commitment 20 Strengthening transparency in the electoral process. 9. Commitment 23 Actions to advance the presentation and availability of budgetary information.
The group also established some key priorities to guide their work and interaction as a coordinated group, including:
• Advocacy • Monitoring of OGP NAP commitments • Promoting access to public information • Enabling sustainability of OGP • Focus on access to and respect to the defense of human rights.
They also agreed to improve communications within the group, to facilitate a more coordinated approach to engage the OGP. The Project aims to provide more communications technical support to the CSO Roundtable in Q4.
18 The CSOs that participated in the April 8th meeting include: CEIDEPAZ, CIIDH, Cámara de Industría, CODEFEM, FUNDESA, and Jóvenes contra la Violencia. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 27 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
CSO Representatives Meet with GPAT On May 15th, representatives of the CSOs participating in the Open Government Technical Roundtable, and specially on the CSO Roundtable, asked for an appointment with the Directors of the Presidential Commission of Open Management and Transparency (GPAT).
This meeting aimed to reaffirm the commitment of the CSOs actively participating in the Open Government Partnership to continue monitoring the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP. The CSO looked to establish better communication channels with GPAT and to make their support to the OGP actions in Guatemala more visible. The CSO Roundtable requests a meeting with GPAT on May 15th to reconfirm the will of civil society to actively The CSO representatives asked GPAT to refresh participation in Open Government. the CSO database, to more accurately reflect the organizations actively participating in the monitoring and implementation of OGP activities. The CSOs also expressed their concern that the Independent Review Mechanism remains absent from OGP activities.
Result 2.2: Improved Organizational Capacity of Targeted CSOs Contributing to the Promotion of More Accountable, Open and Transparent Public Institutions
Activity Area 2.2.a Support Grantees to Implement the OD Cycle and Provide Technical Assistance and Training for Organizational Strengthening
Project’s Support to Organizational Development Processes This quarter, the OD team provided direct OD support to one CSO, CODEFEM. This quarter, the Project shifted from a catered one-to-one OD coaching approach to a reoriented OD strategy, enabling the Project to build the capacity of more organizations at one time and to streamline the Project’s time and resources. The Program also continues to provide technical assistance and coaching to CSOs developing grant proposal submissions and launching their project grants, in addition to other ad hoc OD support, such as offering technical assistance to GuateCívica, CIIDH, the Institute of Social Protection (IPS), and CODEFEM, to review draft grant proposals for submission to other donors to enhance their organizations’ financial sustainability.
Below is a brief update of the results of the direct OD support:
CODEFEM: CODEFEM concluded the OD cycle and completed the implementation of its Capacity Building Action Plan (CBAP). Throughout this process, the Project aimed to impart best practices and policies of OD to the organization, contributing to more effective leadership related to the defense of women's rights in Guatemala, as well as institutional strengthening oriented toward their sustained advocacy interventions, often geared toward the formulation of proposals for laws that promote policies in favor of Guatemalan women.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 28 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
On April 9, CODEFEM participated in the Organizational Development (OD) final Self-Assessment Workshop, facilitated by the Project’s OD Specialist.
The assessment demonstrated how the organization’s directors and staff had strengthened their knowledge about the organization’s processes, and have learned how to develop better sustainability strategies, leading to a greater impact for their interventions.
The Project’s OD Specialist shared information from the workshop it with CODEFEM’s Director, which were presented in a staff meeting with her entire team. With the presentation of those results, the implementation of the Organizational Development Action Plan officially ended. CODEFEM staff conduct their organization’s At the conclusion of the OD cycle, CODEFEM now OD final self-assessment. demonstrates improved organizational practices, such as aligning its work with the objectives of its Board of Directors, in addition providing more open spaces for participation of new staff, especially indigenous women. Likewise, CODEFEM has updated of its institutional strategic plan for the period 2019-2021, has developed a stronger internal legal structure with updated organizational statutes, and has a leadership plan in place. The second Organizational Development Diagnosis, based on the initial OD methodology, demonstrated CODEFEM’s advanced level of understanding of its practices and policies, increasing their overall score by a 38.43% over the initial evaluation from August 2017.
All areas within the CBAP showed significant increases, including the following key results: • Development of a Leadership Plan; • Increase in both the use and documentation of the organization’s policies; • Development of a Financial Sustainability Strategy; and the • Update of the Communications Strategy.
The Project also transferred specific tools to CODEFEM’s management, such as the OD self-assessment tool and the CBAP format, to be implemented by the institution's own staff in the future, which will contribute to the strength of the ongoing advocacy of the organization.
Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program- Organizational Development Modules
As the second component of the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program, the Project hosted four organizational development (OD) modules, developed under the Counterpart OD methodology, and in coordination with the WomenLead Institute (WLI). The Project brought in an expert in Organizational Development, Gender Equality, and Community Relations from Peru, to facilitate the four modules over a two- week time period. Additionally, the Director of WLI, provided on-hand technical assistance and quality control during the trainings.
The objective of the OD component of the Program focused on strengthening the organizational capacity of CSOs in order to strengthen the effectiveness of their actions, and to ensure the sustainability of their work related to citizen participation, advocacy, transparency, and accountability. The OD modules were held from May 27 to June 6 in four separate sessions, all hosted at Casa Ariana in Guatemala City. A total of 123 participants attended the four sessions, with 105 completing all necessary requirements. The full list of participating CSOs can be found in Annex B. As a result of participation in the four OD modules, CSOs improved
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 29 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
their knowledge of the organizational development topics by an average of 71% overall across the modules, increasing their average score in each module from the pre-tests to the post-tests (more detail below for each module).
The Project completed the adaptation and translation (English to Spanish) of the WLI materials and facilitator guides related to the four OD sessions selected based on a Q2 rapid diagnostic among the CSOs: Financial Sustainability, Project and Program Management, Human and Material Resources, and Communications and External Relations. All organizations were mandated to participate in the Financial Sustainability module, and then were encouraged to participate in one of the three remaining modules, dependent upon the results of their Rapid Assessment and the analysis and recommendation of the Project team.
The main takeaways of the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program’s organizational development modules include:
• The organizations expressed interest in participating in the Program when preparing their own rapid organizational development self-assessment in early May, which encouraged staff self-reflection on the management of policies and procedures related to financial sustainability, project management, human resources, and communications.
•The Program created a unique opportunity for the interaction and the joint work of the various participating CSOs. The CSOs showed a willingness to learn about and work with the other organizations, appreciating the distinct approaches and areas of focus present, such as citizen participation, human rights, gender equality, and social auditing.
• The exchange of experiences among the participating organizations was very enriching, as it allowed participants to strengthen their knowledge of good organizational practices and identify joint actions for greater impact.
Financial Sustainability: All CSOs participating in the Program attended this mandatory two-day module from May 27-28, located in two separate conference spaces simultaneously, to accommodate all CSOs. A total of 46 participants (31 women, 15 men) attended this module, with a total of 37 (24 women, 13 men) completing the workshop with all necessary requirements. After this workshop, the CSO participants now have the ability to map potential funding sources, create tools to manage the proposal development process, identify potential income generation opportunities for their organization, and envision a financially sustainable future for their organization. A total of 46 participants from local CSOs participated in the two Financial Sustainability modules. Over the next six months, every participating organization will develop a Financial Sustainability Plan through participation in working groups, while receiving catered “The workshop provided us the methodology coaching and feedback through technical assistance provided by to develop a financial sustainability plan.” the Project. As a result of participation in this module, CSOs improved their knowledge of Financial Sustainability by an EducaGuate average of 16%, increasing their average score from 65% to 75.56% from the module’s pre-test to the post-test.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 30 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The WLI team facilitates a group conversation. A WLI facilitator presents information financial sustainability content.
Project and Program Management: As the first of the three elective OD modules, during this two-day session from May 29-30, participating organizations developed greater knowledge in and practice of the skills, attitudes, and tools needed to effectively manage a project, defined key monitoring and evaluation terms, developed logical and results frameworks, and prepared a sample of a performance monitoring plan for the organization’s programs and projects. CSOs that participated in this module will develop a product related to this area, such as a logical framework or other in-need document, through participation in a working group in the coming months. A total of 28 participants (20 women, 8 men) attended this module, with a total of 24 (18 women, 6 men) completing the workshop with “The workshop provided important and all necessary requirements. As a result of participation in this valuable knowledge to present a better module, CSOs improved their knowledge of Project and Program project proposal to donors.” Management by an average of 62%, increasing their average score from 58.77% to 95.43% from the module’s pre-test to the Convergencia Ciudadana de Mujeres post-test.
Participants present a visualization of theory of change. Many participants highlighted the dynamic nature of the workshops.
Human and Material Resources: As part of this elective two-day workshop from June 3-4, participating organizations learned about the key roles and responsibilities of a Human Resources team within an organization, the stages of the employee's life cycle within the organization, policies and the key procedures that must be
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 31 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
implemented for human resource management, gender representative among staff, benefits of performance assessment tools, and the necessary processes and the skills of a leader. CSOs that participated in this module will develop a human resources-related product, such as an onboarding manual or other identified document, through participation in a working group in the coming months. A total of 19 participants (15 women, 4 men) attended this module, with a total of 16 (12 women, 4 men) completing the workshop with all necessary requirements. As a “On a personal level, the workshop helped result of participation in this module, CSOs improved their me to identify different leadership styles and, knowledge of Human and Material Resources, by an average of on a professional level, it showed us the 203%, demonstrating the most improvement of all the modules, importance of creating programs for the increasing their average score from 31% to 94% from the development of human resources.” module’s pre-test to the post-test. , CIIDH
A total of 19 participants attended the module on Group activities helped to encourage Human and Material Resources. interaction between organizations during the modules.
Communications and External Relations: CSO participants in this third and final elective two-day workshop from June 5-6 now have increased capabilities to define the needed external relations of their organizations, establish steps for strategic communication, formulate communication objectives, select effective and efficient communication channels, and identify the tools and procedures needed to institutionalize a communications strategy. CSOs that participated in this module will develop a communications OD product, such as a communications plan or “The workshop provided us with up-to-date other identified document, through participation in a working information on the types of strategic group in the coming months. A total of 30 participants (19 communications that civil society women, 11 men) attended this module, with a total of 28 (18 organizations should develop to achieve a women, 10 men) completing the workshop with all necessary greater advocacy impact.” requirements. As a result of participation in this module, CSOs improved their knowledge of Communications and External Centro de Acción Legal-Ambiental de Relations by an average of 71%, increasing their average score Guatemala (CALAS) from 46.17% to 78.79% from the module’s pre-test to the post- test.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 32 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
A total of 30 people attended the final module in Hand-on-activities helped participants to Communications and External Relations. put new theories into practice.
In Q4, the Project will begin convening monthly working groups, for the development of the three specific organizational development products mentioned above for each organization. The estimated period of implementation of this technical support will be from July to December 2019. Organizations that satisfy all requirements of the Program will receive a certificate of completion at a closing event, now scheduled for January 2020.
Result 2.3 Increased Citizen Awareness and Participation in Transparency, Accountability and Democratic Processes
Activity 2.3.a: Implement Transparency and Open Government Outreach Strategies to Increase Citizen and Stakeholder Knowledge and Awareness of Open Government Processes at the Executive Branch
The Project’s signed a grant with local CSO partner GuateCívica in June to disseminate knowledge of the the Open Government Partnership in four regions of the country. The grant activities will begin in Q4.
The Project also held two communications-related sessions for local CSO partners as part of the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program, one module focused on Communications for Advocacy and the second on Communications and External Relations (see more information in sections 2.1.a and 2.2.a).
The Project had intended to host a session with representatives from the media on open government and transparency this quarter. Yet due to reduced funding and the sensitivity and complexity of currently working with media regarding the ongoing elections process, this activity has been deprioritized.
Activity 2.3.b: Support CSOs to Design Advocacy Campaigns to Advocate for Transparency and Open Government Focus in 2019 Elections
The Project awarded one electoral transparency project to Guatemala Visible in Q2, to develop an elections- related application (app) called Elecciones Visibles. The app provided citizens and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) with the ability to collect complaints, reports of possible misconduct, or irregular activities as defined in the Electoral and Political Parties Law (LEPP) and the Penal Code throughout the General Elections 2019 process (before and during the campaign, and on Election Day). Through the mobile application, the user submits a complaint with photos and other supporting documentation. The grant also includes training for government officials to increase the capacity of the TSE to use the data Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 33 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
generated by the application as initial evidence of electoral infractions or possible regulations violations by political actors. On May 6, the Project’s grantee, Guatemala Visible, launched the Elecciones Visibles application (app), with the participation of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Inspector General’s Office.
During the launch event, the President of the TSE described the app as a tool that will allow the TSE to anticipate conflicts that may arise during the General Elections. He also pointed out that the democratic process belongs to the citizenry, and as such, citizens will have more ownership as active participants in the process through this tool. The app will also become a fundamental tool for the use of the TSE, becoming assumed into the Inspection Department. After the end of the General Elections process, the TSE will own the data generated by the tool, and with technical support from Guatemala Visible.
As electoral observers, citizens can send reports and all personal information anonymously and confidentially through the application. The app protects user privacy, as it complies with international protocols related to electoral investigations.
The general public can now submit reports or legal complaints of violations to the permanent prohibitions, as well as electoral irregularities, while also having the ability through the app to consult information about the electoral reforms, the electoral process, and frequently asked questions. With the submission of a report, a citizen can raise awareness of a potential electoral violation, yet the more serious submission of a legal complaint, which requires more detail Above: Panelists from the TSE and and personal information, can be officially turned into an electoral Guatemala Visible official launch the crime and can lead to legal consequences for the offending political app on May 6. party. The Elecciones Visibles application seeks to promote Below: Members of the media can be transparency in the electoral process and enforce a culture of anti- seen during a live presentation of app corruption among political parties. at the launch event.
Through the hashtag #ciudadanoobservador, Guatemala Visible promotes the app on social networks. The app can be used through the website https://eleccionesvisibles.gt/, or it can be downloaded onto Android and iOS platforms.
Since its launch in May through June 10th, the "Elecciones Visibles" application has already enabled significant citizen participation in the electoral process: - The website has registered 18,400 visits and 15,300 active users; - The application has been downloaded 1,000 times via the Google Play platform; - 833 violation reports have been submitted on electoral prohibitions; and - 415 legal complaints have been submitted on electoral prohibitions.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 34 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
The app provides graphics and visualizations,
A publication from Guatemala Visible including geo-locations of submitted legal complaints. on social media motivates users to use the app.
Through June 10, the TSE had reviewed 110 legal complaints of the 415 submitted, which is larger than the number of legal complains than the Public Ministry received. The TSE will now provide the Public Ministry with those reviewed legal complaints determined to be valid for further processing. The aim of the application is to improve transparency in the electoral process and to contribute to the fulfillment of Commitment 20, Milestone 419 of the 4th OGP NAP 2018-2020, on strengthening electoral transparency.
IV. CROSS-CUTTING THEMES
Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) During Q3, The Project worked closely with Counterpart’s WomenLead Institute to launch the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program, with GESI topics integrated throughout the content, ensuring that it directly relates to the specific topics of discussion (transparency, advocacy, human resources, etc.). The team also welcomed a new Civil Society Officer, Ms. Marlyn Cano, who brings experience in GESI programming to the Programs unit, contributing to the Program team’s collective responsibility to integrate GESI throughout the implementation of grants. Lastly, the Project team has provided four new grants and has identified at least one women-focused activity that will contribute to Indicator 1020 during the remainder of Year 4. Indicator 10 did not report any progress in Q3.
MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING
The update on the Project´s Program Description (PD) in 2018 requires a Modification No. 3 to the MEL Plan, which was submitted to USAID in June and is pending guidance and approval from USAID in Q4. The submitted modification proposes a redesigned results framework, including revised indicators and definitions to better align with the objectives of the Project. This modification will allow the Project to implement more focused activities and, contribute to the planned outcomes, and continue capturing more evidence on the Project’s the impact.
19 Commitment 20, Milestone 4 states: “Development and implementation of a mobile application in which the complainant can submit photos and other media in coordination with other institutions, in particular with the Public Ministry.” 20 Indicator #10: Number of activities designed to promote or strengthen the civic participation of women. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 35 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
As such, in Q3, the Project team conducted several working sessions with members of the Programs and MEL teams, to draft and finalize the PIRS and indicators, to be aligned with the updated PD. During this quarter, the Project also reported progress on two project indicators with targets set for Y4.
Results and Indicator Analysis • Four indicators remain to be reported annually, as follow: o Indicator 1 (Impact): % change in citizens’ perception of civil society’s ability to influence government decision-making. o Indicator 2 (Outcome): Proportion of CSOs surveyed reporting that they can influence government decisions at the national, regional or local level, as a result of Project interventions. o Indicator 12 (Output): Number of organizations with improved organizational capacity per Counterpart’s OD Assessment. o Indicator 13 (Output): Number of targeted CSOs with an increased financial sustainability score.
However, these four indicators have been proposed to be discontinued in the pending Modification No. 3. For this reason, progress on indicator 12 has been reported for this quarter.
• Five indicators with targets set for Y4 did not report progress during this quarter. The indicators are the following: o Indicator 3 (Outcome): Number of transparency and/or anti-corruption policies completing at least one of each of the following stages of development as a result of USAID assistance: 1. Stakeholder consultation/public debate; 2. Drafting or revision; 3. Approval (legislative or regulator). o Indicator 5 (DR.2.4-2) (Output): Number of mechanisms for external oversight of public resource use supported by USG assistance. o Indicator 10 (DR.4-1) (Output): Number of activities designed to promote or strengthen the civic participation of women. o Indicator 14 (DR.4.2-2) (Output): Number of CSOs receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions o Indicator 17 (Output): Number of USG-supported activities implemented by CSO Networks to increase their internal management and public leadership in holding government accountable.
• Two indicators with targets set for Y4 have reported progress this quarter: o #11: Number of government officials receiving USG-supported anti-corruption training. o #12: Number of organizations with improved organizational capacity per Counterpart’s OD Assessment.
• The performance of outcome and output indicators with progress on targets set for Y4 are the three following: Indicator 11 (DR.2.4-1) (Output): Number of government officials receiving USG-supported anti-corruption training. Table 4: F-Indicator 2.4-1 / Output Indicator 11 FY4 Reporting
FY2019 (Oct. 2018 – Sept.2019) Baseline Cumulative Reference Value Target Actual Annual Variance
0 (2017) 120 57 -63 Quarter 1:
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 36 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
• There is no reference for this indicator.
Quarter 2: • A total of 74 government officials were trained trough the project “Promoting citizen participation for integrity and transparency in the election process of the Comptroller General of Guatemala” implemented by FADS.
Quarter 3: • Three government officials attended the OGP Global Summit in Ottawa, Canada. They will subsequently lead trainings for their colleagues to contribute to this Indicator in Q4. The trainings with INAP launched this quarter will also be added in Q4 after the courses’ completion and it is anticipated that the Project will surpass the annual target. • 19 local government officials participated in an online course on Open Government, in partnership with INAP
The Project sponsored the travel of three GoG representatives to the Summit in Ottawa, Canada from May 29- 31, one from the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) and two from GPAT, the government entity responsible for the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP.
The Project and INAP built the capacity of 32 participants on topics related to Open Government through an online course in Q3. The learners included 19 government officials, mostly representing local governments.
Indicator 12 (Outcome): Number of organizations with improved organizational capacity per Counterpart’s OD Assessment.
Table 5: Output Indicator 12 FY4 Reporting
FY2019 (Oct. 2018 – Sept.2019) Baseline Cumulative Reference Value Target Actual Annual Variance
0 (2017) 8 2 -6 Quarter 1: • There is no reference for this indicator.
Quarter 2:
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 37 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
• CIIDH completed its OD cycle as of September 2018.
Quarter 3 • CODEFEM completed its OD cycle as of September 2018.
Frequency for reporting on this indicator is annual. However, this indicator is proposed to be discontinued in Modification No.3. Therefore, progress on indicator 12 has been reported this quarter. During Q3, CODEFEM was the final CSO pending completion of the OD cycle from Q2, due to an extension. CODEFEM concluded its second and final OD assessment in Q3, ending the implementation of its CBAP, reflecting now an advanced level of understanding of their practices and policies. CODEFEM demonstrated an increase of their overall score from the start of the cycle by a 38.43%. Now, CODEFEM demonstrates better organizational practices, such as alignment of activities with the objectives of the Board of Directors and more openness for new staff, especially among indigenous women. Likewise, they CODEFEM updated its institutional strategic plan for the 2019 - 2021 period and developed a strengthened legal structure with revised and more relevant organizational statutes.
TraiNet During Q3, no program trainings were included in TraiNet.
Program Quality and Learning During Q3, the Project reviewed the learning strategy and updated the learning framework, which have both been included into the proposed Modification No. 3 of the MEL Plan, in addition to new indicators and definitions included into the PIRS to contribute to a more robust MEL system and improved program quality.
V. PROJECT MANAGEMENT This quarter, the Project welcomed three new team members. On April 15, 2019, the Project also Mr. Francisco Ruiz as the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager. Mr. Ruiz has previous experience supporting effective MEL for international development and USAID projects from work with Catholic Relief Services and TetraTech. The Programs Team also added two Civil Society Officers, Ms. Marlyn Cano and Ms. María Fernanda Marroquín, on April 1st and 3rd respectively, to provide consistent technical assistance to the Project’s grantees, under the leadership of Mr. and Raúl Bolaños as the Senior Civil Society and Accountability Specialist (Objective 2 lead). Ms. Cano also brings previous expertise in GESI to the Project team. With the addition of these three staff members, the Project team is now complete.
Due to the current funding context, in June the Project submitted three scenarios to USAID for the Contingency Plan. the Project does not propose significant reduction to human resources, as it already has a very lean operating structure from both its United States and Guatemala-based offices, especially after the substantial reduction of staff in FY2018. A further reduction of existing staff would negatively impact the expected results, while not substantially freeing funds for additional technical activities. Yet the Project has reduced HQ support costs and has put on hold any Guatemalan staff merit increases.
VI. DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE CLEARINGHOUSE (DEC)
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 38 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
During Q3, the Project uploaded the Participación Cívica- FY18 Q4 and MEL Annual Report FY18.
VII. COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER USAID PROJECTS
In Q3, the Project worked with other implementing partners on various initiatives: • The Project promoted the participation of IP’s local CSO partners among a list serv of the Chiefs of Party of Acción Transformada, Nexos Locales, Sustainable Economic Observatory, the Local Governance Project, and the Consortium on Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) to spread work of the registration process in April, for the launch of the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program in May. • Additionally, the Project promoted the INAP virtual and in-person courses on Open Government and Transparency for GOG partners, by sending the course information to Nexos Locales, the Fiscal Policy Reform Project, and the Local Governance Project, to send to their local government partners. • The Project likewise shared information on June 10th with other IPs on the Elecciones Visibles application for their internal knowledge, raising awareness of the work of the Project’s grantee Guatemala Visible. • The Acción Transformada project, implemented by IREX, approached the Project to request a recommendation for a youth representative for IREX’s Youth Advisory Committee in early April. The Project recommended the participation of Mr. Javier Toledo, from the Project’s local CSO partners, Jóvenes contra la Violencia. • The Project also attended various monthly sessions of the Cross-Sector (X-Co) Coordination Meeting attended by a diverse group of USAID’s implementing partners. The Project attended all three meetings in Q3, on April 5, May 3, and June 14th. • The Project’s COP and DCOP both participated in the Implementing Partners meeting hosted by the Democracy and Governance team on April 4. The Project participated in various working groups and conversations related to migration, self-reliance, and the upcoming General Elections.
VIII. ACHIEVEMENTS FOR QUARTER 3
Objective 1 • The Project and the General Director of the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP), signed an MoU as a bilateral agreement to provide a formal mechanism to co-implement two distinct courses for GoG officials on Open Government and transparency, and other to-be-determined activities during Year 5. • Participación Cívica and INAP co-implemented two courses with the participation of more than 80 GoG officials: a certificate-level course on Open Government (blended learning, both in-person and online) and a virtual course on Principles of Open Government. The courses directly contribute to the completion of Commitment 10, Milestone 3 of the 4th Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan (NAP) (2018-2020). The virtual course concluded with the participation of 32 people, including 19 government officials, in Q3 and the certificate course will conclude in Q4. • The Project signed an in-kind grant agreement with the Comptroller General’s Office for the future in- kind donation of a server that will increase the CGC’s storage capacity for the financial and municipal management reports submitted by 340 municipal governments. The server will be delivered in Q4, contributing to the fulfillment of Commitment 14 of the 3rd OGP NAP (2016-2018) to create accountability mechanisms for local governments. • For the first time since 2012, Guatemala underwent an on-site evaluation from April 9-11th by representatives from Chile and Honduras for the MESICIC of the Organization of American States (OAS). The Presidential Commission of Public Open Management and Transparency (GPAT) participated in two panels and technical conversations with representatives of civil society organizations and public officials of various institutions, respectively, who had been identified by the Project. The Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 39 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
results from the evaluation are anticipated for September, which will provide Guatemala with concrete recommendations from the MESICIC evaluators to continue to improve transparency and anti- corruption initiatives, and will have completed Milestone 10, Commitment 14 of the 4th OGP NAP. • In May, three GoG officials, including two representatives from GPAT and one from the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), participated in the Open Government Partnership Global Summit held in Ottawa, Canada. The Summit served as an opportunity for the officials to share lessons learned from the Open Government Partnership in Guatemala and capture best practices from some of the 78 other countries in the initiative. As fulfillment of their commitment to the Project for attending the Summit, the GoG officials will lead workshops within their respective institutions to extend further the reach of the Summit’s key takeaways. Objective 2 • During this quarter, the Project signed three new grants to local CSO partners, CIIDH, CEIDEPAZ, and GuateCívica, all of which directly support the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP (2018-2020). These three grants directly contribute to the completion of Commitments relating to the thematic areas of Education; Anti-Corruption Mechanisms; Protection and Social Inclusion; Health, Food Security, and Nutrition; and Fiscal Transparency, Procurement, and Public Contracting.21 • The Project launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program with a total of 35 participating CSOs, and concluded all five training modules, the first of two key phases of the Program. A total of 184 people attended the five modules, with 151 completing all necessary module requirements for participation. The modules built the capacity of the CSOs and their members in technical knowledge and organizational development, such as in open government, advocacy, financial sustainability, human resources, project management, and communications. As a result of the trainings, CSOs improved their technical knowledge of Communications for Advocacy by an average of 15%, their knowledge of organizational development topics by an average of 71% across the four OD modules, and an overall increase across the entire Program of 57%. The second phase of the Program, the convening of working groups and developing of distinct organizational products, will start in Q4. • As a result of its participation in the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program and understanding better the value of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the CSO Fe y Alegría signed an MOU to be integrated into the OGP Technical Roundtable, thereby providing more representation from civil society in the initiative. • CODEFEM, a local grantee focused on women’s rights, completed its full cycle of organizational development with the Project, finishing its Capacity Building Action Plan. CODEFEM has updated its institutional strategic plan for the period 2019-2021 and developed a stronger internal legal structure with updated organizational statutes. CODEFEM increased its overall organizational development score by 38.43% over the initial evaluation conducted in August 2017. • Project grantee Guatemala Visible launched the Elecciones Visibles smartphone application (app), with the participation of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Inspection Department, to promote citizen monitoring of the 2019 General Election’s process. By June 10, the app had facilitated the submission of 833 of electoral violation reports and 415 formal complaints. • Participación Cívica’s former grantee, Movimiento Pro Justicia, helped develop language for the reform of the use of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Band under its 2017 grant. In response to the organization’s continued advocacy efforts, the Guatemalan Congress began deliberations on Initiative # 5531, which proposes to the integrate the revised reform language within decree number 94-96: The General Telecommunications Law. As such, Movimiento Pro Justicia’s initiative demonstrates the long- term impact of the Project’s capacity building and grant-making activities, which in this case led to continued advocacy and the consideration of legal reform.
21 The grants contribute to the completion of milestones within Commitments 4, 14, 16, 18, 19, and 23 of the 4th OGP NAP. Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 40 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
IX. BEST PRACTICES, SUCCESS STORIES, CHALLENGES, AND LESSONS LEARNED
Best Practices Adaptability of the Project- Since its launch in 2015, the Project has had to weather various changes that have acutely impacted implementation, both from external and internal factors. In June, the Project received notice that it would not be granted the anticipated FY18 obligation and would need to submit a Contingency Plan to outline the vision for the remaining funds. As such, building on previous experience with course changes and exhibited resilience, the Project team designed and presented three scenarios to USAID in June, prioritizing and deprioritizing activities based on cost and potential impact, and linking them, when possible, to USAID’s Journey to Self-reliance framework or efforts to reduce migration.
True partnership with the Government- This quarter, the Project launched two courses related to open government and transparency for government officials with the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP). Beyond a nominal partnership, the Project worked hand-in-hand with INAP’s leadership to identify course objectives, design the curricula and course methodologies, share resources, and select participants. The courses have been received with so much enthusiasm from participants and INAP officials alike, that there is great interest in replicating the course in future quarters, potentially extending these capacity building opportunities for GoG officials in additional regions of the country.
Effective alliance between the Project and the WomenLead Institute (WLI)- In the Year 4 Work Plan, an adapted organizational development approach was approved, enabling the Project to streamline its resources and simultaneously reach many more organizations with technical assistance at a given time. As such, in May, the Project launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program for over 30 CSOs, offering training in open government, advocacy, financial sustainability, human resources, project management, and communications. Yet the Project did not have the human resources to develop the necessary curricula or facilitate the multiple weeks of training, thereby forging a closure relationship with Counterpart International’s newly acquired WomenLead Institute (WLI). The Project leveraged WLI’s decades of experience leading capacity building workshops for local CSOs in over 90 countries. WLI developed and adapted the majority of the course content in close collaboration with the Project’s technical teams and provided in-country support to facilitate the course modules with two WLI alumna. As a result, the over 30 participating CSOs, the majority of which represented new partners for the Project, expressed their great interest in the topics of the course modules and appreciation for the dynamic methodology of the Program.
Promotion of government ownership of citizen participation mechanisms- The Project launched a successful collaboration between local CSO grantee Guatemala Visible and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) for the development and implementation a tool to empower citizens to report electoral violations. After signing a MOU with the TSE in May, Guatemala Visible developed the Elecciones Visibles app with their full collaboration and input, and the TSE, in turn, receives all real-time submissions of reports and complaints from the public. Guatemala Visible has also worked with the TSE to establish the terms of transitioning the ownership of the app under their responsibility after the life of the grant, ensuring the sustainability of the app as an available citizen participation mechanism for future elections.
Success Stories This quarter the Project elected to share three success story vignettes with USAID, to highlight the variety of project successes relating to both government and CSO partners. The Project here presents three distinct success story formats, to appeal to various audiences and communication channels.
Spotlight on the Elecciones Visibles App USAID Participación Cívica supported the development of an elections-related application (app) called Elecciones Visibles, by local CSO partner Guatemala Visible. The app provided citizens and the Supreme
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 41 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) with the ability to collect complaints, reports of possible misconduct, or irregular activities as defined in the Electoral and Political Parties Law (LEPP) and the Penal Code throughout the General Elections 2019 process (before and during the campaign, and on Election Day).
Through the mobile application, users submit complaints with photos and other supporting documentation. The app protects user privacy, as it complies with international protocols related to electoral investigations. The general public can also consult information on the app about the electoral reforms, the electoral process, and frequently asked questions. Elecciones Visibles seeks to promote transparency in the electoral process and enforce a culture of anti-corruption among political parties and citizens. The grant also includes training for government officials to increase the capacity of the TSE to use the data generated by the application as initial evidence of electoral infractions or possible regulations violations by political actors.
On May 6th, Guatemala Visible launched Elecciones Visibles with the participation of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Inspection Department. During the event, the President of the TSE described the app as a tool that will allow the TSE to anticipate conflicts that may arise during the General Elections. He also pointed out that “the democratic process belongs to the citizenry, and as such, citizens will have more ownership as active participants in the process through this tool.” The app will also become a fundamental tool for the use of the TSE, becoming assumed into the Inspection Department. After the end of the General Elections process, the TSE will own the data generated by the tool, and with the technical support of Guatemala Visible.
Panelists from the TSE and Guatemala Through the hashtag #ciudadanoobservador, Guatemala Visible Visible official launch the app on May continues to promote the app on social networks. The app can be used 6. through the website https://eleccionesvisibles.gt/, or it can be downloaded onto Android and iOS platforms.
Since its launch in May through June 10th, the "Elecciones Visibles" application has already enabled significant citizen participation in the electoral process: - The website has registered 18,400 visits and 15,300 active users; - The application has been downloaded 1,000 times via the Google Play platform; - 833 violation reports have been submitted on electoral violations; and - Of those report, 415 legal complaints have been submitted.
The Participación Cívica team recently sat down with the Director of Guatemala Visible, to learn more about the Elecciones Visibles initiative. She stated, “The grant has allowed us to face an adverse political situation. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has had to face atypical elections and a public opinion that continues to question the electoral results.” Yet Ms. Fuentes further explained that the work with Participación Cívica has resulted in “making the TSE feel that the work done by civil society is legitimate and validates its own processes. This has been vital because this new computer tool, despite fears and stereotypes, today allows the TSE to channel more complaints than in previous electoral processes…In a globalized world where communications need to be presented as quickly as possible, the grant allowed the development of this digital tool, that in real time allows citizens to present anomalies and possible acts of illegality, offering a range of possibilities to make their complaints.” Director of Guatemala Visible
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 42 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
When asked about Guatemala Visible’s experience working in partnership with Participación Cívica, Ms. Fuentes commented, “Participación Cívica has demonstrated openness to innovative projects that link technology, transparency, and public management. With this, it has influenced citizen participation…by giving citizens a voice so that all their [electoral] concerns can be channeled in a clear, truthful, and timely manner. She concluded that Participación Cívica has also “facilitated the institutional relationship with the TSE, having served as an active and proactive partner.”
The app provides graphics and visualizations, including geo-locations of submitted legal A publication from Guatemala Visible on complaints. social media motivates users to use the app.
Through June 10th, the TSE had reviewed 110 legal complaints of the 415 submitted, which is larger than the number of legal complains than the Public Ministry received. The TSE will now provide the Public Ministry with those reviewed legal complaints determined to be valid for further processing. The aim of the application is to improve transparency in the electoral process and to contribute to the fulfillment of Commitment 20, Milestone 422 of the 4th OGP NAP 2018-2020, on strengthening electoral transparency.
CSO Testimonials from the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program On May 2019, Participación Cívica launched the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program for over 30 civil society organizations (CSOs) working in Guatemala City. The goal of the nine-month program is to strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of CSOs to more effectively advocate for the Government of Guatemala to deliver on its commitments to the Guatemalan people.
In May and June 2019, the Program offered training in topics such as transparency, open government, advocacy, and various components of organizational development, including financial sustainability, human resources, communications, and project management.
22 Commitment 20, Milestone 4 states: “Development and implementation of a mobile application in which the complainant can submit photos and other media in coordination with other institutions, in particular with the Public Ministry.” Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 43 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Four CSO participants shared their initial experiences from the training modules:
"The issues addressed “It has been a great in the Program are vital opportunity to integrate, for our organization. In as deaf people, into the addition, the efforts of civil society opportunity to share organizations, and with other organizations putting into practice
strengthens the what we learn will coordination allow us to achieve capabilities of civil better results.” society.”
Asociación de Sordos Guatemala Visible de Guatemala
“The knowledge that is “As part of the LGBTI community, learning being shared in the Program reaffirms what about advocating in a
we are already working transparent manner will on and allows us to allow us to make visible better involve ourselves our efforts to recognize in efforts to achieve the rights of all greater transparency in vulnerable populations, public management.” and change the behavior of decision- Fe y Alegría / USAID makers.” Convivimos, Asociación LAMBDA Mercy Corps
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 44 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
An Interview with the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP) In May, Participación Cívica signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding with the National Institute for Public Administration (INAP), provide a formal mechanism to co-implement two distinct courses for Government of Guatemala officials, including a certificate-level course on Open Government (blended learning, both in-person and online) and a virtual course on Principles of Open Government. The courses, which launched in April, directly contribute to Commitment 10, Milestone 3 of the 4th Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan (NAP) (2018-2020).
The certificate course, launched in April and continuing through July 2019, aims to reach to Guatemala City-based public officials. Participación Cívica’s Transparency and Accountability Senior Specialist sat down with the, Assistant to the Director of the Executing Unit of Road Conservation (COVIAL), within the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing, to learn more about her experience as a participant in the certificate course.
Can you describe the collaboration between INAP and Participación Cívica? The collaboration is of great importance, as public officials can attend a series of classes in which they have the opportunity to learn about topics that one does not have the opportunity to study in other spaces. Likewise, it allows public officials to prepare themselves The Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing shares her better, in the face of the new challenges that the State is now having experience of participating in the INAP as it develops in its evolution. Therefore, I believe that the training. collaboration has been good, and I hope that it will continue, and that it will be considered for future activities.
How has Participación Cívica supported the participation of INAP in a transparency or advocacy initiatives? Which ones specifically? The Project has enabled and supported my presence in this certificate program, which consists of very important content for all public servants. I understand that there was a great demand to participate in this course, so I appreciate the benefit of being considered for this kind of activity. Additionally, we are allowed to delve into matters of transparency and the fight against corruption, which are important issues at the moment in the country. This is very useful because one does not have the opportunity to learn about these types of issues and sometimes only listen to or read about it in the news, without having a complete idea of what it is or what it refers to.
What aspect of collaboration with Participación Cívica do you value most? And, why? I most value the opportunity to listen to specialists in the field, who have explained step by step what Open Government is and how public employees and citizens can participate in the various spaces that this initiative has. Also, I appreciate that the course has provided materials and a lot of written information, along with the effort that has been made to provide access for participation via scheduled videoconferences, as it allowed us to understand the reality of other countries related to these topics. Also, the extensive participation of women within the certificate course is of great value, since in other courses, men are the majority. This indicates a good sign of a change in mentality, with the course creating an inclusive experience and gaining a lot of respect.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 45 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Challenges
Reduction of funding to the Northern Triangle- The Project received notification from USAID in June that it would not obtain the anticipated FY18 obligation. As such, the Project’s status is uncertain as its submitted Contingency Plan awaits USAID feedback, and more guidance on the potential from any additional funding for Year 5.
Reduction of the Grant Pool- The Project had aimed to provide new grants to a targeted group of 11-13 CSOs in Year 4 to advance advocacy initiatives related to transparency and open government, elections, and transparency as it relates to gender and social inclusion. Due to the current situation regarding the freeze on FY2018 funds, the Project removed eight grants from its pipeline (a total reduction of $331k). The Project only has sufficient funding for the launch of four new grants this quarter, totaling five current CSO grants. The Project will also not be able to focus on themes of GESI to the extent anticipated through the awarded CSO partners, as it is not their area of focus. Since the Project had planned to conduct a large percentage of its activities through its grants to local partners, it faces not meeting Year 4 indicator targets. As a result, the Project has shifted its focus to providing technical assistance to CSO partners through capacity building and coaching activities.
Uncertainty for Project staff- The current atmosphere among the USAID Mission and implementing partners is one of uncertainty and doubt. As such, the Project’s staff have expressed concerns to Project leadership about the stability of their positions and their anxiety about the future of the Project and its impact on government and CSO partners. The Project leadership has tried to maintain staff morale by sharing information as promptly and transparently as possible.
Lack of motivation by Government officials- Due to the ongoing General Elections and the upcoming change in administration in January 2020, many government officials, especially those in leadership positions, are anticipating a departure from the government. As such, many face uncertainty for their careers and financial sustainability, and also are not as engaged in their work. This creates a risk for the sustainability of some of the Project’s initiatives, such as the implementation of the Open Government Partnership. To mitigate this risk, wherever possible, the Project has tried to focus interventions on lower-level staff who are less likely to transition with the new administration, such as those participants in the training courses with INAP.
Heightened tension during the General Elections- The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) received a lot of criticism this quarter. Due to many complaints by citizens, or issues faced by the TSE during the Elections process and on Election Day, the climate did not allow space for the TSE to adequately engage in educational opportunities for citizen participation, including some activities planned within the Project’s grant to Guatemala Visible. The TSE has been in defense-mode, and as such has not been able to as proactively publicize the Elecciones Visibles app, nor promptly respond to reports and complaints submitted via the app.
Lessons Learned
Tailored and shifting support to government and CSO partners- Due to the reduction in FY18 funding, the Project has had to reduce its support to both government and CSO partners, removing previously anticipated activities from the Year 4 work plan. In order to maintain strong relationships and trust among these valued partners, Project leadership arranged one-on-one meetings with the Presidential Commission for Open Public Management and Transparency (GPAT) and eight CSO partners that had anticipated receiving grant funding. In general, the partners expressed appreciation for the time, transparency, and sensitivity by which the Project notified each of them in person of this change, and while disappointed, also shared their empathy regarding the current funding situation. As a result of the reduced funding, the Project has also increased its technical assistance to GoG and CSO partners by relying more on staff resources. For example, the Project has proposed a few new activities to support GPAT during the transition of administration (pending approval of the Contingency Plan).
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 46 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Additionally, the Project is offering enhanced one-on-one coaching to CSO partners, including the revision of the concept notes of two CSOs (Institute of Social Protection and CODEFEM) to best prepare them for submission to other potential donors.
More intensive follow-up with participants in the Open Government Partnership Global Summit- In previous years, the Project has faced challenges with holding sponsored GoG and CSO participants in the OGP Global Summit accountable to their commitment to host training-of-trainer workshops with their colleagues on Open Government and their lessons learned from their participation in the event. As such, this year, the Project focused more time and effort on clarifying expectations with the participants before the Summit, and on following up with them after the event to confirm the date, time, and focus area of the trainings in their public institutions and CSOs. As such, all four participants submitted the work plans for their workshops in June, and the Project anticipates that the participants will host the trainings for their colleagues in Q4.
Inconsistent CSO training attendance- During the five Transparency and Organizational Development courses offered in May and June, many CSOs had inconsistent participation. Especially during the five-day module on Open Government and Communications for Advocacy, many organizations did not attend all five days, all day long. As such, they likely missed out on some important content and did not gain as much from the course as their peers that had consistent attendance throughout the week. The Project team attributes this demonstrated inconsistency to a couple of factors beyond the expected decline in attendance during any typical event. Firstly, the CSOs had to register for the course by the end of April, with many of them starting the training less than two weeks afterward. As such, it allowed little time for the staff participants to clear their schedules to make the whole week available for the training. Secondly, the Project had initially intended in the Year 4 work plan as a residential course, hosting the training off-site in Antigua, Guatemala or another location, allowing participants to fully focus on the material. Due to the partnership with WomenLead Institute and the costs associated, the trainings were moved to Guatemala City, which led to many participants trying to balance calls, meetings, and other appointments in their offices or home life with the demands of the Program, not allowing for their full attention.
Supporting self-reliance through grants- At their initial conception, the Project’s five current grants did not explicitly link with USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance or to the mitigation of migration. Yet due to the changing context in-country and with United States-Guatemala relations, the Project met with CSO partners to better understand how the planned activities would contribute to these two timely areas of priority. As a result, each the Project identified how each grant contributes to the Journey to Self-Reliance indicators (see Annex D), and CSO partners adapted their activities to better address self-reliance and migration issues. For example, GuateCívica has added discussions on migration and self-reliance to its workshops about Open Government, and CEIDEPAZ will work to ensure that the revised Social Development and Population Policy includes a section directly linked to migration.
X. PROJECT EXPENDITURE Total expenses reported for the project during the quarter from April – June 2019 were $602,545.
A total of $11,129,200 has been reported as of June 30, 2019, in the SF-425 submitted to USAID with this technical quarterly report. This amount represents 74.19% of the total approved budget and about 91% of obligated program budget of USD $12,231,506.
Expenses reported under subgrants to date is $1,1,493,733 and $54,225 for the period from April – June 2019. This does not include accrued expenses that are pending reconciliation. Expenses reported under Rapid Response Fund to date are $289,365, and $0 for the quarter ending June 30, 2019.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 47 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
XI. PROGRAMMING PRIORITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER Activities for Q4 are dependent upon further guidance from USAID on the Project’s Contingency Plan, submitted on June 24. The Projects aims to implement the following key activities: • Facilitate the process to develop an Open Government Partnership (OGP) transition plan • Host joint session with the President-elect after August 11 to promote Open Government and transparency • Support the continued implementation and monitoring of the 4th OGP NAP • Facilitate the sharing of results from the MESICIC and UNCAC evaluations • Monitor the implementation of five grants with activities related to the implementation of the 4th OGP NAP and transparency in elections • Launch the Transparency and Organizational Program’s working groups for the development of advocacy and organizational development products with over 30 CSO partners • Facilitate advocacy by the CSO Roundtable to newly elected Government on importance of the sustainability of the Open Government Partnership
GESI • Incorporate GESI themes into all CSO working groups for the development of products related to advocacy, financial sustainability, human resources, project management, and communications; • Provide specific recommendations for each CSO grantee to help strengthen their GESI approaches and tools; and • Host one women-focused activities in partnership with grantee partner.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 48 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Annex A: Agenda for INAP's Certificate Course in Open Government
DIPLOMADO EN GOBIERNO ABIERTO Contenido Programático de cada módulo Viernes de 8:00 a 12:00 horas, salón Mayor del INAP
Módulo Temario Fecha
1.1 Reforma y modernización del Estado 1.2 La gestión pública para el Siglo XXI 1.3 Ética en la gestión Pública 1.4 ¿Qué es gobierno abierto? Módulo I 1.5 Antecedentes Reforma del Estado, 1.6 Pilares básicos: 26 de abril modernización de la a) Transparencia y acceso a la información gestión pública y principios de gobierno b) Participación abierto c) Colaboración d) Rendición de Cuentas 1.7 Marco normativo: derecho de acceso a la información pública y protección de datos personales 1.8 Carta Iberoamericana de Gobierno Abierto
2.1 El papel de los gobiernos en la Sociedad del Conocimiento 2.2 La brecha digital y políticas públicas Módulo II 2.3 El gobierno electrónico y el gobierno abierto: La sociedad del continuidades y discontinuidades conocimiento: 2.4 Administración pública y tecnologías de la 03 de mayo tecnologías de información información, gobierno electrónico y apertura de 2.5 La apertura de datos públicos (open data) datos 2.6 La apertura de procesos (open process) 2.7 ¿Qué es la interoperabilidad y el open data aplicado a los datos gubernamentales? 2.8 El papel de Gobierno Electrónico en el Gobierno abierto
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 49 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Módulo Temario Fecha
3.1 La participación ciudadana en la sociedad moderna 3.2 El papel de las TIC en la participación ciudadana 3.3 Nuevas formas de vinculación y comunicación entre 10 de mayo política y ciudadanía 3.4 Las organizaciones de la sociedad civil y el gobierno Módulo III abierto Gobierno abierto y
participación ciudadana 3.5 Colaborar: cómo, cuándo, dónde y para qué 3.6 Transparencia Fiscal 3.7 Rendición de cuentas 17 de mayo 3.8 Gobierno abierto y portales ciudadanos
4.1 Antecedentes: la experiencia de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE) 4.2 La Iniciativa de Gobierno Abierto: una nueva agenda global - Contexto de lanzamiento - Declaración de Gobierno Abierto - Los cinco grandes retos 24 de mayo Módulo IV - Compromisos de un plan de acción Proyectos de colaboración - Estados que se han adherido internacional: el - Planes de acción caso de la Iniciativa de Gobierno Abierto y su - Mecanismo de reportes independientes implementación en - Rol de la sociedad civil Guatemala
4.2 Guatemala en la Iniciativa de Gobierno Abierto - Adhesión - Planes de acción 31 de mayo - Tercer Plan de acción 2016 - 2018 - Implementación del tercer plan de acción
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 50 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Módulo Temario Fecha - Reportes independientes
4.3 Los desafíos de la política en la Sociedad de Conocimiento 07 de junio 4.4 Gobierno Abierto en América Latina: ¿utopía o realidad?
4.5 Buenas Prácticas: presupuestos participativos y mecanismos de democracia directa en América Latina 14 de junio
Módulo V 5.1 Requisitos para crear un compromiso Práctica: 5.2 Creando compromisos 21 de junio Como proponer compromisos e 5.3 Como implementar un compromiso implementarlos en 5.4 Medios de verificación nuestras instituciones
Evaluación y Trabajo Evaluación y entrega de trabajo final 28 de junio final
Clausura 05 de julio
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 51 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Annex B: List of CSO Participants in the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program
Legend ✓ Completed modules requirements X Participated in the module, did not fulfill course requirements
Open Govt & Project and Name of the Financial Human Comms Program Communications Organization Sustainability Resources for Management Advocacy Fundación 1 Sobrevivientes ✓ ✓ ✓ Cámara de
2 Industria de ✓ x ✓ Guatemala Centro Internacional para
3 Investigaciones en ✓ ✓ ✓ Derechos Humanos -CIIDH- Convergencia
4 Ciudadana de ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Mujeres Asociación
5 Vivamos Mejor ✓ ✓ ✓ Guatemala Asociación de
6 Mujeres Alas de x x Mariposas Asociación 7 LAMBDA ✓ ✓ ✓ Asociación Civil 8 x Diálogos ✓
9 Guatemala Visible ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Asociación Civil
10 Alianza por la ✓ ✓ ✓ Nutrición
11 Acción Ciudadana ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 52 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Centro de Investigaciones y
12 Proyectos para el ✓ ✓ ✓ Desarrollo y la Paz -CEIDEPAZ-
13 WDN Guatemala ✓ ✓ ✓
EDUCAGuate (Asociación 14 Eduquemos ✓ ✓ ✓ Guatemala)
15 FUNDESA x ✓ ✓
Fundación 16 x Esquipulas ✓ ✓ Colectiva para la Defensa de los Derechos de las 17 Mujeres en ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Guatemala - CODEFEM-
18 FUNDAL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
FUNDACIÓN 19 MYRNA MACK ✓ ✓ ✓
Fundación Ramiro 20 De León Carpio ✓ ✓ ✓
21 Guatecambia ✓ ✓ ✓
Instituto de
22 Protección Social ✓ ✓ ✓ IPS Centro de Acción Legal-Ambiental y 23 Social de ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Guatemala
24 LEGIS x x
Asociación Civil
25 Ernesto Shneider ✓ ✓ ✓ Troller
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 53 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Asociación de
26 Sordos de ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Guatemala
27 Jubilados del IVS ✓ x
28 ASINDES ✓ ✓ ✓
29 Alianza Norte 6 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Asociación Vivan 30 los Jóvenes ✓ ✓ ✓
Jóvenes Contra la 31 Violencia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Empresarios por la 32 Educación ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Instituto Centroamericano 33 x x de Estudios Fiscales (ICEFI) Fundación
34 Educativa Fe y ✓ ✓ ✓ Alegría
35 GuateCívica x x ✓
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 54 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Annex C: Agendas for the Transparency and Organizational Strengthening Program’s Modules
Módulo: Transparencia y Comunicaciones para la Incidencia Del 13 al 17 de mayo de 2019. Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
Día 1
HORARIO ACTIVIDAD RESPONSABLE
08:00 - Marlyn Cano, Registro de Participantes. 08:30 a.m. Participación cívica
08:35 – 08:40 Inicio del programa Hugo Saravia
08:40 - 08:50 Entonación del Himno de Guatemala Todos
Franco Sánchez 08:50 - 08:55 Palabras de Bienvenida al Programa COP Participación Cívica Katie Appel Qué es Participación Cívica y Por Qué un Programa de 8:55 - 9:15 Transparencia y Fortalecimiento Organizacional DCOP Participación Cívica
Hugo Saravia 9:15 - 9:25 Después de los talleres: Próximos Pasos OD Specialist
9:25 – 9:30 Entrega de Estafeta: Presentación de Facilitadores Hugo Saravia
Sandra Aliaga 09:30 – 10:30 Dinámica de Presentación de participantes Facilitadora
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 13:00 Transparencia y Gobierno Abierto Otto Navarro
13:00 – 14:00 Almuerzo
Graciela Cabrera 14:00 – 16:00 Acceso a la Información Pública Ministerio de Gobernación
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 55 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Module: Communications for Advocacy May 14-17 and 21-24, 2019 Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
DAY TWO
8:00 – 9:30 Opening/Welcome Participants arrive; Facilitator and Participant Introductions; Expectations; Summary of Pre-workshop Survey Responses; Overview of Agenda and objectives; Setting Norms
9:30 – 10:15 Introduction to Advocacy: Participants will 1. Describe various perspectives on the role of civil society in cancer control policy advocacy. 2. Reach consensus on a definition of advocacy.
10:15 – 10:30 BREAK
10:30 – 11:30 Introduction to Advocacy (cont.)
11:30 – 12:30 The Advocacy Process: Participants will 1. Distinguish advocacy from related concepts. 2. List and describe the phases of an advocacy strategy.
12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH
1:30 – 2:45 The Advocacy Process (cont.)
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 56 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
2:45 – 3:00 Introduction to Advocacy Strategy Workbook: Participants will Review the Advocacy Strategy Workbook, determine the extent to which the strategy can be drafted during the workshop, identify additional resources and input needed to complete the strategy, and set the timeline for completion post training.
3:00 – 3:15 BREAK
3:15 – 5:10 Advocacy Issues, Goals and Objectives: Participants will 1. Define priority advocacy issues. (Note: If different groups are going to work on developing campaigns for different issues, the groups should work together from this point through the end of the workshop.) 2. Refine and/or develop an advocacy goal and objectives for each of the priority advocacy issue/s selected by participants.
5:10 Closing and Evaluation
DAY THREE
8:30 – 8:45 Opening and Day 1 Recap
8:45 – 9:30 Advocacy Issues, Goals and Objectives (cont.)
9:30 – 10:00 Advocacy Workbook: Participants will Work in advocacy issue-specific groups to update the workbook and identify additional information needed for the campaign/s.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 57 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
10:00 – 10:15 BREAK
10:15 – 12:30 The Policy Process: Participants will 1. Define policy and policymaking. 2. Explain and illustrate how the policy process works in their country. 3. Develop a policy process map for a key policy issue. 12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH
1:30 – 2:45 Target Audience Analysis: Participants will 1. Identify primary and secondary target audiences for each advocacy objective/s. 2. Conduct an analysis of the target audiences. 3. Select priority target audience members.
2:45 – 3:00 BREAK
3:00 – 4:30 Target Audience Analysis (cont.)
4:30 – 5:00 Advocacy Workbook: Participants will Work in advocacy issue-specific groups to update the workbook and identify additional information needed for the campaign/s.
5:00 Closing and Evaluation
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 58 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
DAY FOUR
8:30 – 8:45 Opening and Day Two Recap
8:45 – 10:30 Building Support: Participants will 1. Define the benefits of multi-sectoral collaboration in advocacy efforts. 2. Identify individuals and organizations as potential partners for advocacy efforts. 3. Identify action items for forming and sustaining an effective advocacy network.
10:30 – 10:45 BREAK
10:45 - 11:30 Building Support (cont.)
11:30 – 12:30 Advocacy Communications: Participants will 1. Describe the fundamental components of effective communication. 2. Craft a set of core advocacy messages designed to reach different target groups.
3. Design a message-delivery strategy for the target audience.
12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH
1:30 – 3:15 Advocacy Communications (cont.)
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 59 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
3:15 – 3:30 BREAK
3:30 – 4:30 Advocacy Workbook: Participants will Work in advocacy issue-specific groups to update the workbook and identify additional information needed for the campaign/s.
4:30 Closing and Daily Evaluation
DAY FIVE
8:30 – 8:45 Opening and Day Three Recap
8:45 - 10:35 Media Advocacy: Participants will 1. Define strategies and tips for working with traditional media. 2. Examine social media as an advocacy tool.
3. Build strong media relationships. 10:35 – 10:50 BREAK
10:50 – 12:00 Data for Decision Making: Participants will 1. Identify important factors regarding the use of data in advocacy campaigns. 2. Identify specific data needs and sources to support their advocacy campaign. 12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 60 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
1:00 – 2:45 Monitoring & Evaluating Advocacy: Participants will 1. Describe key M&E terminology 2. Explain why it is important to evaluate advocacy 3. Develop an M&E framework for their advocacy strategy 2: 45 – 3:00 BREAK
3:00 – 4:15 Monitoring & Evaluating Advocacy (cont.)
4:15 – 5:00 ACS Advocacy Strategy Workbook Session: Participants will 1. Work in issue groups to finalize advocacy strategy drafts and identify gaps and additional information needed for follow-up. 2. Share key elements of their strategies for feedback from peers.
5:00 Closing and Final Workshop Evaluation
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 61 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
Annex D: Contribution of Current Grants to the USAID Journey to Self-Reliance Indicators
Contribution to Journey to Self-Reliance Indicators Civil Society Anticipated Grant Commitment Capacity Areas of Focus Organization Result Open and Accountable Inclusive Government Civil Society & Media Government Development Effectiveness Effectiveness Guatemala Geographic Focus: Greater culture of Liberal Democracy: With greater Not directly Government Civil Society & Media Visible National, with a focus on participation, transparency, capacity to collect and process applicable Effectiveness: The app Effectiveness: The app is a (March – regions with high rates and oversight of the electoral violations, the TSE will be provides users with mechanism that citizens, September 2019) of electoral conflict political processes, and more accountable for ensuring free educational information, civil society organizations, specifically of the 2019 elections. increasing their knowledge and an independent media Thematic Area: General Elections process, on content related to can use to hold the Electoral transparency among Guatemalan Open Government: With the electoral violations, government accountable for citizens through a newly- Elecciones Visibles app, citizens are electoral reforms, and the ensuring a free and fair Audience: developed digital more empowered people with tools electoral process. election. Additionally, • Citizens that use the application. to hold the government accountable Guatemala Visible is sharing digital platforms for electoral violations. The the results of the use of the • Supreme Electoral development of the Elecciones app for the 2019 General Tribunal (TSE) Visibles application provides the Elections in order to TSE with such a tool, while building distribute the results among the capacity of staff to use the the wider public. software, thereby transferring ownership. The application allows the identification of potential sites of electoral conflict and channels complaints of possible anomalies to the Public Ministry (MP). The app provides a source for improved government data on the location and type of electoral violation, and it encourages civic participation in the electoral process. This allows coordination between citizens, the TSE, and the MP.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 62 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
CIIDH Geographic Focus: Use of social auditing and Open Government: Through its Not directly Government Civil Society & Media (May 2019– May oversight mechanisms to Public Expenditure Observatory, applicable Effectiveness: The findings Effectiveness: The social 2020) Thematic Area: improve the CIIDH will monitor OGP of CIIDH’s social audit will oversight conducted by Oversight of public implementation of select commitments related to push highlight the quality and CIIDH, especially through spending and public milestones and factors related to migration, such effectiveness of public the Public Expenditure services commitments of the 4th as: education, protection, social services and the credibility Observatory, serves as a Open Government inclusion, and purchases and of the government's mechanism that citizens, Audience: Partnership (OGP) contracting from the State, thereby commitment to its stated civil society organizations, • Civil society National Action Plan verifying the actions aimed at policies, specifically its and an independent media organizations (NAP) for increased strengthening the transparency of commitments in the 4th can use to hold the • Members of the awareness by citizens. expenditures intended for public OGP NAP. government accountable to Open Government services. Based on this review and upholding its commitments Partnerships (GoG & analysis of public spending and in the 4th OGP NAP. CSOs) progress on OGP commitments, the members of OGP will be empowered with data to hold the government accountable, fostering citizen participation in public policy deliberations. CEIDEPAZ Geographic Focus: Increased support for the Open Government: Participation in Social Group Government Civil Society & Media (June 2019- March National revision and updating the updating of the Social Equality: The revised Effectiveness: The Effectiveness: The revised 2020) process of the Social Development and Population Policy Policy will include, as formulation and Policy will serve as a Thematic Area: Development and allows for suggestions on how to cross-cutting implementation of the mechanism that citizens, • Social development Population Policy led by address the migration problem in elements, the political revised Social Development civil society organizations, • Inclusive Ministry for Social the country or considerations from equality of social and Population Policy will and an independent media development Development (MIDES), USAID’s "Journey to Self- groups, such as facilitate public discourse can use to hold the • Public Policy which relates to Reliance." The Social Development people with on the quality of public government accountable to Commitment No. 16 and Population Policy will consist of disabilities and senior services, their funding level, its investment in social and Audience: within the Protection and the five following sectoral policies: citizens, promoting and their inclusion of inclusive development and • Civil society Social Inclusion Thematic - Health intra-institutional historically excluded groups to upholding its th th organizations Area of the 4 OGP NAP, - Education coordination to and those most vulnerable commitments in the 4 OGP • Key GoG actors, in alignment with the - Migration and employment protect and provide to migration (women, NAP. including standards, principles, and - Disaster risk reduction services for these youth, etc.). The Policy will SEGEPLAN and values of the Open - Social communication vulnerable ensure the credibility of the The grant will raise MIDES Government Partnership With the updating of the Social populations. government's reformulated awareness of the USAID • Members of the and the Sustainable Development and Population Policy, commitments and will "Journey to Self-Reliance" Open Government Development Goals. the members of OGP will be include guidance on approach with key GoG Partnerships (GoG & empowered with data to hold the conducting monitoring and actors, SEGEPLAN and CSOs) government accountable, fostering evaluation of those MIDES, as well as CSOs citizen participation in public policy commitments, with the working on the issues deliberations. This project will also participation of civil addressed by the Policy, facilitate the open, participatory, and society. with the aim of constructive dialogue between public strengthening the institutions and civil society. implementation and
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 63 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
oversight of the Policy among civil society.
Additionally, CEIDEPAZ will have greater capacity for advocacy and the monitoring of public policy, especially related to employment and migration.
GuateCivica Geographic Focus: Increased awareness and Open Government: With increased Social Group Government Civil Society & Media (May-September Guatemala City, understanding of open awareness of the Open Government Equality: The Effectiveness: The four Effectiveness: The capacity 2019) Quetzaltenango (focus government activities mechanism and the 4th OGP NAP, capacity building capacity building sessions building sessions will on indigenous among Guatemalan and the value of women’s sessions will promote will reinforce the credibility promote actions and population), Zacapa citizens, specifically of the participation in these mechanisms, the political equality of the government's mechanisms, specifically (border state with high Open Government citizens will be more empowered to of social groups, such commitment to its stated related to the Open rates of immigration Partnership activities, with hold the government accountable to as women, youth, policies, namely the Open Government Partnership, from Honduras and El a focus on gender and its national and international indigenous, and Government Partnership, that citizens, civil society Salvador), and social inclusion. commitments. These awareness LGBTIQ populations, through raising awareness organizations, and an Sacatepéquez (focus on raising sessions will provide citizens and those in regions of the National Action Plan independent media can use women’s CSOs) will access to information on the with high rates of co-creation process among to hold a government GoG’s commitments, promoting poverty and government and civil accountable to upholding its Thematic Area: their civic participation in OGP migration. society. The sessions will commitments in the 4th OGP • Civic participation mechanisms. further promote the NAP. • Open Government Economic Gender participation of vulnerable Social inclusion Through these trainings, citizens will Gap: With a specific populations in these Ultimately, the aim of these be more equipped to advocate for workshop in mechanisms. sessions is to incorporate Audience: improved living conditions to Quetzaltenango new actors in the OGP Civil society mitigate causes of migration or the focused on the civic Initiative (ex. CSOs Organizations, with a support returnees. participation of defending the human rights focus on women, youth, women, the grant of migrants and institutions indigenous, and aims to contribute to related to the topic). LGBTIQ populations the overall political participation of women in Guatemala. FUNDESA Geographic Focus: Improved inventory Open Government: The SPM will Social Group Government Not directly applicable (July 2019 – Escuintla (high rate of management and provide hospitals with an inventory Equality: The Effectiveness: The SPM January 2020) investment in public procurement of medicines management tool to hold the improved capacity of will generate quality data on health services), Alta in four national hospitals government accountable to its public MSPAS and hospital the quality and funding of Verapaz and Zacapa through the use of the health spending, and to foster citizen staff will improve the public health services. The (states with high rates of Suggested Purchasing participation in public policy decentralization of grant will also promote the emigration), and Module (Modulo Sugerido deliberations regarding MSPAS health services to the quality and credibility of the Quetzaltenango (focus de Compras) investment. The SPM will directly interior of the policy implementation of improve the quality of government Article 26 of the National
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 64 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001
on indigenous health data, the availability of country, in four Budget Law and the MOU population) medicines and medical supplies, and distinct regions. between FUNDESA, the the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Public Finance Thematic Area: MSPAS to adequately provide health Through more (MINFIN), and MSPAS, • Health services to citizens. efficient spending on intended to optimize and/or Fiscal transparency hospital inventories, develop institutional the MSPAS will have processes to improve Audience: cost savings to transparency and efficiency • Four national reallocate to services in the use of resources hospitals that will better within the national health • Ministry of Public address the needs to network. The grant will Health and Social Guatemalans. reinforce the sustainability Assistance (MSPAS) of the institutionalization of the SPM tool within these hospitals and the MSPAS.
By improving access to and quality of health services, citizens will benefit from better living conditions, mitigating one of the reasons that may cause migration.
Counterpart International – Participación Cívica Project Page 65 of 65 CA#: AID 520-LA-15-00001