MENA Codes Workshop

Role and Tasks of the Project Manager

Philip Armstrong

March 2006

Explanation of the Role

• Example Provided taken from King Report Exercise • Must be Good Communicator…..

…..work closely with the committee chairman …..coordinate activities with the secretariat …..develop good working relations with task teams,

researchers• Preferably Should have a Good Network

…..well connected with institutions involved in the project …..develop network of research sources, locally and

internationally …..have access to regional and international experts (?)

• Should have Close Eye for Detail • Must Remain Objective throughout Process

…..no vested interests, guided by the objectives of the review • Must be Prepared to Negotiate Difficult Issues

Tasks to be Undertaken

• Set Timetable and Determine Objectives of the Review

• Map out Work Program …..for the committee and key milestones …..for the task teams with clear guidelines, targets …..for the “core working group” and finalising the code

• Establish Necessary Resources and Networks • Undertake Regular Liaison

…..with committee and committee chairman …..with secretariat, researchers, other correspondents …..with task teams and their leaders …..with regulators and other official bodies

• Distribute Useful Material to Support Process• Set Templates to Guide Structure of Content• Central Source for Collating and Editing Draft

Content

Key Issues in the Process

• Establish Modus Operandi …..keep tight control of project timetable …..ensure regular and clear communication to key parties …..communicate, communicate, communicate!

• Keep in Touch with Progress …..provide interventions or facilitate support as necessary …..remain available to all involved parties …..remain in touch!

• Also follow policy and practice developments …..domestic priorities and relevant international issues

• Use Technology to Expedite Distribution, Consultation

• Keep ALL Copies of Edited Drafts …..in case of disputes on content!

• Ensure Strong, Reliable Secretarial Back-up• Maintain Record of All Sources of Reference,

Research

Some Lessons ……

• Keep a Record of How Content Accepted or Rejected …..maintain a matrix of key issues …..record from whom submissions received in this connection …..detail of how the committee/editors responded (with reasons)

• Consider Funding Issues early in the Project …..payments for research …..costs of communication, correspondence, dissemination …..costs of media engagement …..sources from whom funding can be obtained, vested interests

• If Consulting Support Required, Consider Implications• Editing, Negotiating Changes, Finalising…..

…..are very time consuming, don’t underestimate• Manner of Final Publication, Dissemination = Critical!

…..work does not end at this point, often only the beginning

Philip Armstrong Philip Armstrong

+1 202 458-9114+1 202 458-9114parmstrong@ifc.orgparmstrong@ifc.org

www.gcgf.orgwww.gcgf.org

Thank You