Description
The objective of the pre-project is to conduct an in-depth study of FLO and ITCs’ respective capabilities and activities in four selected pilot countries (South Africa, Viet Nam, Ethiopia, and Peru), with the aim to identify possible collaboration avenues between the two institutions, to be tested in a pilot country. This initial scoping and mapping phase has a two-fold objective: firstly, to identify among the four leading candidate countries the best country in which to conduct the pilot; and secondly, conduct a mapping exercise to identify each organization’s operational coverage in 12 additional countries, thereby facilitating the identification of further collaboration possibilities between FLO and ITC partners. The pre-project will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on an in-depth needs assessment of FLO networks and ITC capabilities, products and services available in South Africa and Vietnam. This will be complemented with thorough desk research, conducted by ITC and FLO in four selected countries, to identify potential synergies and linkages across partners of the two organizations. Taking into consideration lessons learned from the first phase, the second phase will cover an in-depth analysis of two additional countries (Ethiopia, and Peru), and desk research for seven additional countries. Viet Nam and South Africa have been selected as pilot countries for the first phase, as both FLO and ITC have experience working in both countries. Both organizations also have strong partner networks, which can substantially contribute to the needs assessment, and help develop an effective technical assistance programme. Upon confirmation of SECO’s financial agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FLO and ITC, will be signed to define the roles and responsibilities of each organization throughout the pre-project.