| Overview : The African Union (AU) is mandated to provide leadership for accelerated integration and sustainable development in Africa through the promotion of unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation amongst Member States. In pursuant of this mandate the AU has established a number of bilateral and multilateral partnerships, as well as partnerships with regional groupings and organizations. Effective and efficient management and coordination of these partnerships are imperative for Africa to maximize the benefits and added-value towards the continent’s industrial, technological and human capital development. To this end the AU requested the assistance of UNDP, as a trusted and key partner for many years, to strengthen its capacity in this regard.
Following needs assessments in 2011 UNDP engaged a team of consultants to work towards strengthening the strategic management and coordination of partnerships by the African Union Commission (AUC). Deliverables of the assignment included the establishment of the Partnership Management and Coordination Division (PMCD) in the Office of the Chairperson, supported by various mechanisms and tools. These included a Partnership Strategy Framework to provide guidelines, criteria for engagement in, and the management of partnerships, as well as a management information system.
The institutionalization and operationalization of the PMCD have however remained a challenge for a number of reasons. The new leadership of the Commission has been concerned about this challenge and is taking steps to address the challenge. The UNDP is supporting the process, and as part of its assistance, is supporting the AUC to evaluate Africa’s strategic partnerships in response to an AU Executive Council Decision. Among emerging findings, the Evaluation underscores the need for the AU to have a framework to guide the establishment and management of Strategic Partnerships. The AUC requires the services of a consultant to assist in responding to the findings of the Evaluation. |
