Building Human and Institutional Capacity Quarterly Report 2 - 2013

The project focuses on strengthening the rule of law and improved governance, as well as creating conditions for broad-based, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth. To achieve this goal, BHIC provides a flexible approach to meeting capacity building needs, including in-country, U.S., and third-country training of current and potential leaders and experts, institutional assessments of key private organizations/public institutions, targeted technical assistance, and focused grants. The project targets at least 5 Albanian central and local governmental organizations, 15 non-governmental organizations and private sector entities, 45 leaders, and 45 technical specialists across various sectors. During the January-March 2013 period, BHIC made significant progress in implementing its activities. The project management and office setup continued to refine documents and procedures to meet the requirements of the Cooperative Agreement. World Learning provided input and guidance on compliance, assessments, and procurement of experts, including the selection of an international expert for the Public Private Partnerships Support Project. In terms of program interventions, BHIC provided training, technical assistance, and grants to support capacity building programs. One third-country training for the Central Elections Committee and its staff was completed, while another program provided technical assistance to increase access to capital for agribusiness through training and individual advice on EU funding opportunities. This program exceeded expectations, training a total of 591 men and 86 women from agribusiness and banks. The project also addressed the need for training judges in insolvency/bankruptcy law and procedures, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Magistrate School and providing an intensive course. Two banks, BKT and Credins, reported that they had removed a barrier to improved performance by establishing a special agro-loan department with dedicated loan officers responsible for targets for agro loans. BHIC's progress is reflected in the indicators, which show that 2 government institutions, 5 non-governmental institutions, and 7 leaders were trained or received technical assistance during this period. The project also provided training to 264 individuals, including 220 men and 44 women from agribusiness and banks. The Intervention Plan was updated to reflect likely costs and interventions planned, and the first quarterly narrative report was submitted in a timely fashion.