ESMP Y3Q3 Progress Report

The project aims to enhance the planning, oversight, operation, and maintenance capabilities of the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH). To achieve this goal, ESMP Project staff will closely coordinate with multiple governmental and non-governmental actors, including local communities and parent stakeholders involved in the education process. The project is divided into four key components: Assessments, Policy and Systems Strengthening, Human Resource, Staff Development, and Training, and Sustainability of Increased Capacity. The Kaizen Company, LLC, was awarded the project on February 15, 2019, and is working in close collaboration with project ministry partners and other non-governmental stakeholders to lead to policy improvements in the planning, oversight, operation, and maintenance capabilities of the MOE and MPWH. During the USAID year 3, quarter 3 (Y3Q3) reporting period, several key highlights were noted. The geospatial site selection tool was completed and launched within the MOE, and was utilized to identify 400 schools and 100 lands pre-approved for expansion or new construction. The Construction Management Information System (CMIS) Design Review Module was developed, reviewed, and received approval, with go-live and training planned for early July 2021. Unified reports and workflows for CMIS Construction Reporting Phase 2 were also completed to optimize reporting and allow for construction progress, financial, and health and safety updates from the field. Additionally, Business Process Redesign (BPR) recommendations were completed for School Infrastructure (SI) Planning and Procurement functions to streamline processes and staff responsibilities. Preparations were advanced for the MOE-led Facility Audit of all MOE-owned and rented schools, including aid in procurement and logistics, conducting regional training sessions for approximately 200 MOE Field Directorate (FD) engineers, and completing questionnaire revisions linked to maintenance portal. A performance improvement (PI) team was formed within MPWH to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate contractors. A proposed Sustainability Framework was developed and began working with ministerial implementation teams. The MOE and MPWH were also assisted in developing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) frameworks and skill-based training programs. The ESMP Project aims to improve existing management systems and procedures used by the Government of Jordan (GOJ) to plan, implement, and utilize public schools in Jordan. The project's geographic coverage is Jordan, and the reporting period is April 1 – June 30, 2021. The project's prime implementing partner is The Kaizen Company, LLC, and subcontractors include Edvise ME and CDM International Inc. (CDM Smith). The project's contract number is 72027819C00002, and the project start and end dates are February 15, 2019 – February 14, 2023.