Monthly Program Updates-Nov 2018: Yemen Communities Stronger Together

The project is part of the Cooperative Agreement No. 72027918CA00001, which was signed on November 22nd with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) Vice Minister, Dr. Nazar Abdullah Basuhaib. The agreement focuses on two main issues: the selection criteria for PACE and stabilization districts, and the funding for projects, program development, and operations. YCST met with NAMCHA officials on November 11, 2018, in Sana'a, to discuss the project's approach and schedule. NAMCHA expressed their support for the project and offered to share their experience, assessment tools, and reports to support project implementation. However, they proposed certain limitations, including piloting PACE projects in one community first and then scaling up within two or three months, and reviewing the scope of the project in all Yemen communities. On November 27th, YCST met with NAMCHA officials to discuss the sub-agreement approval process. NAMCHA officials agreed to prepare One Package SOPs for approval of sub-agreements within ten days, establish a one-window shop for sub-agreements and permits, and support the INGO Forum. They also stated that engagement of NAMCHA in the procurement process is a requirement by law, and that the project and proposals advertisement in an official newspaper is a requirement by law. YCST has been actively recruiting staff for the project, with three local nationals employed and five accepted offers. However, they have to give their notices to their current employers and usually there is a required 30-day notice period. The DFA candidate has accepted the offer, and YCST is in the process of obtaining a visa for him to join the team in January 2019. YCST has also secured office space in Aden and Sana'a, with the lease signed this week. The management system for online submittal and approval of requests has been completed and is being used. YCST has met with local partners, including FMF, NFDHR, and PfG, to discuss community mapping and selection criteria, targeted districts and sub-districts, and the schedule for hiring staff and training mobilizers and MEAL staff in Amman in January 2019. YCST has submitted the Performance Indicators Reference Sheet (PIRS) plan to USAID. Proposals for the baseline assessment in the targeted PACE and Stabilization communities have been received and evaluated, and YCST is in the process of selecting the qualified firm. The baseline assessment will provide reliable baseline data on social capital, stabilization, community security, formal and informal resources, drivers of conflict, community priorities, and channels for engagement and feedback. YCST has also met with implementers, including Pragma and Search for Common Ground, to obtain information on their activities and locations to complete the communities mapping process. YCST has also met with Ability for Human Investment, a local CSO, with inclusion and women and youth participation experience in Aden and southern governorates, and exchanged ideas.