North Macedonia Support Initiative Semi-Annual Report. Oct 2018 – Mar 2019

The program is implemented by Chemonics and is based in Skopje. NMSI complements the U.S. government and USAID Mission efforts to support North Macedonia's integration into the European Union (EU) by providing targeted, flexible, short-term assistance to key stakeholders, including the Government of North Macedonia (GoNM), public institutions, civil society, and the media. The program's strategic framework prioritizes the following goal, objective, and sub-objective program areas: increasing accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. To achieve these goals, NMSI has identified two sub-objectives that target critical areas and drive programming. The program areas are guided by analysis of urgent reform areas identified by the U.S. government, the EU progress report processes, and the expressed political focus of the Government of North Macedonia. NMSI assistance is implemented in the form of small, in-kind grants (technical support, services, and, in limited instances, goods) and fixed amount awards (FAAs) to a range of partners, including national government entities, civil society organizations, and media entities. The program has established transportation arrangements, legal services, and security recommendations, and has conducted trainings for staff in digital security. During the reporting period, NMSI completed the successful transition of staff from the Macedonia Support Initiative (MSI) to NMSI on December 12, 2018, while also hiring for additional staff. The original Chief of Party departed the program in November 2018, and Chemonics and USAID/OTI expedited the process of identifying and hiring a new Chief of Party, who mobilized in March 2019. The program has also conducted a series of internal discussions and trainings with staff in January and February 2019 to clarify SMT and general staff roles and responsibilities. The outcome of this process resulted in a revision of some staff scopes of work, and a codification of SMT and local staff responsibilities. A revised Phase II Field Staffing Plan was resubmitted in March for USAID/OTI approval. NMSI has established a strong foundation for its programming, with a clear strategic framework and a well-established team. The program is well-positioned to make a significant impact in North Macedonia, particularly in the areas of accountability, transparency, and civic engagement.