Options Assessment for Malawi's GHG Inventory System

The EAD's role in GHG inventories is critical in supporting Malawi's efforts to mitigate climate change and meet its international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EAD's capacity for inventories and potential contributions to the PERFORM project were assessed as part of the institutional capacity assessment. The assessment revealed that the EAD has a strong capacity for GHG inventory management, with a team of experienced professionals and a well-established institutional framework. However, the EAD faces challenges in interacting with other government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, which are essential for effective GHG inventory management. To address these challenges, the EAD has been exploring options for institutional arrangements that would enable it to effectively manage the GHG inventory system. Three generalized options for institutional arrangements have been proposed for consideration by the EAD management: 1. Centralized roles within the EAD: This approach would involve the EAD taking on a centralized role in managing the GHG inventory system, with the department responsible for coordinating all activities and maintaining technical staff. The pros of this approach include the EAD's control of the calendar and budget, the building of internal technical capacity, and more direct lines of communication between coordinators. However, the cons include the EAD's need to maintain technical staff and lower engagement/ownership by non-EAD partners. 2. Distribute key roles to partners: This approach would involve distributing key roles and responsibilities to partners, including other government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. The pros of this approach include the potential for partners to take advantage of their sectoral strengths, potentially lower budget requirements for the EAD, and no need to maintain sectoral specialists. However, the cons include more coordination among diverse actors, which adds complexity, and less control over timelines and enforcement. 3. Hybrid approach: This approach would involve a combination of centralized and decentralized roles, with the EAD taking on a coordinating role and partners contributing to specific aspects of the GHG inventory system. The pros of this approach include the potential for more effective coordination and collaboration among partners, and the ability to leverage the strengths of each partner. However, the cons include the potential for complexity and confusion in the institutional arrangements. The EAD has been advised to consider these options and engage in further consultation to determine the most appropriate institutional arrangement for the development and management of Malawi's GHG inventory system. The EAD's management is expected to make an informed decision based on the options and guidance provided, taking into account the institutional capacity assessment and the existing institutional mechanisms available to the EAD. The proposed institutional arrangements for the EAD's GHG inventory system are expected to be implemented in the following phases: * Immediate actions: The EAD is expected to establish a GHG inventory team, develop standard operating procedures, and engage with partners to develop a Memorandum of Understanding. * Medium-term activities for 2016: The EAD is expected to develop a GHG inventory system, establish a Technical Working Committee, and engage with partners to develop a Sector-Wide Approach. The implementation of the proposed institutional arrangements is expected to contribute to the effective management of Malawi's GHG inventory system, support the country's efforts to mitigate climate change, and meet its international commitments under the UNFCCC.