Performance Progress Report: USAID Scholars Activity Quarter 1/FY20

The project aims to provide scholarships to students in Egypt, with a focus on promoting academic excellence and career development. Implementation of the project started in March 2020, with the recruitment of project staff being a key priority. The proposed Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) were approved by USAID, and their recruitment was underway. The AUC Human Resources Department demonstrated flexibility in the hiring process, allowing for waivers of key documents and medical examinations to be conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project team's office space and equipment were also being arranged, with AUC working to assign a suitable location for the team to work in close proximity to the Associate Provost for Admissions and Financial Support. The university was also working to procure equipment for the project, with a list to be submitted to USAID for VAT exemption. A Branding Strategy and Marking Plan was developed and submitted to USAID for review and feedback. The plan aimed to promote the project's objectives and activities, and to establish a strong brand identity for the USAID Scholars Activity. The Annual Work Plan (AWP) was also being developed, with AUC working to compile relevant data and submit it to USAID by May 30, 2020. The AWP outlined the key objectives, activities, and timeframes for the project, as well as the proposed outputs and anticipated challenges. A Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL) was also being developed, with AUC required to submit a detailed plan within 90 calendar days of the award signing. The MEL plan would outline the core baselines and targets, annual objectives, and performance indicators, as well as the resources and roles and responsibilities for monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. The project also aimed to establish an Advisory Board and Technical Steering Committee to provide guidance and support during the project's implementation. The Advisory Board would be responsible for setting strategic placement policies and providing overall direction for the project, while the Technical Steering Committee would provide advice and support during the launch and implementation of the scholarship project. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to the project's implementation, including lockdowns and remote working arrangements. However, AUC was working to mitigate these challenges and ensure the project's successful implementation. The project's scholarship announcement and student recruitment and selection processes were also being finalized, with virtual meetings scheduled between AUC and its subcontractors, AFS and Newton Education. The scopes of work had been shared for review and comments, and the technical and contracting teams were working together to discuss the scholarship announcement and student recruitment and selection processes. Overall, the USAID Scholars Activity in Egypt was making progress in its implementation, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aimed to provide scholarships to students in Egypt, promote academic excellence and career development, and establish a strong brand identity for the project.