Programming Effectively Against Conflict and Extremism (PEACE) IQC

The project is implemented by Management Systems International (MSI) with two subcontractors, International Alert and International Rescue Committee, and is funded by the USAID's Solutions for Peace and Recovery project. The project's goal is to increase social cohesion through the inclusion of women and OMGs in communities in six priority territories of eastern DRC. The project is based on three hypotheses: first, that communities in eastern Congo can develop effective solutions to conflict if they are enabled to analyze it; second, that Congolese women and OMGs will participate in community-based decision-making if they are given the skills and opportunities to do so; and third, that community decision-making will be more effective and lead to greater social cohesion if it is inclusive and participatory. The project's overall value is [redacted] and includes a base period of three years and two option years. During the reporting period (October – December 2020), the SPR project focused on accelerating its implementation by completing its Year 4 activities that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as beginning implementation of Year 5 Quarter 1 activities. The project's major activities during this period included finalizing three conflict assessments, continued women's empowerment through mentoring and leadership club approaches and initiatives, the revision of SPR's Year 5 work plan to inform its final year of grants, and grantee performance assessments to determine the selection of Year 5 grantees. The project also made significant progress in various areas, including the finalization of conflict research and analyses, advocacy related to the impact of COVID-19, the development of a local peace-building plan in the Kadutu Commune, progress on the land conflict in Turunga, operational planning, supporting women's leadership mentoring club operations in North and South Kivu, facilitated meetings between women, OMGs, and local authorities, conducted training for local authorities in new SPR implementation areas, and marked the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Resolution 1325. The project's overall achievement against its revised performance indicator table rose from 94% to 104% at the end of Year 5 Quarter 1. Progress against performance targets is at 106% for Objective 1, 118% for Objective 2, and 89% for Objective 3. The project faced various challenges, including the continued threat of COVID-19, which resulted in delayed implementation of Year 4 project activities and achievement of targets. However, the project team and local implementing partners worked on solutions to address these challenges and developed strategic approaches to maximize opportunities in favor of SPR's objectives. The project took various actions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including prevention measures to minimize risks of contracting the virus, continued communication with project staff via weekly calls, sharing of health and safety protocols, and alternating teleworking and working in the office to reduce the number of staff in the office at one time. The project also continued to take measured precautions to ensure the safety of its staff and partners, despite the easing of governmental restrictions.