Public Sector Systems Strengthening (PS3) in Tanzania: Quarterly Performance Report (Jan 1, 2016 – March 31, 2016)

The five multi-sectoral activity components are: Governance and Citizen Engagement; Human Resources; Finance; Information Systems; and Operational Research. The PS3 Activity was awarded to Abt Associates and signed on July 29, 2015. During the last quarter, PS3 largely completed start-up and rapidly accelerated into full implementation. Regional launches in Iringa, Shinyanga, Dodoma, and Morogoro regions were the main PS3 accomplishment during this period. The regional launches were initially intended to kick-off PS3 region/LGA activities and select Phase I or robust LGAs but they evolved into much more, due to the depth of technical dialogue with LGAs and building of region and LGA partnerships. Regional Commissioners, Regional Administrative Secretaries (RAS), and region staff were very responsive and gracious hosts and actively participated in technical dialogue. Regional launches had large numbers of high-level and active LGA level participants including District Commissioners, Council Chairmen, Council Directors, and heads of department. The number of participants and active nature of dialogue indicates that key GOT stakeholders are buying into PS3. USAID approved the PS3 Year 1 workplan during the reporting period. In addition, PS3 deepened implementation strategy development to help ensure systems strengthening contributes to both availability of service inputs and managing delivery of service outputs. Work also progressed on implementation sequencing dynamics including visualization of first steps, relationships or linkages between interventions, and emergence of top-down and bottom-up approach. Preparation started and progressed for the first major PS3 technical intervention of LGA Councilor training, which is expected to enhance the capacity of local government authorities to deliver services effectively. The PS3 team also made substantial progress in developing Results Framework and M&E Plan indicators, with the Results Framework finalized and the M&E Plan indicators largely finalized and agreed upon with USAID. The PS3 Activity has five multi-sectoral components: Governance and Citizen Engagement; Human Resources; Finance; Information Systems; and Operational Research. These components aim to strengthen existing GOT systems at national and local levels to improve service delivery across sectors. The PS3 team has made significant progress in implementing the Activity's components, including the regional launches, which have been well-received by key GOT stakeholders. The regional launches have provided a platform for technical dialogue between PS3 and local government authorities, resulting in the building of region and LGA partnerships. The PS3 team has also made progress in developing the implementation strategy, which aims to ensure that systems strengthening contributes to both availability of service inputs and managing delivery of service outputs.