Quarterly Program Performance Report: Assessment and Strengthening Program (ASP) of the Rural Support Program Network (RSPN)

The program's primary focus is on building the capacity of federal and provincial government institutions to improve their performance and effectiveness. During the reporting period of April to June 2012, ASP-RSPN made significant progress in building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The program also convened a national stakeholders' consultation on public procurement regulatory regime and launched a national-level study to develop a public financial management assessment framework for Pakistan. ASP-RSPN continued its discussions with the federal and provincial governments on reform initiatives and explored opportunities for building new partnerships with these governments. The program also moved ahead on four strategically important capacity-building assignments with federal government institutions, including the Auditor General of Pakistan, the Controller General of Accounts, the Secretariat Training Institute, and the Health Services Academy. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the reform initiatives of the provincial government created new avenues for collaboration between ASP-RSPN and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The capacity-building initiatives achieved significant progress during the reporting quarter, with ASP-RSPN deploying a team of experts to assist the PDMA-PaRRSA in streamlining their business processes. The program also convened a donors' consultation conference on the reforms program of the provincial government, highlighting its commitment to taking forward the agenda in coordination with development partners. ASP-RSPN entered into formal negotiations with the Finance Department to take up several assignments, including the establishment of an internal audit function in all line departments of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the initiation of a strategic planning process in all departments of the KP government, and the institutional strengthening of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee. In Sindh, ASP-RSPN accelerated its efforts to work on its two ongoing assignments, the Municipal Services Program (MSP) and the Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP). The program's CB plans for the "on-the-job technical assistance" phase of these programs are under process, with implementation set to start once the establishment of PMU and the formal approval of PC-I by the ECNEC are completed. In Balochistan, the focus was on strengthening the Balochistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). The program's CB plan is being developed and shared with USAID for approval, with PPO Balochistan engaged in advocacy for institutional strengthening in key areas. The provincial officials participated in important workshops under ASP-RSPN auspices and contributed to research assignments.