USAID/Burma Local Engagement Support Services (LESS) Semi-Annual Performance and Progress Report

RTI International, the implementing partner, collaborated with USAID/Burma Local Works team to support the co-creation workshop planning process and initiated the Participatory Local Organization Capacity Assessment (PLOCA) with two additional local organizations. During the reporting period, RTI successfully recruited two experienced local consultants to serve as surge support for technical and capacity building activities. The team also delivered over 100 hours of remote training, facilitated discussions, and provided mentoring support to local organizations. Capacity building efforts focused on five distinct organizational development areas, and a detailed workplan was committed to address 40+ CDAP recommendations. Local organizations demonstrated progress on 34 CDAP-recommended actions and completed all scheduled deliverables, including technical and management milestones. These achievements were made despite the unpredictable and rapidly changing sociopolitical situation in Myanmar, which was further complicated by the military coup on February 1, 2021. The LESS team adapted to the new context by pivoting to using a wider array of communication channels, including Zoom, Google Meet, and Signal, to stay in touch with local partners. The project's operational activities were also impacted by the deteriorating security and COVID-19 conditions in Myanmar. The LESS Project Manager and Capacity Development Consultant continued to deliver support to select local organizations remotely, via video calls and audio conferencing. The team consulted with USAID to discuss operational and personal security challenges and deferred to the level of comfort and connectivity for local partners. RTI's organizational capacity building support enabled local organizations to submit milestone deliverables on time and continue implementing the ADAPT activity and completing capacity development steps as outlined in the CDAP. The project's achievements were highlighted in the Local Works Partner Highlight section, which showcased the progress made by local organizations in submitting a successful grant application for the 3-year, $1.2 million ADAPT activity. The project's financial performance was also reported, with a focus on the activities and deliverables completed during the reporting period. The report highlighted the challenges faced by the project, including the military coup and the deteriorating security and COVID-19 conditions in Myanmar. However, the LESS team's adaptability and commitment to delivering capacity building support enabled local organizations to make significant progress despite these challenges. The report concluded by highlighting the project's achievements and the progress made by local organizations. The LESS team's efforts were recognized for their impact on building the capacity of local organizations and enabling them to implement the ADAPT activity and complete capacity development steps as outlined in the CDAP. The report provided a comprehensive overview of the project's activities and achievements, highlighting the challenges faced and the adaptability of the LESS team in delivering capacity building support in a rapidly changing context.