Provision of Capacity Assessment, Development of Capacity Development Strategy and a Diagnostic Report of the Existing Legal Framework for Governorates Offices in the oPt.

Project Overview

UNDP/PAPP issued the Development for Freedom (Empowered lives. Resilient Rations) consolidate plan of assistance for the years 2012- 2014, which focus on strengthening particular affected geographic areas and vulnerable populations (Gaza Strip, Jerusalem and Area C), by providing assistance in four main sectors: democratic governance and the social contract, promoting productivity and dignity through livelihoods, natural resources and environment, public and social infrastructure.In line with this program and the 13th Palestinian authority (PA) Government plan of 2011-2013 which called ending the occupation, establishing the state, UNDP/PAPP governance team in coordination with Palestinian partner institutions developed the "supporting governance for Palestinian statehood" program document (statehood program) which aims to achieve three main outputs: 1. Institutions of governance and public administration able to fulfill responsibilities and undertake administrative/ financial functions, 2. Sustainable platforms inclusive dialogue and accountable interaction between state and citizen established with an emphasis on women and youth, and 3. State and independent bodies empowered and challenges for statehood. In line with above three outputs mainly the first output, there was a key activity included in the statehood program aiming at developing a comprehensive intervention at the governorates level entitled "support APLA (Association of Palestinian Local Authority) and local governorates to improve decentralized service delivery to local constituencies". Within this context, UNDP/PAPP has planned for conducting a capacity assessment for the governorate offices, development of capacity development strategy, and a diagnostic report of the existing legal framework for Governorate Office in the oPt and provide recommendations on the way forward. In order to these activities be implemented, UNDP/PAPP was contracted GCT to undertake this assignment toward achieving the main objectives. The main objectives of this study were to:Conduct a capacity assessment of all governorate offices.Formulate capacity development strategy to address capacity gaps and capacity development action plan for governorate, based on the results of the capacity assessment.Develop a diagnostic report of the existing legal framework for governorate offices in the oPt (both in Gaza and the West Bank), provide recommendations for improvements and highlights of a suggested new legal framework that clearly defines responsibilities and authorities of governors, with special emphasis on the relation with local government units, PA line ministries at the governorate level, and regional (governorate) planning.