Our Projects | GCT Consulting & Training

2018

Project

Mapping of Entrepreneurship Education and Training.

The Women and Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Employment Project (WYEEE) is a four-year project, it was funded by Global Affairs of Canada (GAC), and implemented by Save the Children (SC) in partnership with MAAN development center and PARC, in the West Bank (Jordan Valley, Nablus, Tubas, Tulkarem and Jenin) and Gaza Strip to empower low-income female youth entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector in WB and Gaza Strip, ages 15-29. This project aimed to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship faced by female youth in the agricultural sector by responding to and addressing the key gender-based cognitive, economic, and social barriers that hinder female youth’s agency and entrepreneurship opportunities. In order to achieve this, the project was designed using a comprehensive youth economic empowerment framework.Under the framework of this project, MAAN contracted GCT to conduct a mapping of existing entrepreneurship education and training programs for age groups (15-18) and (19-29). Within this study, several activities were conducted including but not limited to; 1) needs assessment of these programs against the identified barriers facing female youth (Cognitive, Economic, Financial and Institutional Barriers); 2) identify and catalogue the range of entrepreneurship education and training programs available; 3) analyse the programs’ dimensions that shape intended outcomes; 4) analyse the extent to which existing entrepreneurship programs are in line with market requirements; 5) analyse how gender-responsive and transformative are these programs; 6) determine the level of how is green entrepreneurship incorporated in these programs; and 7) evaluate these programs, and provide recommendations for curricula adaptation.

Funded by Global Affairs of Canada (GAC), and implemented by Save the Children (SC) in partnership with MAAN development Center.

West Bank and Gaza

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2018

Project

Social norms Diagnostic Assessment in WB and Gaza

The Female Youth Empowerment Project is implemented by Save the Children (SC), The Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC), and Maan Development Center (MAAN). The Project aims to address the root causes of gender-based discrimination and barriers for female youth’s economic advancement, through positively transforming discriminatory social norms, behaviors and systems to promote diversified higher-value entrepreneurship and enable female youth to succeed. The project’s ultimate goal is to enhance the economic empowerment and increase the prosperity for low-income female youth in the WB and across the whole of the GS.Within the framework of this project, Save the Children has contracted GCT to implement social norms exploration exercise for the project in order to identify, where appropriate, which social norms that drive targeted behaviors that hinder/support female youth economic empowerment in Jericho and Tubas, Nablus, and Jenin districts in the West Bank and across different directorates in Gaza. During the module planning phase, the findings of this exercise provided detailed recommendations for the design of interventions that will contribute to transforming harmful norms and promote positive norms, and developing measures and instruments that accurately evaluate change in social norms. As part of this planning phase, this social norms exploration exercise was conducted to achieve the following specific objectives: Identify the social norms and other factors that influence project-targeted behaviors in the different programme areas, and the relative weight of each on behaviors; Determine the most influential reference groups/gatekeepers of the identified norms; andInterpret and reflect on qualitative research results to provide recommendations on the design of the project’s normative interventions.To this end, Save the Children has contracted GCT to implement the Social Norms Exploration Exercise in the four project areas. Description of Actual Services Provided by GCT staff:Meetings with the project’s team to deepen and broaden the understanding of the project’s objectives and approach and the consultancy’s objectives.Review of project documents. Initial review of the Institute of Reproductive Health’s Social Norms Exploration Guide and Toolkit, with a focus on the two participatory exercises which will be used within this social norms’ exploration exercise. Induction on the Institute of Reproductive Health’s Social Norms Exploration Guide and Toolkit. Develop a work plan and inception report which details how the pre-selected social norms exploration exercises will be adapted and applied to the project’s context. This will include detailed information on how the pre-selected exercises will be used and adapted. Adaptation, development and piloting of the two participatory exercises (on the basis of the tools provided in the Social Norms Exploration Guide and Toolkit.) The social group comprised 65 young females representing agricultural, urban and rural areas in the project target areas;Conduct 13 focus group sessions in the four project areas in West bank and Gaza. The focus groups with males and females were separately organized in the same identified areas.Analyse the reasons that underlie the behaviour’s persistence/absence by using the Problem Tree tool to explore the root causes that are linked to influences that are/not social in nature; which ones are the most important barriers to behaviour changes and which ones can the project address.Conduct regular calls with SC technical team for discussion input and review. Develop the draft social norm exploration report. Review of feedback from SC and subsequent editions to finalize report. Document good practices and lessons learned related to the use of the Social Norms Exploration Guide and Toolkit.

Save the Children International

West Bank (Jordan Valley, Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Tulkarm) and Gaza Strip

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2018

Project

Conducting an International Field Visit to Learn about the Experience of Local Authorities in Crisis Management and Local Development (Bosnia Study Tour)

The Ministry of local Government has decided to fund a project targeting communities in Area C of the Jordan Valley. The general objective of this project is building the resilience of Palestinian communities in Area C. This is defined as the ability of Palestinian communities to cope with a host of socioeconomic, political, and natural shocks that threaten their assets, way of life, and their continued presence on their land.Through the project’s activities, the project aimed to enhance the Capacity Building for both the Ministry of Local government and the LGU’s for planning and Development in order to support the Palestinian communities in Area C,The RDP project aimed to organize a study tour and conduct successful experiences for sharing knowledge and project management by reviewing project management methodologies and experiences in the public sector in Bosnia.The project included visits to some municipalities (Gorazde Municipality, Opcina Municipality, Chan Municipality, Kanji Municipality, and Sirilink Municipality) To get insights into how local integrated development has Provided a more responsive framework to the overall socio-economic situation. And the role of municipalities in attracting private sector investments and building partnerships between them in what is known as local economic development and the role of municipalities in facilitating the work of industrial zones and attracting international private investment to work in the concession areas of these municipalities, and role in the economic prosperity of these municipalities and the employment of workers And increased income.To this end, MOLG has contracted GCT to implement this assignment according to their requirements and expectations. The main objectives of this assignment were as follows:Training and tour objectives:Provide required exposure to international experiences on infrastructure development projects.To learn on Local Integrated Development approaches and sample projects in the municipalities.Discuss crisis management practices used by the municipalities.Discuss their strategies on handling wastewater and rainwater To be introduced with successful example of Local Integrated Development approaches.Get insights on experience of both recipients and implementers of development projects, through site visits, meetings and in class lecture.To learn on Local Integrated Development approaches and sample projects in the cities

MOLG- Ministry of Local Government

Bosnia

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2018

Project

Institutional Development and Capacity Building Assessment for Joint Service Councils under LGSIP World Bank Program in West Bank.

Institutional Development and Capacity Building Assessment for Joint Service Councils under LGSIP World Bank Program in West Bank. — Funded by Belgium Development Agency (Enabel), Local Government Reform and Development Program; for the benefit of “Ministry of Local Government (MoLG)-Joint Service Council Department”.

Funded by Belgium Development Agency (Enabel), Local Government Reform and Development Program; for the benefit of “Ministry of Local Government (MoLG)-Joint Service Council Department”.

West Bank

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2018

Project

Evaluation of the project “Contributing to Bedouin Communities Access to Essential Health Services in the Jordan Valley Project WBK012.

Medical Aid Palestinians (MAP UK) is a British registered charity that has been reaching out to Palestinian communities, striving to deliver health and medical care to the worst affected by conflict, occupation and displacement. This project was a collaboration between MAP and Islah Charitable society (ICS) to support the mobile clinic that targets 27 Bedouin communities in Jordan valley. The main objective of this project is as follows:This project aims to improve the health status of the vulnerable Bedouin communities in the Jordan valley by providing access to mobile health clinics, which provide PHC and MHC services and aiming for the following objectives:Improve access to and quality of essential primary health care servicesPromote fully comprehensive, integrated family health care services (including reproductive/sexual health services for men and woman) within the primary health care Improve population level mental, infant and child mortality and morbidity rates Improve population level mental, infant and child malnutrition rates

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP UK), in collaboration with Islah Charitable society (ICS)

West Bank - Jordan valley area

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2018

Project

Local Venue Support Services and Event Management of TAIEX Workshop on Giving Back the Rights for Special Needs in Tulkarm

Local Venue Support Services and Event Management of TAIEX Workshop on Giving Back the Rights for Special Needs in Tulkarm — IBF International Consulting- Belgium, in Cooperation with Tulkarm Governorate, Ministry of Social Development, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine Technical University, Ministry of Health, Tulkarm Hospital, Directorate of Education, General Union of the Disabled

IBF International Consulting- Belgium, in Cooperation with Tulkarm Governorate, Ministry of Social Development, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine Technical University, Ministry of Health, Tulkarm Hospital, Directorate of Education, General Union of the Disabled

West Bank – Tulkarm

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2018

Project

Assessment of current and need human resources of PIEFZA (Palestinian Industrial Estates and Free Zones Authority)

Industrial park (IP) development is considered as an important tool for national goal for transformation to sustainable industrialized economy of Palestine. Three IPs, at Jericho, Bethlehem and Jenin, supported by Japan, France and German respectively, are ongoing to develop. However, PIEFZA, responsible to plan, supervise and regulate IPs development, has limited human resources. On the other hands, Palestinian Authority also faced shortage of budget and human resources. Clear requirement (number and qualification required) and priority of human resource mobilization plan is to be made. The objective of this assignment is to conduct assessment and evaluation of the current and needed staff qualifications in PIEFZA (the assessment &evaluation by a competent party) is the most important component of this systematic control and evaluation work.The Project objectives:Assessment of present organizational structure, job descriptions, qualifications and staffs, whether they can be responsible for implementing the requirement of each ideal role of Directory through management and individual interview.Recommendation on human resource mobilization as well as further capacity development of existing staffs and effective outsourcing.

Funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); for the benefit of PIEFZA.

West Bank- Ramallah

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2018

Project

Coaching Workshops on Fundraising in Aqbat Jaber Camp

While UNRWA provides free education, health services, and other relief support to refugees, other developmental needs including rehabilitation of worn-out infrastructure and support to livelihood and employment remain mostly unmet and are left to the limited efforts of Popular Committees of the camps as well as ad-hoc support from international communities. PA also recognizes the issue of refugee camp improvement as one of its priorities in the National Development Plan (2014-2016). Organization requested that the Government of Japan (GoJ) provide assistance for the Project with the objective of improving the capacity of DoRA and the relevant community groups necessary for camp improvement, which was subsequently appraised and adopted by GOJ. Based on the above request, the “Refugee Camp Improvement Project” was commenced in January 2017.This project is implemented by a group of Japanese experts/specialist in cooperation with Palestinian expertsThe project is focused on Aqabat Jaber Camp in Jericho, as a pilot camp.Under the different projects’ activities, it is planned to conduct a training for youth in the camp who are their age’s between15-30. The main objectives of this training assignment are as follows:•Understand fundraising key concepts and process;•Analyze their organization's capacities in relation to fundraising;•Analyze fundraising possibilities;•Prepare themselves to communicate with potential donors;•Make the linkages between fundraising and the priorities;•Create an initial fundraising plan;To this end, JET has contracted GCT to undertake this assignment in line with its requirements and expectations.

Funded by JICA, JICA Expert Team (JET) in cooperation with Department of Refugee Affairs (DoRA).

West Bank – Jericho

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2017

Project

Supporting the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) with the implementation of the Education Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) (the current strategic plan from 2014-2019), as well as for enabling the Directorates General for Planning, Financial Affairs and project management to fulfil their respective tasks.

In early 1999 the MoEHE launched a participatory process to prepare its first Five Year Education Development Plan (2001-2005). In 2013, The MoEHE started the preparation of its latest EDSP (2014-2019), “A Learning Nation” and launched it in March 2014. The EDSP III is aligned to national planning processes and the National Development Plan (2014-2016) of the PA. The government is currently working on the National Policy Agenda for 2017-2022 and the MoEHE is adapting the EDSP III to align with it as well.The Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) is a basket funding mechanism supporting the Ministry of Education in implementing and achieving the objectives of the EDSP. The overall goal / vision of EDSP III is “A results-based and student-centered education system that provides 21st century relevant education services at all levels with high quality and full equity considering individual needs and being at the heart of the political, economic, and social development in and for Palestine”.The general purpose of this consulting service is to support the MoEHE in the timely implementation of the current EDSP III (2014 – 2019) focusing initially on 9 Priority Support Areas, devoted to the main reform tracks in EDSP III, all of them covering respective operational responsibilities of the MoEHE.The key support areas for this consulting service are as follows:Program Budgeting and Financial ManagementElaboration of annual work plans and educational planningPolicy and concept development/formulationProcurement regulationsReportingFurther development of implementation structure of EDSPElaboration of capacity needs assessments and training modules together with NIET; Monitoring and evaluation and; Support the MoEHE in the implementation of the Education Sector Working Group and Technical Working Groups TORs.

Funded under the JFA between Germany, Finland, Ire-land, Norway and Belgium. In partnership with PLANCO – Lead Consultant, and GOPA; for the benifit of Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE)

West Bank

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2018

Project

Develop MOEHE Planning and Budgeting Procedures Manual under the Project of “Supporting the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) with the implementation of the Education Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)” (the current strategic plan from 2014-2019.

In 2013, The MoEHE started the preparation of its latest EDSP (2014-2019), “A Learning Nation” and launched it in March 2014. The EDSP III is aligned to national planning processes and the National Development Plan (2014-2016) of the PA. The government is currently working on the National Policy Agenda for 2017-2022 and the MoEHE is adapting the EDSP III to align with it as well.The Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) is a basket funding mechanism supporting the Ministry of Education in implementing and achieving the objectives of the EDSP III . The overall goal / vision of EDSP III is “A results-based and student-centered education system that provides 21st century relevant education services at all levels with high quality and full equity considering individual needs and being at the heart of the political, economic, and social development in and for Palestine”. The general purpose of this consulting service is to support the MoEHE in the timely implementation of the current EDSP III (2014 – 2019) focusing initially on 9 Priority Support Areas, devoted to the main reform tracks in EDSP III, all of them covering respective operational responsibilities of the MoEHE. Improve the design and procedures of the planning and budgeting management system and capture both in a form of a operations manual; therefore MOEHE contracted PLANCO/ General Consulting and Training GCT/GOPA to review and then develop MOEHE’s Planning and Budgeting Procedures Manual.The main objective of this assigment was to identify the process of planing and budgeting to assist ministry staff in conducting the propoer planing process as well as contributing to the creaation of a Planning Financial MIS at the MOEHE.

Funded under the JFA between Germany, Finland, Ire-land, Norway and Belgium. In partnership with PLANCO – Lead Consultant, and GOPA; for the benifit of Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE)

West Bank

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2019

Project

MOEHE Public Finance Management Improvements and Development UNDER the Project of “Supporting the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) with the implementation of the Education Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)” (the current strategic plan from 2014-2019).

In 2013, The MoEHE started the preparation of its latest EDSP (2014-2019), “A Learning Nation” and launched it in March 2014. The EDSP III is aligned to national planning processes and the National Development Plan (2014-2016) of the PA. The government is currently working on the National Policy Agenda for 2017-2022 and the MoEHE is adapting the EDSP III to align with it as well as the Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) is a basket funding mechanism supporting the Ministry of Education in implementing and achieving the objectives of the EDSP III . The overall goal / vision of EDSP III is “A results-based and student-centered education system that provides 21st century relevant education services at all levels with high quality and full equity considering individual needs and being at the heart of the political, economic, and social development in and for Palestine”. The general purpose of this consulting service is to support the MoEHE in the timely implementation of the current EDSP III (2014 – 2019) .Within the frame work of this consulting service there was a need to enhance MoE’s capacity in financial management with regards to issues pertaining to the external audit’s qualifications including accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing, financial monitoring, funds flow and disbursement management. Therefore the assignment main objective was to prioritize the action plan tasks and qualifications that need to be rectified and assist primarily MoE (as well as MoF) to eliminate those qualifications and close the outstanding issues in an institutionalized manner to ensure sustainability by enhancing the financial management systemTo this end, MOEHE contracted PLANCO/ General Consulting and Training GCT/GOPA to implement this assignment in professional and objective manner that guarantee the achievement of its objectives.

Funded under the JFA between Germany, Finland, Ire-land, Norway and Belgium. In partnership with PLANCO – Lead Consultant, and GOPA; for the benifit of Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE)

West Bank

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2017

Project

Professional Translating, and Editing Services UNDER the Project of “Supporting the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) with the implementation of the Education Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)” (the current strategic plan from 2014-2019.

In 2013, The MoEHE started the preparation of its latest EDSP (2014-2019), “A Learning Nation” and launched it in March 2014. The EDSP III is aligned to national planning processes and the National Development Plan (2014-2016) of the PA. The government is currently working on the National Policy Agenda for 2017-2022 and the MoEHE is adapting the EDSP III to align with it as well. The Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) is a basket funding mechanism supporting the Ministry of Education in implementing and achieving the objectives of the EDSP III . The overall goal / vision of EDSP III is “A results-based and student-centered education system that provides 21st century relevant education services at all levels with high quality and full equity considering individual needs and being at the heart of the political, economic, and social development in and for Palestine”. The general purpose of this consulting service is to support the MoEHE in the timely implementation of the current EDSP III (2014 – 2019) focusing initially on 9 Priority Support Areas, devoted to the main reform tracks in EDSP III, all of them covering respective operational responsibilities of the MoEHE. Within the frame work of this consulting service there was a need to translate from Arabic to English the MOEHE’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report of 2016. Therefore the assignment main objective was to conduct the necessary proof-reading and editing of its content in order to produce a proficient English language version.To this end, MOEHE contracted PLANCO/ General Consulting and Training GCT/GOPA to implement this assignment in professional and objective manner that guarantee the achievement of its objectives.

Funded under the JFA between Germany, Finland, Ire-land, Norway and Belgium. In partnership with PLANCO – Lead Consultant, and GOPA; for the benifit of Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE)

West Bank

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