Our Projects | GCT Consulting & Training

2015

Project

Assessment Study of Ramallah Trademark Clothes Market .

US21 is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and logistics to the DoD, national security agencies, federal civilian agencies, prime contractors, and non-profits worldwide. Focused on supply, sustainment and logistics, we design and develop solutions that support a broad range of mission critical programs, national security programs, foreign assistance and aid programs. In 2015, it has contracted GCT in order to implement an assessment study .The main objective of this assessment study was to conduct an assessment study of trademarked clothes/apparel Market within Ramallah area covering (men, women, children, and those specialized for Lingerie), by assessing the opportunity which the market has, and the viability of such opportunities. Based on the results the market assessment reveals, US 21 decided on further steps to study the technical and financial feasibility of possible investments in the market.

US 21 Company

West Bank- Ramallah

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2015

Project

Market Review for a Spectacle Retail Shop in West Bank.

St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a charitable provider of expert eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. It is providing the sight-saving work to the highest international standards, and is often delivered against very challenging and difficult odds. The severe system of movement restrictions imposed on the West Bank due to the Separation Wall, settler-only roads, and the many checkpoints have had a disastrous effect upon the health of the Palestinian residents; both directly by preventing people from accessing health care, and indirectly by adversely affecting the economy, resulting in a decrease in living standards and in people’s ability to afford health care. As an attempt to contribute in mitigating this situation, SJEHG have established various means of treating Palestinians in the West Bank such as establishment of Anabta Clinic in Nablus where number amongst the poorest in the oPt live, and establishment of Hebron Hospital for eye care. Accordingly, it has planned to conduct a market review and assessment for Spectacle Retail Shop in the West Bank, and get a professional opinion on whether it can use these markets as a tool to create a very useful income stream to support its charitable work.The specific objectives of this study were to a) identify the various barriers to enter these markets if any, and the available opportunities, from a retail mindset, and b) provide a comprehensive market data, particularly from financial aspect.To this end, SJEHG has contracted GCT to implement the market study in an effective manner in line with their requirements and expectations.

St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG)

West Bank

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2015

Project

Baseline Survey /Study for “Improved Access to Markets for Female and Male Small Scale Farmers in the West Bank “Project

Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries in order to find practical and innovative ways for protecting people from poverty.One of Oxfam’s development interventions in the OPT is a three-year pro-poor market development Program entitled “Improved Access to Markets for Female and Male Fresh Fruits and Vegetable (FFV) Small Scale Producers in the West Bank”. This project merges two existing projects in the West Bank which are a) Access to markets project and b) Its overall objective is to enhance productivity of women and men farmers and improve relations with the market and service providers, thus contributing to better connect the supply side with the demand side. This will be achieved by facilitating a process which should enhance the capacities and abilities of key actors to play their role along the selected Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFV) value chains.Specifically, the main objectives of the assignment are to: Document pre-intervention levels of the project indicators as defined in the log frame;Document pre-intervention levels of the project assumption and risks as identified in the log frame;Review and sharpen Program performance indicators through an evidence- based, participatory research and facilitation process, based on the baseline findings;Provide a broad assessment of the Program’s relevance and outline the project M&E steer on the basis of analysis of baseline data;Provide Recommendations for improvement of project log frame and MEAL system;Provide Recommendations for possible strategies / actions for greater impact.The final results of this baseline study will serve as the pre-intervention status description against which the follow-up assessments (Midterm, and End - line survey) will be compared during and after the end of project’s operation years.

Oxfam GB, Occupied Palestinian Territory

West Bank

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2015

Project

Institutionalizing Local Economic Development and Developing Local Economic Development Plans for Selected Municipalities.

Global Communities (Formerly CHF International) is a non-profit international development organization acting as a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low and moderate-income communities, helping them improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. With funding provided by the (USAID), Global Communities is implementing a program titled "Local Government and Infrastructure - LGI". The program aims mainly at promoting an enabling environment for good local governance and providing the basic infrastructure necessary for sustainable improvements in the quality of life for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. A key intervention of the program is to strengthen local government capacity to respond effectively and efficiently to community needs by promoting and institutionalizing good democratic governance practices. Within this context, it has developed over the past few years to encompass numerous activities through complementary components as follows:Assistance to develop the capacities, functions, and relations of national actors, particularly of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and its regional directorate offices.Local community development which encompasses a) assistance to local communities and councils to identify needs and priorities, b) supporting the implementation of priority service and basic infrastructure projects, and c) developing strategic development and investment plans for partner Local Government Units (LGUs).Assistance to partner local councils in improving their service delivery and internal structure through training of councils' and staff members, introduction of modern systems, in addition to development of critical planning and development tools (e.g. master physical planning for the target towns and cities, etc.)Enhancement of opportunities for effective public participation and engagement in local governance matters which is pursued.Under the framework of point No.2 and following the successful implementation of the Strategic Development and Investment Plans in 10 partner LGUs under LGI and the official approval and endorsement of the modified SDIP methodology by the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), LGI decided to continue working on this initiative, guided by the unified SDIP methodology, with Hebron Municipality.The main objective of this project is to provide technical assistance and support Hebron municipality in developing and institutionalizing their Strategic Development and Investment Plan (SDIP) in accordance to the SDIP national methodology and approach adopted by the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG).For that purpose, Global Communities has contracted the association of GCT and NCD to implement this project in an effective manner within the highest possible quality standards.

Funded by VNG International; Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF).

West Bank- Ramallah, Al Bireh, AL- Samou’, BirZeit and Tubas).

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2015

Project

Developing Strategic Development and Investment Plan- SDIP for the benefit of Hebron City.

Global Communities (Formerly CHF International) is a non-profit international development organization acting as a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low and moderate-income communities, helping them improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. With funding provided by the (USAID), Global Communities is implementing a program titled "Local Government and Infrastructure - LGI". The program aims mainly at promoting an enabling environment for good local governance and providing the basic infrastructure necessary for sustainable improvements in the quality of life for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. A key intervention of the program is to strengthen local government capacity to respond effectively and efficiently to community needs by promoting and institutionalizing good democratic governance practices. Within this context, it has developed over the past few years to encompass numerous activities through complementary components as follows:Assistance to develop the capacities, functions, and relations of national actors, particularly of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and its regional directorate offices.Local community development which encompasses a) assistance to local communities and councils to identify needs and priorities, b) supporting the implementation of priority service and basic infrastructure projects, and c) developing strategic development and investment plans for partner Local Government Units (LGUs).Assistance to partner local councils in improving their service delivery and internal structure through training of councils' and staff members, introduction of modern systems, in addition to development of critical planning and development tools (e.g. master physical planning for the target towns and cities, etc.)Enhancement of opportunities for effective public participation and engagement in local governance matters which is pursued.Under the framework of point No.2 and following the successful implementation of the Strategic Development and Investment Plans in 10 partner LGUs under LGI and the official approval and endorsement of the modified SDIP methodology by the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), LGI decided to continue working on this initiative, guided by the unified SDIP methodology, with Hebron Municipality.The main objective of this project is to provide technical assistance and support Hebron municipality in developing and institutionalizing their Strategic Development and Investment Plan (SDIP) in accordance to the SDIP national methodology and approach adopted by the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG).For that purpose, Global Communities has contracted the association of GCT and NCD to implement this project in an effective manner within the highest possible quality standards.

Funded by USAID Global Communities, Local Government and Infrastructure program – LGI.

West Bank -Hebron

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2014

Project

Development of New Legal Framework (Laws and Bylaws) for governorate offices in the oPt.

UNDP/PAPP issued the Development for Freedom (Empowered Lives Resilient Nation) consolidated plan of assistance for the years 2012-2014. The plan focuses 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, and Public and social infrastructure.In line with this program and the 13th Palestinian Authority (PA) Government Plan of 2011-2013 which known by “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). This program aims at improving development management of state bodies, especially in the areas of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring, while facilitating civic participation throughout this cycle. it has the following three main outputs: Institutions of governance and public administration able to fulfill responsibilities and undertake administrative/ financial functions; Sustainable platforms inclusive dialogue and accountable interaction between state and citizen established with an emphasis on women and youth; and State and independent bodies empowered and challenges for statehood. UNDP/PAPP has successfully completed a capacity assessment, a capacity development strategy, and a diagnostic report of the existing legal framework for governorates in Palestine in 2012, which is considered as a first step towards achieving that program’s objectives, in cooperation with GCT.As a second step and in accordance with the diagnostic report’s recommendations which prioritized the development of a new legal framework as a top priority, UNDP/Statehood Program was intended to develop a new unified legal framework for Palestinian governorates that would be tackled the weaknesses of existing legal framework and replace or/amend the unclear mandates of governorates and its overlapping responsibilities with other government bodies.The main objective of this assignment is to develop a new legal framework (law and bylaws) that provide a clear mandate of the governors/governorates in line with existing Presidential decrees and the government's cross-sectorial strategy on local government and administrative development, through achieving the following sub-objectives: Develop a draft legal framework (law and bylaws) defining the mandate and functions of governorate administrations; Provide technical assistance to the Office of the President to support its efforts to establish a consensus on the new legal framework. To this end , UNDP/PAPP has contracted GCT to undertake the consultancy service to develop a new legal framework that would clearly regulate the mandate of the governors/governorates, subject to its endorsement by the President.

United Nations development program/ Program of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP).

West Bank

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2014

Project

Mid-Term Review of “Moving herders from aid dependence to self-sustaining growth through livestock husbandry development and market expansion” (SULALAH).

Moving herders from aid dependence to self-sustaining growth through livestock husbandry development and market expansion” (SULALAH) , is two years project funded by the European Union's Food Security Thematic Program' (FSTP) which was launched in 2007, to address food security challenges at global and regional levels, and in exceptional transition situations as well as in fragile states, through a set of actions that ensure overall coherence, complementarity and continuity of EU interventions, including in the area of transition from relief to development.The Livestock-based Livelihood Support Program – with its both field (LbL-f) and institutional (LbL-i) level components – is financed by the FSTP. The overall objective of the (LbL-f) programs is to improve the food security and sustain the livelihoods of the vulnerable population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with a particular focus on “Area C”, while bridging emergency and development.SULALAH project under the field level component is implemented by Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) in partnership with Gruppo di Volontariato Civile (GVC);Palestinian Hydrology Group (PHG); Qatar Charity; Laore Sardegna; Ta'amreh Cooperative for Livestock; and Jericho Cooperative for Livestock Development. Its overall objective is to improve the food security of Palestinian male and female herders by protecting, sustaining and developing livestock production, with specific aim to improve resilience of vulnerable herders living in the eastern slopes of the West Bank through improving production capacities, enhancing access to assets and expanding income opportunities from livestock. After 10 months of operation, UACW has intended to conduct Mid-Term review to advise on any correction needed to strengthen the implementation mechanisms over the remaining duration by: Reviewing the main project documents and related action plans; Addressing the gaps and highlighting challenges in achieving the desired results and outcomes,Providing recommendations and corrective actions on the action plans, budget, M&E system, management structure and mechanisms. Assessing the synergies and challenges related to the existing coordination mechanism for the field component of LbL, and providing recommendations to enhance better outcomes as a result of a coordinated approach. To this end, UAWC has contracted GCT to undertake this evaluation assignment in professional and comprehensive manner.

Funded by EU; for the benefit of Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC).

West Bank (Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Jericho)

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2014

Project

Capacity development of Palestinian banking sector in using the sign language and dealing with people with hearing disabilities (Basic Level).

Proceeding from the social responsibility as active institutions and players in the Palestinian business sector from one hand, and their right to access to services provided by these institutions in various sizes and forms as an integral part of Palestinian society , General Consulting and Training(GCT) in collaboration with the Charitable Society for the Deaf in Ramallah city has worked on designing and implementing a professional training program on skills of using the sign language and dealing with people with hearing disabilities (Basic Level), in favour of Palestinian banking sector.The program was designed and developed based on the results of the needs assessment survey which conducted at the first training day with an active participation from Arab Bank staff (24 trainees).The program was aimed mainly to facilitate the process of communication between bank employees and the persons with hearing disabilities by enhancing their knowledge about the used signs in social relations and related terminologies to break the barriers between the trainees and this category of customers, and thereby being able to deal with them directly and meet their needs for banking services, by acquiring the most common used signs related to different provided services in the bank environment. One of the main expected output from this training, is to adopt the necessary actions towards providing the sign language translation service in the bank’s branches across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Arab Bank

Ramallah -West Bank

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2014

Project

Final Evaluation of Promotion and Development of Tourism in Jenin Area (PDTJ) Project.

Promotion and Development of Tourism in Jenin Area (PDTJ) was an initiative by the Jenin Governorate (JG) to enhance the tourism in Jenin as a new opportunity for economic and cultural development, funded by Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The project proposal was submitted by JG and approved by AECID end of 2010, with a total value 500,000 Euro over the period of 18 months. The overall aim of this project was to promote and develop the tourism sector in Jenin area by improving the position of Jenin as a tourist destination, focusing on quality, diversification and sustainability, within the context of the PNA and Ministry of Tourism larger strategy.Based on the diagnosis report, PDTJ established Jenin Visitors Center (JVC) as a key pilot project located in Jenin city, Nablus Street, Mahmoud Darwish Building, 2nd floor. By approaching the end of project and according to the stated activities in the approved work plan, JG planned to conduct an external evaluation to assess the impact of PDTJ in the tourism sector in Jenin area, by contracting an eligible consulting firm. In this context, JG contracted GCT to undertake this assignment in objective manner and achieve the following sub- objectives:Clarifying the degree of fulfillment of the specific aim of the action taken and the results achieved;Assessing the results of the implemented activities of the project in relation to its short- and mid-term impact;Drawing key lessons learnt in order to develop and improve the design of future projects in the same fields;Developing recommendations to enable Jenin governorate and its partners to take decisions on the course of implementation of current project (PDTJ).

Funded by Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID); for the benefit of Jenin Governorate

West Bank- Jenin

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2012

Project

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

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.

United Nations development program/ Program of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP).

West Bank

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2012

Project

Post Assessment of the Capacity Building Program.

The Secretariat/NDC administers a separate “Sector Development” budget provided by the donors to facilitate and support institutional capacity development targeting the partner NGOs. And as part of its mandate as the Secretariat for HR/GG organizations, NDC has developed a three-pronged capacity building program for partner organizations. The program focuses on three major areas of intervention: financial issues, advocacy and new media. The overall goal of the program was to provide the partner Human Rights and Good Governance NGO’s operating in oPt the assistance and support for strengthening the skills, competencies, and abilities of their staff and organizations, so they can better deliver their outputs, reach their objectives, and achieve their goals in accordance with their mission. Within this context, NDC provided (48) partner NGOs with tailored technical assistance based on their identified needs and initial development plans. With approaching of the end of this capacity building program, NDC planned to conduct post assessment study which will cover the progress from August 2011 till the expected completion date of the program in December 2012, by contracting an eligible consulting firm with specific expertise in evaluation field of capacity building interventions. The main objective of the post assessment was to assess the progress towards achieving the capacity building program intended outputs and goals, as well as to examine the effectiveness of the program approach and methodology. This assessment was developed to be a reflective and forward-looking exercise that will reflect on what results have been achieved through the implementation of the program, analyzed lessons learned and documented all aspects of the program’s progress, in order to enable NDC and other stakeholders to evaluate the program and sustain a cumulative learning process for the future intervention.

NGO Development Center (NDC)

West Bank, Gaza Strip \&lands of 48

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2012

Project

Support to the European Commission in the assessment of the employability situation of Area C in the West Bank of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt), and formulation of a program to support TVET in Area C.

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is a specialized agency of the European Union based in Italy.It provides advice and assistance to the European Commission and 30 partner countries for the reform of human capital development policies & helps transition and developing countries to harness the potential of their human capital through the education, training and labour market systems reform.In light of a direct request by the European Representative office in WB&GS and in cooperation with GIZ , ETF has formulated a TVET support program for three governorates in the West Bank (Bethlehem ,Hebron, and Nablus) which aimed to support TVET institutions in these governorates to deliver more relevant training to equips Palestinians trainees with the required qualifications/capacities by the labor market . within this context , the European Union Representative office asked ETF to carry out an assessment of employability situation in Area C which in turn contracted Transtec to implement this study. The main objective of this study was to support the European Commission in assessment the employability situation in Area C in the West Bank and formulation a program to support TVET in this area through the following set of activities: A qualitative assessment of the knowledge, skills and abilities of the labor force in targeted areas and its capacities to access the labor market.A qualitative and quantitative assessment of the job opportunities in the targeted areas.Recommendations for future interventions, including a mapping of partners operating already in area C.A digital map of labor data in the area C, based on the labor force survey data of the West Bank.To this end, Transtec in turn has contracted GCT to provide qualified local experts with required competences to work in achieving the study objectives and cooperating with other international experts for that purpose.

Funded by European Training Foundation (ETF) - TVET supporting program, implemented by Transtec.

West Bank –Area C

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