Palestine, Area (C) Resilience Development Initiative

General Objective:

The wider objective of the project is to enhance Palestinian Local Authorities’ contribution to governance and development processes in Area C, as a precondition for more equitable, open and democratic society.

Specific Objective:

The specific objectives:

1. Strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of the Palestinian Local Authority Association (APLA)
2. Enable APLA advocate for and lobby on issues related to Area C on behalf of its members (Local Authorities -LAs)
3. Improve the capacity of Khalet Al Mayya Cluster LAs’ capacities in providing services, in promoting local development and in contributing to the territorial integration are enhanced.

Results:

The achieved results of the project are:

1. A stronger and effective APLA; the institutional setup and organizational capacity of APLA are improved to carry its mandate and promote the interest and needs of LAs; Improved image of APLA and more efficient communication with its stakeholders;
2. APLA has a functioning Area C Technical Support Unit to support LAs; The mandate of Area C Unit is identified and agreed upon with stakeholders; A sustainable Area C Unit is established and equipped under the umbrella of APLA; Work plan to support LAs in Area C is developed and activated; Legal, advocacy, and lobbying activities relevant to Area C are piloted.
3. LAs in Khalet Al Mayya Cluster have the administrative, planning, and financial capacity to provide efficient and effective services to citizens; needs assessment completed and communities priorities are identified in in a participatory and inclusive manner; capacity building and institutional development support are provided to the 7 LAs; Integrated physical (outline) and strategic plans are developed for the cluster based on a Territorial approach to Local Development (TALD); Realistic and hanging fruits economic development opportunities are identified and utilized based on a Local Economic Development (LED) Plan.

This program was implemented in cooperation with APLA.

Services under R1:

Result 1: A stronger and effective APLA; the institutional setup and organizational capacity of APLA are improved to carry its mandate and promote the interest and needs of LAs.

The achieved outputs (and in some cases short term outcomes) are as follows:

• APLA’s revitalization & Strategic multiyear plan developed and approved;
• Internal procedures and bylaws developed and reviewed;
• Training and coaching to APLA leadership, members and management provided;
• APLA’s Board of Directors and GA Governance Guide is developed, reviewed and approved;
• Communication Guideline, yearly communication action plans developed and approved
• APLA’s Financial system and procedures developed and approved;
• APLA’s Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan developed and approved.

The achieved outputs (and in some cases short term outcomes) are as follows:

Services under R2:

• Protocols, internal bylaws, procedures and processes for the APLA Technical Support Unit developed and approved;
• Technical Support Unit is equipped with the needed staff, equipment, and tools
• Training and coaching to staff and LAs on topics related to the Area C provided

Services under R3:

• Capacity needs assessment for Khalet al-Maya cluster of villages conducted;
• Capacity and institutional building plan formulated;
• Communication and outreach plan formulated;
• Visits and national peer-to-peer activities organized.
• Training workshops and on-the-job coaching delivered;
• Municipal Administrative Guide book produced and distributed;
• One Stop Shop established
• ICT equipment and tools for administration of local fees and taxes procured, delivered and installed;
• Municipal Management Information System procured and installed;
• Four internships for fresh graduates hired and trained;
• Integrated physical outline / plan developed and approved by Ministry of Local Government;
• Internal processes and procedures for Planning and Building Committee developed;
• Strategic plan and LED plan developed and approved by the council admin committee;
• Successful LED initiative titled Souk Hallah implemented;
• Women Committee that supports the council admin committee formed;