Project
Cycle
Management
Guidelines
• An operational framework within which staff of the RELEX family (EuropeAID, DG Development and DG External Relations) and other stakeholders can make effective and timely decisions related to Project Cycle Management; • A description of key tasks, quality assessment criteria, documented information requirements and decision options at each stage of the cycle; • A description of key tools that support effective PCM; and • A resource to support training in PCM. The Guidelines do not describe detailed operational and financial procedures, which are addressed separately in other official EC documents dealing with Financial Regulations. The Guidelines should be used as an important reference and resource, but not as a substitute for experience, professional judgment and initiative.
Project cycle management is a complex and creative process – as much art as science – involving the negotiation of decisions acceptable to key stakeholder groups. Teamwork, negotiation and communication skills are thus central to effective PCM, as is an appreciation of the political context within which decisions are being made. PCM provides an overall analytical and decision making framework, which must nevertheless be complemented by the application of other specific ‘technical’ and ‘process’ tools. Thus, the Guidelines should also be used in conjunction with other important EC reference documents relevant to specific sectors (e.g. Transport, health, education), to specific cross-cutting issues (e.g. good governance and human rights, gender, environment) and to specific assessment tools (e.g. Economic and Financial Analysis).
Figure 1 – The Task Manager’s Web of Relationships
Other donors
The general public
EC Colleagues
Task Manager
Civil Society Groups in Partner Countries
2
European Parliament
Consultants
Partner Government Officials