to a project-based approach) for each area of UNDP focus. This is currently lacking, causing UNDP interventions to be fragmented and run in isolation. Synergies and mutual reinforcement need to be captured with a view towards enhancing overall results at the outcome level. The success of the UNDP programme depends on the extent to which broader structural impediments of progress are addressed. Recommendation 3: UNDP needs to transition away from quickly implemented projects to longer-term development project activities that increasingly place national institutions in the lead of programme management and implementation. These activities should also shift their emphasis from infrastructure rehabilitation and the procurement of equipment to long-term capacity building by developing relevant systems and providing cutting-edge advisory services. Recommendation 4: With respect to building capacities in a sustainable manner, every UNDP project should have an explicit exit strategy. For such a strategy to be practical, it is essential that it be developed in conjunction with Liberia’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the counterpart government agency, so that resulting recurrent costs can be earmarked in the national budget (in a phased manner, if necessary). Recommendation 5: Furthering government efforts to promote gender equality, improve women’s access to economic resources and address gender-based violence should be a key dimension of the UNDP programme. It is critical for UNDP programming to recognize that addressing gender equality-related issues impacts both programme effectiveness and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Genderrelated interventions alone are not a substitute for the necessary broader programmatic inclusion.
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Recommendation 6: The importance of the UNDP mandate in integrated peacekeeping missions has been recognized. Member States should consider allocating an assessed budget for governance and essential development aspects of the work of peacekeeping missions. Recommendation 7: UNDP and UNMIL will need to initiate a systematic handover process at least six months before the Mission’s departure. Recommendation 8: ‘Delivering as One’ is an important initiative that, if properly designed and implemented, should greatly enhance the effectiveness of UN-supported programmes by harnessing the technical capacity of the entire United Nations system for joint implementation of programmes and activities. Recommendation 9: UNDP should seek to create in-house technical advisory capacity in each of the priority thematic areas at a relatively senior level. Such an advisory team would provide technical guidance in the management of UNDP projects and provide advisory services to relevant government agencies, the Resident Coordinator, UNCT and UNDP Liberia senior management. Such capacity may need to be funded from TRAC resources in the form of a project and could be integrated into the current Policy and Planning Unit. Recommendation 10: Cost-efficiency should not necessarily be associated with low costs alone. Cost considerations need to be balanced with those of quality and professional standards. UNDP needs to deploy additional capacity at the county level to ensure that physical monitoring and oversight of implementation is more systematic and effective. This should be accompanied by a properly funded effort to collect baseline data for planning, setting priorities and monitoring results.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY