UNDP – Iraq – 2020
Upon request by UNDP, Iraq Office, our Executive Director, Dr. Faraj El Awar contributed to the drafting of the Joint Programme (JP) entitled “Sustainable Communities: Eco-Innovative Economic Growth” that was presented by the Iraq Offices of UNDP, UNICEF, IOM, and FAO to the UN SDG Fund. The purpose of the JP was to accelerate implementation of SDGs in Iraq, with priority given to the sectors of renewable energy, agriculture, and water security, especially in underserved and conflict-affected regions.
Project Scope of Work:
Dr. El Awar executed the following tasks:
- Provided technical leadership for the development of localized pilot models for transformative financing solutions to ensure water security for vulnerable populations;
- Ensured, in collaboration with the JP development team, that the JP has a strong conceptual analysis, justification, outcomes, outputs, activities, M&E Framework, theory of change, and detailed budget for the duration of the program period;
- Undertook consultation with potential beneficiaries and stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to identify the most adequate strategy of joint UN action;
- Undertook desk reviews of existing background documents, studies, and reports on financing of the water sector, published by UN Agencies, other international organizations, Iraqi Government, NGOs, etc.;
- Held technical consultation meetings with stakeholders, including participating UN agencies, government institutions, International Financing Institutions (IFIs), commercial banks, etc. and solicited views and recommendations related to water security;
- Worked closely with the Senior Finance Expert and the UNICEF-Iraq focal person to formulate and design a blended concessional finance model and a microfinance scheme to leverage investment in water security;
- Ensured integration of the water security component with other JP components;
Project Results:
Dr. El Awar developed and drafted the water security component of the draft joint programme (JP) document entitled “Sustainable Communities: Eco-Innovative Economic Growth”. In addition, Dr. El Awar gave presentations of the water security component of the draft JP document to UN-Iraq Offices stakeholders for validation and collection of feedback and comments. Finally, Dr. El Awar incorporated all comments and developed the water security component of the final JP document for submission to the UN SDG Fund.
Project Client: UNDP Iraq Office
Project Donor: UN SDG Fund