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Commonwealth Development Network
- Primary Contact Points
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Primary Contact Points

Each member country has a single designated Primary Contact Point (PCP) nominated by the government.

Refreshed PCP/POC/ComSec (CFTC) System: Model A & Model B

Model A Summary

Model A requires due authority and responsibility to be accorded to the national PCP as the national coordinator of CFTC funded assistance. The PCP is responsible for prioritising and approving all national requests for CFTC-funded assistance (except short term training e.g. seminars/workshops) - at the country level - and for maintaining an oversight of the full spectrum of CFTC-funded activities in-country, through updates from POCs.
The PCP is expected to have an implicit knowledge of national development priorities, as well as the development assistance received from other development partners. As such, the PCP aligns the CFTC programme of assistance in support of national development efforts (including the work of other donors) and assists with the monitoring and evaluation of the Secretariat's development assistance to the member country as a whole.
The model retains the system of multiple national POCs, which enables POCs to identify areas where assistance is required in the priority programme areas of assistance offered by Secretariat Divisions and facilitates a close collaboration between relevant Secretariat Divisions and member countries in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects. However, with the exception of short term training requests (e.g. workshops and seminars) - which, for reasons of expediency, are dealt with directly between POCs and the relevant Secretariat Divisions - all requests for assistance, once identified by the POCs, are then channelled to the Secretariat through the PCP.

CFTC model A

Summary Role of the PCP - Model A

The PCP is the principal national coordinator of CFTC assistance, responsible for prioritising and approving all national requests for CFTC-funded assistance - at the country level - and for maintaining an oversight of the full spectrum of CFTC activities in-country.
The PCP serves as a central source of information for POCs, government officials and other development partners on the CFTC-funded programme of assistance.
The PCP must be accorded due responsibility and authority required to carry out their role and responsibilities. Ideally, the PCP officer is a senior officer with responsibility for the national coordination of the development programme of assistance funded by development partners.
In accordance with the recommendation of Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Abuja (2003), the PCP should be located in the Ministry with responsibility for determining national development priorities. However, the Secretariat recognises that each country may choose the optimal location of the PCP that best suits their national circumstance.

The specific responsibilities of the PCP include:

Prioritising Requests for Assistance
Soliciting and receiving requests for assistance from POCs Undertaking quality assurance analysis of proposed CFTC-funded projects to ensure that:
Prioritising and approving (at the country level) all national requests for CFTC-funded assistance
Submitting all national requests for CFTC-funded assistance to the Deputy Secretary-General with responsibility for the CFTC
Endorse and monitor progress towards the attainment of results set out in the log-frame of CFTC funded projects
Support Secretariat efforts to ensure the appropriate transfer of knowledge, sustainability of projects and lessons are learnt from the CFTC national programme of assistance.

Advising on national development priorities

Advising the Secretariat of changes in national development priorities
Advising the Secretariat of national development efforts, including the work of other donors
Participating in consultations with the Secretariat regarding the priorities and operations of the CFTC

Project delivery and performance

Maintaining an oversight of the progress of CFTC-funded projects through regular communication with POCs
Meeting with Secretariat missions related to CFTC-funded assistance (as and when appropriate)
Monitoring the progress and results of CFTC-funded projects and related activities

Communication

Serving as a central source of information for POCs, government officials and other development partners on the CFTC-funded programme of assistance, project activities and CFTC procedures
Maintaining regular and appropriate contact with London-based High Commissions on CFTC-related matters
Informing the Secretariat of any change in the designation of the PCP
Contributing to Secretariat initiatives aimed at further strengthening the PCP/POCs/CFTC System (e.g. the effective functioning of the Extranet)

CFTC Pledges and Contributions

Support Secretariat efforts to ensure that provision is made in national budget for an annual national pledge to the CFTC and for timely payment of the CFTC pledge.

Summary Role of POCs -Model A

POCs are officials within sectoral ministries or departments of member governments who liaise with particular Secretariat divisions responsible for specific programme activities. There are also POCs based in some regional organisations that the Secretariat works closely with.
POCs play a key role in sourcing requests for assistance, which, with the exception of requests for training, are then channelled through the PCP to the Secretariat. Regarding training activities, POCs liaise directly with their respective Secretariat Division.
Once project requests have been approved by the PCP and submitted to the Secretariat, POCs work closely with Secretariat officials on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects.
POCs support the central coordinating role of the PCP by maintaining regular contact and keeping the PCP informed of all training requests and project activities by copying them in to all relevant correspondence.

Specific responsibilities of the Divisional POCs include:

Requests for CFTC Assistance (non-training)

The identification and sourcing of requests for CFTC assistance from the POC¡¦s respective line ministry, departments or organisation
Submitting requests for CFTC assistance to the PCP, which are then forwarded for the Secretariat¡¦s consideration

Training Requests

Liaising with relevant Secretariat divisions re invitations to submit nominations for training programmes
Selecting and nominating participants for training activities through a clear and transparent analysis of needs and the suitability of participants for such training

Project design, delivery and evaluation

Liaising with Secretariat divisional officials on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects
Support the PCPs role in endorsing and monitoring progress towards the attainment of Results set out in the log-frame of CFTC funded projects Maintaining regular contact with relevant long and short-term CFTC experts to monitor progress, ensure transfer of skills and sustainability
Meeting with Secretariat missions related to CFTC-funded assistance (as and when appropriate) Assisting the PCP, Government and the Secretariat in assessing the results of CFTC-funded assistance

Communications

Maintaining regular contact with the PCP and keeping the PCP informed of all training requests and project activities by copying all relevant correspondence to the PCP
Contributing to Secretariat initiatives aimed at improving communications e.g. the adoption of the Extranet
Participating in consultations with Secretariat Divisions regarding the CFTC-funded programme of assistance

Summary Role & Responsibilities of the Commonwealth Secretatriat -Model A

The Secretariat supports the effective functioning of the PCP/POCs/CFTC system by consulting and communicating regularly with PCPs/POCs and keeping them informed of project and CFTC developments.
The Secretariat also keeps London-based High Commissions (as the resident representatives of Commonwealth member governments) informed of the CFTC-funded programmes of assistance in their respective countries. This enables the High Commissions to contribute more effectively to the deliberations at governing bodies' meetings and to brief visiting delegations.

Specific responsibilities of the Secretariat:

To the PCP Consulting PCPs on national development priorities Consulting PCPs on the relevance of the development programmes set out in the Secretariat¡¦s Strategic Plan
Informing PCPs of the Secretariat¡¦s development assistance programme
Consulting the PCPs on strategic issues related to project requests Advising the PCP of relevant Secretariat staff visits Seeking contributions from PCPs in the development of the Secretariat¡¦s Strategic Plan and for the mid-term review of the Plan

To the POCs

Collaborating closely with POCs on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects, including the management of long and short-term experts
Seeking nominees to participate in CFTC-funded training programmes
Advising the POC of relevant Secretariat staff visits

To London-based High Commissions

Keeping desk officers informed of CFTC-funded programme of assistance
Keeping desk officers informed of staff visits to member countries
Advising the desk officers of visits by PCPs and POCs to London

Model B Summary

Model B recognises that some member states would prefer to follow a less formalised, decentralised approach in their relationship with the CFTC.
The model relies more heavily than Model A on the system of multiple national POCs, who communicate directly with their respective Secretariat Divisions regarding requests for technical assistance and collaborate closely with them on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects.
The PCP has a more narrowly-defined role and is largely limited to maintaining an oversight of the national CFTC-funded programme of assistance, by acting as a central source of information and consulting with the Secretariat on development priorities when appropriate. Only when requested to do so by the Secretariat or by national authorities does the PCP prioritise requests for assistance.

CFTC Model B

Summary Role of the PCP -Model B

The PCP is the primary national contact person for the in-country CFTC programme of assistance and maintains an oversight of the full spectrum of CFTC activities in country.
The PCP serves as a central source of information for POCs, government officials and other development partners on the CFTC-funded programme of assistance.
The PCP is ideally a senior officer with responsibility for the national coordination of development programmes of assistance funded by development partners.
In accordance with the recommendation of Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Abuja (2003), the PCP should be located in the Ministry with responsibility for determining national development priorities. However, the Secretariat recognises that each country will choose the optimal location of the PCP that accord with national circumstances.

The specific responsibilities of the PCP include:

Advising on national development priorities

Advising the Secretariat of changes in national development priorities
Participating in consultations with the Secretariat regarding the priorities and operations of the CFTC

Project delivery and performance

Maintaining an oversight of the CFTC programme of development assistance (through receipt of copies of project-related correspondence)
Meeting with Secretariat missions related to CFTC-funded assistance (as and when appropriate)

Communication

Serving as a central source of information for POCs, government officials and other development partners on the CFTC-funded programme of assistance, project activities and CFTC procedures
Maintaining regular and appropriate contact with London-based High Commissions on CFTC-related matters
Informing the Secretariat of any change in the designation of the PCP
Contributing to Secretariat initiatives aimed at further strengthening the PCP/POCs/CFTC System (e.g. the effective functioning of the Extranet)

Summary role of POCs -Model B

POCs are officials within sectoral ministries or departments of member governments, who liaise with specific Secretariat Divisions. Some Secretariat divisions also have POCs based in regional organisations with whom they work closely.
POCs identify areas where development assistance is required and submit assistance requests directly to their respective Secretariat Divisions.
POCs collaborate closely with Secretariat divisional officials in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects.
POCs keep the PCP informed of all assistance requests and project activities by copying them in to all relevant correspondence.

Specific responsibilities of the Divisional POCs include:
Requests for CFTC Assistance (non-training)

The identification and design of requests for CFTC assistance
The submission of requests for CFTC assistance to the relevant Secretariat division, and copying all requests to the PCP

Project Design, Delivery and Evaluation

Maintaining regular contact with long and short-term CFTC funded experts and projects to monitor progress, ensure transfer of skills and sustainability
Maintaining regular contact with the PCP and keeping the PCP informed by copying all relevant correspondence to the PCP.
Assisting the PCP, Government and the Secretariat in assessing the results of CFTC-funded assistance.

Training Requests

Liaising with relevant Secretariat divisions for invitations to submit nominations for training programmes
Co-ordinating, selecting and nominating participants for training activities through a clear and transparent analysis of national needs and suitability of participants in line with the Secretariat criteria (e.g. gender balance, private sector participation)
Contributing to Secretariat initiatives aimed at improving communications e.g. the adoption of the Extranet Participating in consultations with the Secretariat regarding the CFTC

Summary Role of POCs - Model B

POCs are officials within sectoral ministries or departments of member governments, who liaise with specific Secretariat Divisions. Some Secretariat divisions also have POCs based in regional organisations with whom they work closely.
POCs identify areas where development assistance is required and submit assistance requests directly to their respective Secretariat Divisions.
POCs collaborate closely with Secretariat divisional officials in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of CFTC-funded projects.
POCs keep the PCP informed of all assistance requests and project activities by copying them in to all relevant correspondence.

Role and Resposibilities of the Commonwealth Secretariat -Model B

The Secretariat supports the effective functioning of the PCP/POCs/CFTC system by consulting and communicating regularly with PCPs/POCs and keeping them informed of project and CFTC developments.
The Secretariat also keeps London-based High Commissions (as the resident representatives of Commonwealth member governments) informed of the CFTC-funded programmes of assistance in their respective countries. This enables the High Commissions to contribute more effectively to the deliberations at governing bodies' meetings and to brief visiting delegations.

Specific responsibilities of the Secretariat:

To PCPs

Consulting PCPs on national development priorities
Consulting PCPs on the relevance of the development programmes set out in the Secretariat's Strategic Plan
Informing PCPs of the Secretariat¡¦s development assistance programme Seeking contributions from PCPs in the development of the Secretariat's Strategic Plan and for the mid-term review of the Plan
Advising PCPs of key project related activities (issues, results, and lessons learnt) Maintaining effective communication links with the PCPs
Consulting the PCPs on strategic issues related to project requests
Advising the PCPs and POCs of Secretariat staff visits where appropriate

To the POCs

Collaborating closely with POCs while implementing projects, including the management of long and short-term experts, to monitor progress, ensure effective transfer of skills and sustainability
Collaborating with the POCs while evaluating projects
Seeking nominees to participate in CFTC-funded training programmes

To London-based High Commissions

Keeping desk officers informed of CFTC-funded programme of assistance
Keeping desk officers informed of staff visits to member countries
Advising the desk officers of visits by PCPs and POCs to London

PCPs by Region (Secure Area)

*To request username and password details for the Secure Area contact: cftc@commonwealth.int