EN-Workshop Report - 13 May 2024
EN-Workshop Report - 13 May 2024
23 – 24 April 2024
Maputo, Mozambique
SADC Secretariat
Gaborone, Botswana
April 2024
Table of Contents
1. BACKGROUND OF REGIONAL STATISTICS PROJECT .......................................... 3
2. WORKSHOP DESIGN ................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Time, Location, and Participants ............................................................................ 4
2.2. Adoption of Agenda and Confirmation of Quorum ................................................ 4
2.3. Workshop objectives, outcomes, and outputs ....................................................... 4
a) Objectives ............................................................................................................. 4
b) Expected Outcomes ............................................................................................. 5
c) Outputs ................................................................................................................. 5
d) Resource entities .................................................................................................. 5
3. PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND SCOPE OF SUPPORT TO MEMBER STATES ........... 6
3.1 Relationship Between SADC’s Strategic Elements and Strategic Project
Management as a background to Project Design. ....................................................... 6
4. STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT PLAN .................................................................. 8
5. ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL AND COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) .................................. 8
6. LABOR MANAGEMENT PLAN (LMP) ........................................................................ 9
6.1 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy (2022) ......................................... 9
6.2 Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (2022)............................................................... 9
6.3 Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Policy (2019) ............................... 10
7.GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ..................................................................... 11
7.1 Grievance Redress Mechanism for Regional Statistics Project ........................... 11
8. E-WASTE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................... 13
9. RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT (RBM) IN SADC SECRETARIAT ..................... 14
10.WORKSHOP EVALUATION .................................................................................... 15
11.WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................... 15
12. NEXT STEPS. ......................................................................................................... 17
10. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 17
ANNEX 1- WORKSHOP AGENDA ............................................................................... 18
Day 1 – 23 April 2024 ................................................................................................ 18
Project Documents and Policy Instruments for Regional Statistics ......................... 18
Day 2 – 24 April 2024 ................................................................................................ 18
The Context of Results Based Mechanism and linkages between NSDS and
RSDS/Protocol........................................................................................................ 18
ANNEX 2: GRIEVANCE FACT SHEET......................................................................... 19
Annex 3:Hazard/Incident/Accident Report Form ........................................................... 21
2. WORKSHOP DESIGN
The workshop took place at the Raddison Blu in Maputo, Mozambique, from April 23rd to
April 24th, 2024. Member States were encouraged to nominate two participants: a PIU
Coordinator and an NSDS/National Statistical System (NSS) representative. Additionally,
three representatives from the World Bank attended the event. The workshop was
attended by a total of 49 participants, comprising 19 women and 30 men.
Working collaboratively with colleagues from The World Bank and the SADC Secretariat,
we formulated the agenda for the workshop, which underwent thorough review and was
subsequently adopted by the Secretariat. The meeting convened with a duly constituted
quorum, with 14 out of the 15 Member States represented. Regrettably, Seychelles was
unable to attend.
a) Objectives
1. Introduce the teams of country and SADC PIUs to each other and ensure their
smooth communication and collaboration going forward.
2. Set up a coordination mechanism to provide and receive information between the
SADC PIU and the participating countries’ PIUs and agree on required tasks and
timelines. The tasks include submission of information including M&E indicators
(results) and updates on ESCP implementation; coordinating technical assistance
and national training requests from the NSO to SADC and advising the Head of
NSOs and Project Steering Committees as applicable, on issues related to the
Project.
3. Provide capacity building on the SADC results-based framework to ensure
alignment of national policy frameworks to regional statistics.
4. Take stock of the status of the development of National Strategy for Development
of Statistics (NSDSs); and
5. Provide guidelines on capturing baseline information on the: articles of the SADC
Protocol on Statistics and the domains of the Needs Assessment study of national
statistical systems with the aim to develop an updated and live project M&E
system.
b) Expected Outcomes
The meeting commenced with the SADC Secretariat providing a contextual overview of
how the Statistics project aligns with overarching SADC strategic elements and how the
project was designed. This included a succinct linkage between SADC strategic
objectives and the World Bank Regional Project, introducing the "Performance-Based
Project Management Approach." This approach, according to the Secretariat, is poised
to bolster the Project Implementation Units' (PIUs) capacity in resource management,
thus facilitating efficient project implementation and ultimately driving strategic outcomes
and impacts. The meeting had a dual focus:
During the workshop, the stakeholders' engagement plan was presented as a pivotal
aspect for the successful implementation of the project. The session highlighted two main
categories of stakeholders: Project Affected Parties (PAPs) and Other Interested Parties
(OIPs). Both groups were actively consulted during the project design phase, ensuring
their perspectives and needs were integrated into the project framework. It was
underscored that stakeholder engagement is fundamental for achieving the project's
objective of harmonizing statistics in the region.
Furthermore, discussions during the workshop shed light on the governance structure
overseeing SADC regional statistics programs, with the Statistics Committee playing a
key role in monitoring project progress since 2020. Stakeholders recognized the
importance of effective communication and coordination mechanisms, emphasizing the
role of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) as central points for stakeholder engagement
and communication with the Secretariat.
This comprehensive approach to stakeholder engagement and governance underscores
our commitment to inclusive and transparent project management practices, essential for
the success and sustainability of the project.
At the workshop, the SADC Secretariat presented on its ESCP for the project,
emphasizing its pivotal role in guiding project implementation for Participating countries.
The ESCP delineates essential tasks and actions for the Secretariat and PIUs,
encompassing aspects such as setting timelines, organizing staff, providing training,
monitoring progress, and managing grievances. Member States were briefed on the
specific details of the ESCP, underlining its significance for effective project execution,
particularly for Participating Countries in the project, including the PIU, consultants, and
those participating in capacity building activities. It was underscored that the Secretariat
bears the responsibility of regularly preparing and submitting reports to the Bank
concerning the ESCP.
To implement the SADC Regional Project effectively, participating countries must adhere
to the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). This entails:
(i) Identifying key risks and engaging relevant institutions for support in setting up
Environmental and Social Plans based on local legal frameworks.
(ii) Utilizing applicable laws, standards, and best practices, along with specific risk
identification instruments such as checklists or questionnaires.
(iii) Submitting regular monitoring reports on Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety
(ESHS) performance to the PIU.
(iv) Promptly informing the PIU of any incidents or accidents with significant
environmental or social impacts, including those jeopardizing project goals.
(v) Reporting all fatalities, serious injuries, and workplace accidents, as well as
incidents involving local communities or others, caused by project workers or
accidents involving project vehicles or equipment.
(vi) Reporting violations of human rights, including sexual and gender-based violence
and instances of harmful child labour.
(vii) Minimizing paper usage in project activities and transitioning to electronic
devices, while implementing a policy for managing electronic waste (e-waste)
The Regional Workshop offered detailed insights into the Labor Management Procedure
(LMP) for hires under the project and Project Implementation Units. The session aimed
to deepen participants' comprehension of labor management issues pertinent to the
project, including but not limited to the intricacies of staff recruitment, essential standards
to adhere to, Human Resources and Administration Policies, and the requisite procedural
guidelines.
Additionally, the workshop facilitated an evaluation of potential risks inherent in project
implementation and proposed tailored compliance measures to mitigate such risks
effectively. The LMP further advocates for equitable treatment, nondiscrimination, and
equal opportunities for both project employees and consultants, provisions on working
conditions, management of workers relationships, occupational health, and safety and,
code of conduct thereby fostering a conducive and inclusive work environment.
Participants were appraised of the SADC Human Resources and Administration Policies
which govern SADC Secretariat employees, employees seconded to the Secretariat, and
employees under SADC projects, who are employed under SADC Conditions of Service.
A brief overview of the applicable SADC Human Resources and Administration Policies,
during the implementation of the project in strong compliance with the World Bank
requirements, was provided to the participants as follows:
6.1 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy (2022)
The Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment Policy as amended in July 2022 provides
a framework to support the organisation to attract, select and appoint the best employees.
It is the main guide for labour management in the Secretariat.
6.2 Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (2022)
The Disciplinary and Grievance Policy as amended in March 2022 provides a framework
for the management of disciplinary and grievance matters and a guideline for professional
behaviour and responsibilities that support the SADC Secretariat’s core values and
management of all forms of misconduct including harassment and sexual harassment
through a formulated panel. The Policy also provides for fair, peaceful, and prompt
settlement of individual disputes and grievances.
The SADC Secretariat, as the employer will ensure that the workplace is safe and healthy
for employees including project employees, visitors, and other stakeholders.
7.GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
1.1 PAP declares grievance with Project Coordinator through grievance email.
1.2 Project Coordinator receives grievance and acknowledges receipt by email within 24
hours.
1.3 Project Coordinator reports grievance to Human Resources Officer by email within
48 hours for noting and logging in database.
1.4 Project Coordinator reviews the grievance, holds informal discussions with
aggrieved party in view of trying to resolve the matter and provides a response to
the aggrieved party within 5 working days from submission of grievance by
Complainant.
1.5 If the Complainant is satisfied and accepts the response, the matter is considered
as resolved and closed. The Project Coordinator will inform the Human Resources
Officer by email about resolution of grievance for noting and record purposes.
1.6 If the Complainant is not satisfied with the response, the latter will advise the Project
Coordinator accordingly by email by providing all details and reasons of unresolved
grievance. The Project Coordinator will in turn inform the Human Resources Officer
about the unresolved grievance. The matter will be referred to the next level of
conciliation.
2.1 Upon receipt of the unresolved grievance, the Director Human Resources and
Administration will conduct investigations and hold a meeting with the aggrieved
party to discuss and find a way to resolve the matter.
2.2 The Director Human Resources and Administration will provide a response to the
aggrieved party within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the unresolved
grievance copied to the Project Coordinator.
2.3 If the Complainant is satisfied and accepts the response, the matter is considered
as resolved and closed. The Project Coordinator will be informed, and the grievance
database will be updated accordingly.
2.4 If the Complainant is not satisfied with the response, the latter will advise the Director
Human Resources and Administration by email copied to the Project Coordinator
and the Human Resources Officer about the unresolved grievance. The case will
be referred to the 2nd stage of grievance handling process.
3.1 Upon receipt of the unresolved grievance, the Director Human Resources and
Administration will appoint a Grievance Committee within 5 working days of receipt
of the unresolved grievance.
3.2 The Grievance Committee will hold all its meetings to try and resolve the grievance
within 10 working days from its first meeting and issue the recommendations to the
Director Human Resources and Administration.
3.3 The Director Human Resources and Administration will issue the ‘Notice of Outcome
of the Grievance Committee’ to the aggrieved party within 5 working days of the final
meeting of the Grievance Committee copied to the Project Coordinator.
3.4 If the Complainant is satisfied and accepts the response, the matter is considered
as resolved and closed. The Project Coordinator will be informed, and the grievance
database will be updated accordingly.
3.5 If the Complainant is not satisfied with the response, the latter will appeal to the
Director Human Resources and Administration by email copied to the Project
Coordinator and the Human Resources Officer within 10 working days of receipt of
the ‘Notice of Outcome of Grievance Committee’. The case will be referred to the
3rd stage of grievance handling process.
4.1 Upon receipt of the Appeal from the Complainant, the Director Human Resources
and Administration will inform the Executive Secretary about the unresolved
grievance.
4.2 The Executive Secretary will appoint an Appeal Committee within 5 working days of
receipt of the notification of unresolved grievance and appeal from the Complainant.
4.3 The Appeal Committee will hold all its meetings to try and resolve the grievance
within 10 working days from its first meeting and issue the recommendations to the
Executive Secretary.
4.4 The Executive Secretary will issue the ‘Notice of Outcome of Appeal Committee’ to
the aggrieved party within 5 working days of the final meeting of the Appeal
Committee copied to the Director Human Resources and Administration and the
Project Coordinator.
4.5 If the Complainant is satisfied and accepts the response, the matter is considered
as resolved and closed. The Project Coordinator will be informed, and the grievance
database will be updated accordingly.
4.6 If the Complainant is not satisfied with the response, the latter will inform the Director
Human Resources and Administration copied to the Project Coordinator and the
Human Resources Officer by email.
4.7 The Director Human Resources and Administration will inform the Executive
Secretary about the unresolved grievance.
4.8 The Director Human Resources and Administration will advise the Complainant by
email copied to the Project Coordinator, to seek recourse from SADC Administrative
Tribunal (SADCAT), given that all internal means of resolution of grievance have
been exhausted.
8. E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
Reference was made to the Asset Disposal Policy of SADC which provides guidance to
handling e-waste considering it is one of the major environmental issues that affects the
Regional Project. This policy outlines procedures for disposing of obsolete computers and
related equipment due to rapid technological changes. It states that the ICT Unit will certify
equipment as obsolete and dispose of it in a cost-effective manner. The preferred method
is to sell to employees at a competitive price comparable to market value. The ICT Unit
is responsible for preparing equipment for disposal by removing data and programs.
Unsold equipment will be collected by the Human Resources and Administration
Directorate, which will then arrange for electronic waste disposers to collect and dispose
of it according to procurement guidelines. Revenue from disposal will be handled
according to the organization's financial regulations and relevant regulatory requirements.
9. RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT (RBM) IN SADC SECRETARIAT
On the final day of the workshop, participants were encouraged to provide feedback on
various aspects of the event using a QR Code evaluation system. This allowed for
comprehensive assessments of logistics, course content, interpreter performance, areas
for improvement, and considerations from a gender perspective and Environmental and
Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) issues. Additionally, demographic information of
respondents was collected to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and to address any
disparities or specific needs based on gender. The response rate was slightly above 50%.
The feedback collected through this mechanism serves as valuable insight for future
planning and refinement of workshop activities, considering gender-related
considerations and ESCP issues. Specifically, it helps organizers identify strengths and
weaknesses, tailor content to better meet participants' needs, and enhance overall
satisfaction with the workshop experience.
11.WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
(i) Secretariat to coordinate and review specific requests for technical assistance
and national training as per 3.1 above related to the project activities from
institutions within the NSS through Official Letters. A working session shall then
be undertaken for assessing validity and developing logical framework for
ensuring roll out of the request.
(ii) Secretariat to coordinate collection and transmission of indicators (project
development indicators as per project document) for monitoring and evaluation
of the project from the PIUs and designated focal points of Member States.
(iii) Secretariat to coordinate the collection and transmission of baseline
information and progress regarding monitoring and evaluation of the SADC
Protocol on Statistics; and
(iv) Provide support for ensuring alignment of NSDS to RSDS through the results-
based mechanism during the exercise Secretariat shall conduct to map
activities of NSDSs to articles of the Protocol.
(v) The meeting recommended that the Secretariat should organise fully-fledged
hands-on training on RBM to capacitate participants and PIUs in planning,
monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, focusing on impactful results generated
by the statistics programmes/projects in Member States.
(vi) The meeting also recommended that alignment and harmonisation of the
NSDSs and the RSDS is critical, especially for those Member States who are
revising and developing new strategies. The hands-on training will also equip
Member States with the knowledge and skills to utilize RBM in the formulation,
revision and/or development of NSDSs and SADC Secretariat would have to
organize this training.
(vii) SADC Secretariat informed the participants that training on RBM basics and
formulation of NSDSs will be considered upon official written request from
NSOs/Member States.
12. NEXT STEPS.
The next steps for the Regional Statistics Project involve implementing the
recommendations discussed during the workshop. This includes:
▪ Finalizing and disseminating the workshop report to all stakeholders including the
Statistics Committee for review and feedback by May 2024.
▪ Initiating capacity-building activities within National Statistical Systems (NSSs) to
align with regional priorities and enhance statistical capabilities.
▪ Strengthening collaboration with strategic partners, including the World Bank and
other international organizations, to leverage expertise and resources and
avoiding duplication of statistics related activities.
▪ Regularly communicating updates and milestones to stakeholders to maintain
transparency and accountability.
▪ Evaluating and addressing any challenges or risks that may arise during project
implementation every quarter.
10. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it's crucial for Member States to sync their National Sustainable
Development Strategies (NSDSs) with Regional Sustainable Development Strategies
(RSDS). This is especially important for those updating or creating new strategies.
Keeping a close eye on progress through monitoring and reporting is vital. Also, adopting
eco-friendly practices like cutting down on paper and managing e-waste supports the
project's long-term success and broader environmental goal. Through collaborative
efforts and ongoing commitment to these principles, the project can realize its objectives
while fostering regional integration and development.
ANNEX 1- WORKSHOP AGENDA
The Context of Results Based Mechanism and linkages between NSDS and
RSDS/Protocol
COMPLAINANT NAME
HOME ADDRESS
OCCUPATION
WORK LOCATION
MEMBER STATE
REPORT DATE
SADC staff
COMPLAINANT? Representative of Complainant
Others
Please specify: …………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SOURCE OF GRIEVANCE
YES NO
HAVE YOU EVER FILED
THE SAME GRIEVANCE
BEFORE? If Yes, provide details of outcome:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ADDITIONAL
COMMENTS Attach
evidence where possible
or if required.
Event Number
Annex 3:Hazard/Incident/Accident Report Form
Human Resources and Administration Directorate IN/
SADC Secretariat
PART A: INITIAL REPORT
1. Type Hazardous Property Damage/Loss Community Contact Fatality
(Tick box)
substance/situation
Injury Security/Robbery
Environment Other (Specify)
SADC Staff
Others
3. Location, Date and Location (be specific)
Time of Incident/
Accident Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Time
4. Brief Description Brief description of where the incident/accident occurred, what happened, injuries or damage sustained, and what the person was doing at the time of accident.
5. PPE In Use Incorrect Use Incorrect PPE Not In Use Not Applicable
6. Emergency No Involvement Yes – Involved Specify:
Response (e.g. first aid,
rescue team)
7. Immediate Action(s)
after the event
Type
Asphyxia Dislocation Fracture Loss of Consciousness Strain
(tick box/es)
Bruising Effects of Chemicals Illness (specify) Nausea Other (specify)
(tick box/es)
Skull/Head Shoulder… Hip… Chest
12. First Aid Name of First Aider Record any observations and treatment provided, as well as any advice given to the patient.
Provider
SIGNATURE