John Deane referred to a past decision of AusAID not to accept ANCP programming in Timor Leste for a period of time, prior to independence, on the basis of reputational risk. He noted such situations are rare and the current concern is that if DFAT’s approach to risk is stricter than AusAID then similar decisions may be taken by DFAT more frequently. The CDC was informed in advance in the Timor Leste example, and he requested communication and consultation in future in any similar situations. The Chair explained that NVB manages a mechanism for delivering a $127.3 million program, noting: that ANCP NGOs are not directed where, how or in which sectors to work; and the role Post plays in an assessment of risk. NVB aims to reduce risks as much as possible and the risk-related advice received from Posts is taken seriously. The Chair explained that, at the 31 October Afghanistan COP meeting, NVB’s representation was to facilitate proper consideration and a timely response from Post and Desk. DFAT clarified that as much notice as possible was provided to ANCP NGOs in 2015-16 following a decision by the Head of Mission that no new ANCP projects in 2015-16 would be approved for implementation in Afghanistan. A teleconference with Head of Mission and affected ANCP NGOs was held in 2015-16 as a step towards providing earlier information about programming in Afghanistan in 2016-17. From Post’s perspective and from experience working on the Afghanistan program, Sally-Ann Vincent explained that posts have detailed knowledge of local operating environments and specific risks that proposed projects may face. DFAT shared that NVB will develop a policy on the role of Posts in the ANCP, and a communications strategy is underway in relation to ANCP and Posts. The policy will form part of the management response to the ODE Evaluation’s recommendation about clarifying the role of Posts in the ANCP. NVB continues to encourage NGOs to liaise with Posts. ACFID asked for CDC to be consulted on the policy. The Chair will take the request on notice and the CDC will be able to be consulted on the policy if appropriate. AGREED ACTIONS: The Chair will take on notice ACFID’s request for the CDC to be consulted on the policy on the role of Posts in the ANCP. Item 7. Next Meeting The CDC agreed the next meeting will be on Thursday 2 March 2017. Meeting Close
John Deane referred to a past decision of AusAID not to accept ANCP programming in Timor Leste for a period of time, prior to independence, on the basis of reputational risk. He noted such situations are rare and the current concern is that if DFAT’s approach to risk is stricter than AusAID then similar decisions may be taken by DFAT more frequently. The CDC was informed in advance in the Timor Leste example, and he requested communication and consultation in future in any similar situations. The Chair explained that NVB manages a mechanism for delivering a $127.3 million program, noting: that ANCP NGOs are not directed where, how or in which sectors to work; and the role Post plays in an assessment of risk. NVB aims to reduce risks as much as possible and the risk-related advice received from Posts is taken seriously. The Chair explained that, at the 31 October Afghanistan COP meeting, NVB’s representation was to facilitate proper consideration and a timely response from Post and Desk. DFAT clarified that as much notice as possible was provided to ANCP NGOs in 2015-16 following a decision by the Head of Mission that no new ANCP projects in 2015-16 would be approved for implementation in Afghanistan. A teleconference with Head of Mission and affected ANCP NGOs was held in 2015-16 as a step towards providing earlier information about programming in Afghanistan in 2016-17. From Post’s perspective and from experience working on the Afghanistan program, Sally-Ann Vincent explained that posts have detailed knowledge of local operating environments and specific risks that proposed projects may face. DFAT shared that NVB will develop a policy on the role of Posts in the ANCP, and a communications strategy is underway in relation to ANCP and Posts. The policy will form part of the management response to the ODE Evaluation’s recommendation about clarifying the role of Posts in the ANCP. NVB continues to encourage NGOs to liaise with Posts. ACFID asked for CDC to be consulted on the policy. The Chair will take the request on notice and the CDC will be able to be consulted on the policy if appropriate. AGREED ACTIONS: The Chair will take on notice ACFID’s request for the CDC to be consulted on the policy on the role of Posts in the ANCP. Item 7. Next Meeting The CDC agreed the next meeting will be on Thursday 2 March 2017. Meeting Close