SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) & application process by SAICM secretariat SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) & application process by SAICM secretariat SAICM-CSD Learning Centre New York, USA, May 2010

2 Contents QSP overview, objective & strategic priorities and set-up QSP overview, objective & strategic priorities and set-up QSP Trust Fund overview QSP Trust Fund overview QSP TF applications process and materials, projects, eligibility, initial project development phase, appraisal and support to applicants QSP TF applications process and materials, projects, eligibility, initial project development phase, appraisal and support to applicants Conclusion and contact information Conclusion and contact information

3 SAICM ’ s Quick Start Programme (QSP) was mandated by the ICCM in February 2006 and launched in April SAICM ’ s Quick Start Programme (QSP) was mandated by the ICCM in February 2006 and launched in April QSP aims to support initial enabling activities in developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States and countries with economies in transition. QSP aims to support initial enabling activities in developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States and countries with economies in transition. QSP consists of a trust fund, as well as bilateral, multilateral and other forms of cooperation. QSP consists of a trust fund, as well as bilateral, multilateral and other forms of cooperation. QSP overview

4 QSP objective & strategic priorities QSP aims to mobilize resources for national priority initial enabling activities, in particular: QSP aims to mobilize resources for national priority initial enabling activities, in particular: a) Development or updating of national chemical profiles and the identification of capacity needs for sound chemicals management; b) Development and strengthening of national chemicals management institutions, plans, programmes and activities to implement SAICM, building upon work conducted to implement international chemicals-related agreements and initiatives; c) Undertaking analysis, interagency coordination, and public participation activities directed at enabling the implementation of SAICM by integrating – i.e., mainstreaming – the sound management of chemicals in national strategies, and thereby informing development assistance cooperation priorities

5 QSP set up QSP Executive Board: QSP Executive Board: –Trust fund donors, other contributors and Government regional representatives. –Meets once a year to reviews progress and provides overall operational guidance. Trust Fund Implementation Committee Trust Fund Implementation Committee –Considers project proposals twice a year. –FAO, ILO, OECD, UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR and WHO. UNEP administers trust fund UNEP administers trust fund SAICM secretariat SAICM secretariat –Services the Executive Board and Trust Fund Implementation Committee. –Facilitates the trust fund application process and project implementation.

6 QSP Trust Fund: overview (1) Open to contributions until 2012 and can make disbursement until 2013 Open to contributions until 2012 and can make disbursement until 2013 –Already $24 million from 23 donors, of which around $2.5 million is earmarked for MEA-related projects for countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Governments of developing and transition economy countries are eligible. Governments of developing and transition economy countries are eligible. Under exceptional circumstances, NGOs can receive support. Under exceptional circumstances, NGOs can receive support. IGOs cannot apply but can be involved as executing and implementing agencies. IGOs cannot apply but can be involved as executing and implementing agencies.

7 QSP Trust Fund: overview (2) Over the lifetime of the QSP, countries may take part in Over the lifetime of the QSP, countries may take part in –one individual Government national project, –one multi-country Government project and/or, –one civil society project. Projects can receive $50,000 to $250,000 and be for a maximum of 2 years. Projects can receive $50,000 to $250,000 and be for a maximum of 2 years.

8 QSP Trust Fund: application process There are two application rounds per year. The eighth round closed in February The next round will close on 27 August There are two application rounds per year. The eighth round closed in February The next round will close on 27 August Applications are submitted in English only to the SAICM secretariat by post with all the required signatures. Applications are submitted in English only to the SAICM secretariat by post with all the required signatures. Signed advance copies can be forwarded by e- mail or fax. Signed advance copies can be forwarded by e- mail or fax. After each application deadline the SAICM secretariat screens applications for eligibility. After each application deadline the SAICM secretariat screens applications for eligibility.

9 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: Governments Governments of: Governments of: –Developing countries –Countries with economies in transition LDCs and SIDS have priority LDCs and SIDS have priority Governments must have nominated a SAICM National Focal Point (NFP) Governments must have nominated a SAICM National Focal Point (NFP) –Official nomination procedure via Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10 QSP Trust Fund eligibility: NGOs NGOs that have expertise in chemicals management and the necessary resources and administrative capacity. NGOs that have expertise in chemicals management and the necessary resources and administrative capacity. To be considered under on an “exceptional circumstances” NGO projects need to: To be considered under on an “exceptional circumstances” NGO projects need to: –Address a significant need in chemicals management; –Address a gap – i.e. other stakeholders are not addressing the need; and –Demonstrate the value of the project being undertaken by an NGO. NGO projects need the endorsement of the official national focal point of the country(ies) where the project will be implemented. NGO projects need the endorsement of the official national focal point of the country(ies) where the project will be implemented. NGOs projects also need the endorsement of a SAICM NGO focal point, normally the one of the NGO applying. NGOs projects also need the endorsement of a SAICM NGO focal point, normally the one of the NGO applying.

11 QSP Trust Fund: projects Since May 2006, eight application rounds were held. The 9 th round for applications will close on 27 August Since May 2006, eight application rounds were held. The 9 th round for applications will close on 27 August applications were submitted in the first eight rounds. 234 applications were submitted in the first eight rounds. 100 projects have been approved for a total of $20.2 million. 100 projects have been approved for a total of $20.2 million. Activities to be implemented in 89 countries. Activities to be implemented in 89 countries. List of approved projects is available on List of approved projects is available on

12 QSP Trust Fund: support to applicants Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Provides essential information on the application process and package Provides essential information on the application process and package Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic The secretariat is available: The secretariat is available: –to provide guidance on the application procedure –to answer questions on the applications forms –to review applications –to provide further advice of applications Do not hesitate to send an to Do not hesitate to send an to

13 QSP Trust Fund: Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Application Guidelines are available with the application documents on the SAICM website: Provides essential information on the application process and package Provides essential information on the application process and package Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic

14 Conclusion The QSP provides opportunities for developing countries and counties with economy in transition. The QSP provides opportunities for developing countries and counties with economy in transition. The ninth round of applications will close in August The ninth round of applications will close in August Applications should be developed as early as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and the deadline for submission. Applications should be developed as early as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and the deadline for submission. If interested, develop an initial proposal and contact SAICM national focal points. If interested, develop an initial proposal and contact SAICM national focal points. Engage with IGOs, Convention Secretariats or SAICM secretariat if needed. Engage with IGOs, Convention Secretariats or SAICM secretariat if needed. Visit for further information and application materials. Visit for further information and application materials.

15 Contacts and information Contacts and information Please visit the SAICM website at: or contact: SAICM secretariat, c/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, chemin des Anémones, CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel , Fax