MENA Codes Workshop Role and Tasks of the Project Manager Philip Armstrong March 2006

Explanation of the Role Example Provided taken from King Report Exercise Must be Good Communicator…..  …..work closely with the committee chairman  …..coordinate activities with the secretariat  …..develop good working relations with task teams, researchers Preferably Should have a Good Network  …..well connected with institutions involved in the project  …..develop network of research sources, locally and internationally  …..have access to regional and international experts (?) Should have Close Eye for Detail Must Remain Objective throughout Process  …..no vested interests, guided by the objectives of the review Must be Prepared to Negotiate Difficult Issues

Tasks to be Undertaken Set Timetable and Determine Objectives of the Review Map out Work Program  …..for the committee and key milestones  …..for the task teams with clear guidelines, targets  …..for the “core working group” and finalising the code Establish Necessary Resources and Networks Undertake Regular Liaison  …..with committee and committee chairman  …..with secretariat, researchers, other correspondents  …..with task teams and their leaders  …..with regulators and other official bodies Distribute Useful Material to Support Process Set Templates to Guide Structure of Content Central Source for Collating and Editing Draft Content

Key Issues in the Process Establish Modus Operandi  …..keep tight control of project timetable  …..ensure regular and clear communication to key parties  …..communicate, communicate, communicate! Keep in Touch with Progress  …..provide interventions or facilitate support as necessary  …..remain available to all involved parties  …..remain in touch! Also follow policy and practice developments  …..domestic priorities and relevant international issues Use Technology to Expedite Distribution, Consultation Keep ALL Copies of Edited Drafts  …..in case of disputes on content! Ensure Strong, Reliable Secretarial Back-up Maintain Record of All Sources of Reference, Research

Some Lessons …… Keep a Record of How Content Accepted or Rejected  …..maintain a matrix of key issues  …..record from whom submissions received in this connection  …..detail of how the committee/editors responded (with reasons) Consider Funding Issues early in the Project  …..payments for research  …..costs of communication, correspondence, dissemination  …..costs of media engagement  …..sources from whom funding can be obtained, vested interests If Consulting Support Required, Consider Implications Editing, Negotiating Changes, Finalising…..  …..are very time consuming, don’t underestimate Manner of Final Publication, Dissemination = Critical!  …..work does not end at this point, often only the beginning

Philip Armstrong Thank You