1. Post – MEDSTAT III, Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation
The Support Cell
Athens, 29 –
Author: Roger Edmunds
Position: Consultant
NOM Prénom
Fonction

2. Where we are now!
Assured multi-million,multi-year work programme funded by the EC
Clearly defined programme of events shaped by initial project design
Three agencies involved in managing MEDSTAT III
EuropeAid: budget and contractual issues
Eurostat: technical advice
Contractor: implementation

3. The future partnership
Downside!
Undefined programme boundaries
Elastic financial envelope
Short term convenience / long term sustainability
Need to build new relationships, within region and externally
Upside!
Driven by Med Countries
As much or as little as countries want, the responsibility is yours
Flexible and likely to evolve over time as needs change

4. Key considerations
What is appropriate in the short term, and how can we promote sustainability in the long term?
Cost – minimum, and desirable options.

5. The Roles of the Support Cell
Communication and coordination Focal point Support the Forum and WGs Identify and disseminate good practice Liaison with others Facilitating an enabling environment for capacity building Developing south / south cooperation Training programmes Third party support Raise awareness & finance Provide leadership to bilateral donors Advocacy Resource Management (if programme funds available) Mobilisation of experts and event logistics Financial Control

6. Scenario 1: Minimum staffing
Support cell staffing
2½ team members (FTEs), covering the following functions
Coordination and communication
Advocacy and fund raising
Training, good practice & south / south cooperation
Need range of skills and expertise
Statistical expertise, economic / social
Regional experience
Institutional development (SCB, IT)
Development cooperation & fund raising
Communication and language skills

7. Scenario 2, full cost – additional staff
For data collection and dissemination
½ FTE, mixing senior expertise for supervision and quality assurance and junior
staff for data collection and analysis
Administrative Support, assume provided by parent institution, if not
Require 1 FTE at a minimum
An additional 2 FTE to cover finance and logistical issues if programme funds
available
Med Country Stagiaire
1 FTE strongly recommended, preferably as part of the core team to enhance and
emphasise Partnership. Would ask European Commission to explore feasibility.
Sector expertise
As required, programme funded
As required, financed through programme funds

8. Final Word Long term home for the Support Cell. Eurostat?
Elsewhere, Union for the Mediterranean?