Outline Concept. Mission Support Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop

Transcription

1 The African Union & The African Peace Support Trainers Association Working together to improve the capacity for peace support operations in Africa Outline Concept Mission Support Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop AU Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 2015 Introduction 1. At the invitation of the AU PSOD, the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA) Secretariat plans to conduct the Mission Support (MS) Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop at the AU Commission, in February 2015 (dates to be confirmed). 2. The workshop was originally planned to be conducted at the SADC RPTC from 29 September 3 October 2014, along with the Integrated Mission Planning Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop. However, it was not possible to deal with the two back-to-back workshops owing to the work involved in the Integrated Mission Planning Training Harmonization segment. 3. As part of its Annual Work Plans for 2014, the APSTA proposed to undertake the harmonization of ASF and other African-led Peace Support Operations (PSO) training. The Workshop seeks to build on the Civilian Peacekeepers Foundation (Nairobi, Kenya, 2-5 December 2013) and the Police Pre-Deployment (Accra, 6-9 May 2014) Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshops. 4. As in the case of the Integrated Mission Planning Training Harmonization, the Workshop provides an opportunity for the Association to continue to contribute towards the efforts of the AU Commission, in particular the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) and the Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), in harmonizing and standardizing ASF and regional standby forces training. 5. This concept paper outlines arrangements for the conduct of the MS Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop. Background and Justification 6. ASF training for the respective components has seen improvements over the years. However, as noted in the ASF Roadmap III (December 2010) covering the period , specific areas of 1

2 the ASF architecture, including structures and management capabilities, political decision-making and mission planning processes and logistics, among others, still need enhancing. 7. Further to the above, the Report of ASF Assessment (2012) indicates that Mission Support is the least-developed dimension of the ASF. As Mission Support is a critical enabler for ASF operations, shortcomings in this area have very serious implications for FOC [Full Operational Capability]. In the view of the Panel, it will not be possible for the ASF to achieve FOC by 2015 unless a concerted effort can be made to address these critical gaps. 8. The need for both mission planning and mission training was also observed in the ASF Training Needs Assessment conducted by APSTA during Thus, in addition to the ASF Assessment Panel s recommendation for a PSOD-led lessonslearned project aimed at capturing the key mission support lessons from AU operations to date, harmonized and standardized training on the two inter-related aspects of Mission Support (and Mission Planning) will also go a long way to alleviate the weakness in the ASF architecture. 10. From the perspective of the APSTA, the need for the harmonization of ASF training generally stems from best practice, as well as from specific stipulations in relevant AU and other policy framework documents related to the establishment, development and operationalization of the ASF, such as the ASF Assessment Report. 11. These form the basis for the articulation in the ASF Roadmap III (2010) of the clear need to harmonize training across the continent and for all components, in collaboration with the APSTA, and that APSTA should be included in Annual Training Conference(s), to help harmonize in that effort. 12. Annex A of the Roadmap relating to the Plan of Action for the ASF subsequently points out that, in addition to the conduct of a comprehensive ASF Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted by APSTA during 2013 ASF training needs should include the: a. Standardization and harmonization of [training] courses for ASF and African-led PSOs. b. Use of training centers to deliver ASF training using a standardized ASF training curriculum. c. Conduct of focused exercises, including Police, to test SOPs. 13. In these contexts, the implementation of the Roadmap emphasized APSTA training Centers of Excellence, as implementing partners of the AU and RECs/RMs. 14. These also have resonance with the vision and mission of APSTA, which exists to facilitate the development of African capacity for peace and security through coordination, advocacy, harmonization and standardization of training among its member institutions. APSTA s third objective is also to facilitate efforts to harmonize doctrine, Standard Operating Procedures and training programs for PSOs. 15. Further, the delivery of such (harmonized) capacity building training is at the core of the Agreement between the AU and the APSTA on European Union (EU) Support to African Training Institutions (6 August 2012). The Agreement states, among others, that: In fulfilling the objectives of this Agreement, APSTA shall promote and maintain excellence in conducting training, developing skills of trainees and preparing them for PSO missions as prescribed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission. 16. The MS Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop therefore accords with APSTA s own core values. 2

3 Objectives and Purpose of the Workshop 17. Like the Integrated Mission Planning Training Harmonization Workshop, and as its name suggests, the main objective of the MS Training Harmonization and Standardization Workshop is to address the gap identified in the ASF architecture, that is the FOC, by harmonizing and standardizing multidimensional training delivered by member institutions of the Association or those that intend to establish and deliver MS training for AU/UN and RECs/RMs missions, including the ASF and other African-led PSOs. 18. The main purpose of the Workshop and the project thereof is to: Review existing materials relating to MS training Revise, update, harmonize and standardize the content of MS training Establish relevant and effective MS training relating to AU/UN missions, the ASF and African-led missions Support the establishment of databases and rosters for the trained personnel 19. The Workshop will involve a comparative review of the aims and objectives, learning outcomes, methodologies and other salient aspects of IMP & MS training. 20. The harmonized and standardized packages will be modular in design to facilitate flexibility in its use for the delivery of multidimensional, multidisciplinary and integrated training audiences for MS, as may be desirable by users and stakeholders. Expected Outcomes and Outputs 21. The outcomes of the Workshop will be informed by the following three principles: a. The AU principle that, to the extent possible, AU ASF doctrine should be consistent with UN peacekeeping doctrine. b. The AU principle that where there is no specific AU policy or ASF doctrine, the AU would default to the relevant UN policy or doctrine. c. The reality that the exit strategy for AU-mandated deployments and other African-led PSOs devolve on the transfer of the mandate to the UN. 22. In the spirit of the above three principles, the Workshop will seek to ensure that the training packages are as consistent with relevant UN policies and doctrine as possible. 23. The harmonized and standardized packages will seek to establish AU minimum standards for MS training for AU/UN missions, and ASF and other African-led PSOs. 24. The Workshop is expected to yield a harmonized and standardized package as its output, that is certified for ASF and other African-led PSO training by APSTA member institutions conducting or desiring to conduct ASF and RECs/RMs standby forces training. Existing ASF and other African-led missions could also use the training package, as well as by AU and RECs/RMs PLANELMs for induction training. 25. The package will include the criteria for identification and selection of potential training audiences, and broad guidelines on the establishment of databases (and rostering) of suitable trainees by the AU and RECs/RMs, and how the knowledge and skills of such trained personnel could be further developed, employed and deployed. 26. Subsequently, commissioned experts will be contracted to develop Manual/Reader and Facilitators Notes/Guide to deepen the use and impact of the harmonized standards, followed by a second workshop to validate the MS training tools. 3

4 Logical Framework 27. The following proposed Logical Framework provides an overview of the project plan: Description Indicators Assumptions & Risks Goal (General Objective) Contribute to the harmonization and standardization of ASF and regional standby forces training Multidimensional Mission Suppoirt standards established Enhanced ASF FOC Sufficient level of coordination between key stakeholders Purpose (Specific Objectives) Expected Results (Outputs) Address gap identified in ASF architecture (FOC) in relation to MS Relevant and effective Mission Suppoirt training is established ASF personnel have received relevant, high quality MS training Trained personnel are placed on relevant databases and rosters Harmonized minimum standards for MS training established Harmonized standards for MS training meet AU/UN missions requirements are certified Additional training tools (Manual/Reader and Facilitators Notes/Guide) are developed MS training tools are validated and used for training by stakeholders Mission Suppoirt training conducted in accordance with standards Trained personnel are placed on AU/RECs/RMs databses and rosters High quality training provided to required number of multidimensional ASF personnel Qualified trained personnel are certified, rostered or deployed Employment and deployment of trained personnel are tracked 1 x MS harmonized training package established by end x MS Manual/Reader and Facilitators Notes/Guide commissioned by end 2014 AU endorsement of harmonized standards Coordination with key stakeholders Lack of certification mechanisms Activities Inputs Harmonization workshop Development of Mission Suppoirt Manual/Reader Development of Facilitators Notes/Guide Validation workshop Technical support Facilitation Budget provision AU PSOD facilities APSTA MI Experts 1 x harmonization workshop held by end-december 2014 Development of Manual Readers commissioned for MS by end 2014 Development of Facilitators Notes/Guide for MS commissioned by end x validation workshop held in early 2015 Priorities & logical sequence of activities established by end Oct Facilities secured, and work group areas arranged by end-oct Sufficient number of experts secured by mid-end Oct Concept Note, including key reference materials, shared with experts in good time Workshop report and outcome documents developed and shared with all stakeholders for further inputs prior to commissioning of tools Limited funds (2014) Uncertain levels of participation by external experts (UN) Availability of manual development experts 4

5 Monitoring and Evaluation 28. The Workshop will also seek to build into the packages general guidelines on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) consistent with AU and RECs/RMs training standards and other contractual requirements. Thus, besides the outcomes outlined already, the M&E mechanisms will aim to ensure quality control, as well as enhance the achievement of results and impact, including the rostering, employment and deployment by the AU and RECs/RMs. 29. The M&E will include but not limited to: a. Evaluation of the training objective and training methodologies to ensure that these are congenial for adult learning and the level of the training audience; quality assurance and outcome monitoring for results that are consistent with basic adult training principles. b. Internalization of the training content and its relevance for trainees day-to-day functions in missions. c. Clarification of the degree to which trainees think they would be able to incorporate the skills and knowledge acquired on the course into their functions in missions. d. Peer reviewing of course participants, in order to inform an assessment of the effectiveness of the training. 30. The draft harmonized, standardized document will also be shared with the AU, RECs/RMs and APSTA member institutions for comments and corrections, before the revised draft is presented to the AU Commission (PSOD) for endorsement. At appropriate times during this period, the material will also be presented to the relevant structures of APSTA. The final products will be shared with all stakeholders and member institutions of APSTA. Impact Evaluation 31. APSTA will collaborate with all stakeholders to monitor the impact of the standardised packages. The results of the impact evaluation will be fed into the review, revision and updating of the packages after two years. Venue/Date 32. The AU Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will host the workshop. Participation 33. The workshop will involve the participation of up to about 20 MS Experts drawn from the institutions listed below: a. AU PSOD, Addis Ababa (up to 5): Capability Development and MS (Component) Officers. AU PSOD will also determine participation from other Departments & Directorates. b. RECs/RMs (5): Each (EASFCOM, NARC, ESF, SADC-SF and FOMAC) to provide 1 x MS Manager. c. AMISOM (1): 1 MS Manager. d. ACCORD, Durban (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. e. IPSTC, Nairobi (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. 5

6 f. ISS, Pretoria (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. g. KAIPTC, Accra (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. h. LECIAD, Accra (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. i. NDCN, Abuja (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. j. SADC RPTC, Harare (1): 1 MS/Management Expert. k. UNOAU, Addis Ababa (2): 2 MS Experts. l. APSTA Secretariat, Nairobi (2): 1 Facilitation Expert and 1 Support Staff. Workshop Documentation 34. The workshop will use the following baseline documents, among others: a. AU Policy Framework Relating to the Establishment of the ASF (2003). b. AU ASF Doctrine, Planning Multi-dimensional PSOs, Chapter VII. c. AU ASF Civilian Dimension Handbook. d. AU Planning and Decision-Making Process Aide Memoire, AU Commission, February e. AU RDC Concept. f. AU ASF Logistics Concept. g. AU ASF Logistics Manual (Combined). h. AU MS Manual (Final Version 01). i. AU ASF Standard Operating Procedures. j. UN IMPP Folder 2010: MS. k. UN Handbook on UN PKOs, PBPU, DPKO, December l. UN DPKO Core Pre-Deployment Training Material (CPTM). m. Un STM 2-5, United Nations Logistics. Workshop Methodology 35. For purposes of planning and preparation by the Experts, the Workshop will employ the following approaches and tools: a. Overview of AU ASF MS standards and guidelines. b. Overview of UN PKO MS standards and guidelines. c. Review of generic aspects of the training packages, including: the type, nature and objectives of the training packages; selection criteria for target training audiences; training tools, aids and equipment; identification of facilitators, mentors and trainers; d. Review of Learning Plans (in plenary followed by breakaway group discussions) separately for the two packages. e. Review of Module Specifications (in plenary followed by breakaway group discussions) separately for the two packages. f. Discussion of availability of essential references and reading lists. 6

7 g. Discussion of the development of training course readers and facilitators notes/guidance (in plenary). h. Standardization and consistency of terminology with AU/UN policies and doctrinal terms (in plenary). Work Plan 36. The agenda for the Workshop will be issued separately. Administration and Logistics 37. Participants will be accommodated at the Saro Maria Hotel. 38. The workshop will be funded by APSTA from its AU-EU budget support for No per diems will be paid. However, a small allowance will be given in lieu of optional individual dinners. 39. The AU PSOD will facilitate the administration and logistics arrangements. These will cover daily shuttles from the Hotel to the Commission, security clearance, and facilities for the workshop, including auditorium, breakaway rooms, and workshop snacks/meals. 40. Participants who choose to make arrangements for optional accommodation will be expected to cover their daily shuttles to/from the SADC RPTC. 41. Participating institutions, where applicable, are requested to forward the particulars of their Experts to the APSTA Secretariat for the finalization of travel itineraries and other administrative aspects. 42. Further administrative details will be issued later. Ownership of the Harmonized Standardized Document 43. The AU, RECs/RMs and the APSTA will exercise joint ownership of the standardized, harmonized MS packages. APSTA member institutions will be able to use the packages for training and other related purposes. 44. Non-APSTA members may only use the material upon prior permission from the APSTA Secretariat. Any production, duplication, storage and sharing of the packages will be deemed unethical. Want to Share Best Practices? Contact: APSTA Secretariat PO Box Nairobi, Kenya : / apsta@apsta-africa.org Website: 7