Strengthening the OAS Through Business Modernization

1. Strengthening the OASThrough Business Modernization Presented by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the OASPermanent CouncilMarch 25, 2013

2. A New Vision For the OAS • The Americas are changing and the OAS needs a broad-based reform agenda to continue to be the premiere multilateral organization in the hemisphere. • Such a reform agenda must take into account the strategic proposals of the Secretary General and be based on the clearly articulated priorities and needs of member states.

3. A Process of Reform and Renewal • The OAS is uniquely placed to provide a hemispheric platform for action and results. • The OAS requires a broad-based management reform agenda to strengthen the delivery of its value-added programmes.

4. Principles of a Reform Agenda Such a Management Reform Agenda would be based on the principles of: • Planning & Delivering Results • Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness • Increasing Accountability

5. Planning & Delivering Results • Set a Vision Statement • Redefine the Core Objectives of the Pillars of the OAS • Review Mandates regularly, to eliminate unnecessary, redundant and obsolete mandates. • Adopt Effective Work Planning and Operational Strategies

6. Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness • Revamp budget review process • Streamline business practices to create efficiencies and to avoid waste and duplication. • Reform human resource management system, including competitive staffing and regular appraisals • Rationalize management & operational structures through the reform process led by the CAAP

7. Increasing Accountability • Create an effective Management/Executive Committee • Empower Inspector General • Improve access to Audit Reports through the OAS web-site • Improve management of Specific Funds • Implement the Code of Values and Ethics • Report regularly on results achieved.

8. Key activity 1: Lessons Learned From the 2013 Budget Process • Alignment of Priorities – the budget allocation process must be driven by clearly articulated policy priorities. • Quality Control – the budget process must be supported by a clear methodology and reliable data. • Review Process – the budget review process must focus on issues of key significance for member states.

9. Key activity 2: Prioritization of Mandates • The CAAP is leading a process to prepare a proposed prioritization of mandates taking into consideration the Strategic Vision proposed by the Secretary General. • The overall objective is to allow for greater focus and effective management: • Sunset unnecessary, redundant and obsolete mandates; and, • Define criteria for future mandates

10. Results The results of these two key CAAP activities would be reflected in Resolutions to be presented at the next OAS General Assembly in Guatemala in June, 2013. These may include: • Creation of a technical advisory committee to monitor on an ongoing basis the budget and mandate process • Improved and streamlined consultative processes between member states and the General Secretariat and among member states • Rigorous approach to the Program-Budget proposal • Streamlined mandates and criteria for future mandates

11. Results of Business Modernization • Towards Results-Based Management and Results-Based budgeting • Integration of functions of evaluation, audit and monitoring in programs and operations • Improved governance and oversight • Improved reporting