Review of CoP-MfDR Pilot Phase

1. Review of CoP-MfDR Pilot Phase Sharing Experiences and Lessons Learned Third International Roundtable on Managing for Development Results Hanoi, Vietnam February 5-8, 2007

2. Objectives To share the experience of pilot operation of CoP-MfDR in terms of achievements, progress, issues and challenges To share and discuss the lessons learned for replication and scale-up in other regions

3. Introduction of CoP The “community of practice” is a particular type of network that features peer-to-peer collaborative activities to build member skills as well as organizational and societal capabilities. Organizations and researchers use a variety of terms to describe similar phenomena, such as “learning networks,” “knowledge communities,” “competency net-works,” “thematic groups,” etc. The essential features of CoP-MfDR are: Demand driven Informal Voluntary VLN Peer to Peer Learning

4. Background of CoP-MfDR Launched in March 2006 with the vision: ‘To contribute to the enhancement of sustainable capacity for results management among countries in Asia and the Pacific’. with main focus: To establish the mutual trust among members, sharing their ideas, and experiences through informal discussions. with key practices thru VLN: First such kind of effort (virtual learning network) in developing countries with different languages and different development stages and is totally a new concept and a challenging initiative.

5. CoP-MfDR Structure & Key Functions Four layered structure: Coordinating Committee [5] Core group members [30] MfDR experts and donor/partners [20] Peripheral members [100] Commitment to contribute towards three key outcomes: Improved institutional coordination and cooperation of planning, budgeting and implementing agencies within governments; Enhanced capacity development thru sharing good practices and information on MfDR, Improved awareness-raising and country ownership thru deepened understanding of MfDR principles and practices.

6. Structural Layers

7. Interim Coordination Committee (ICC) meetings Online discussions Expert-led discussion 4 topics On-line postings and comments 100 entries National/sectoral, project, 20 papers & civil society CoP members contributed 20 papers on three MfDR themes Other key online activities Monthly email newsletters CoP members Q & A CoP-MfDR Library with Members’ Collection and Country Folders MfDR Resource Center (250 files) MfDR Sourcebook translation Progress & Key ActivitiesVLN Operation

8. Advantages of the CoP Format Participation Voluntary vs compulsory Developing countries’ voice Working level practitioners’ voice Both mid-income and low-income developing countries Networking Build relationship & trust Learning experiences Sustainability On-going vs single time activity Flexible vs time-bound Modality Free expression Personal opinions vs official capacity Informal vs informal Information sharing Resources—toolkits, reports, case studies etc On-line library Cost-effective

9. Issues and Challenges: Virtual Learning Network Relevance of topics / focus: Language barrier “Online fatigue” CoP Library needs improvement Technical / access / website problems Face-to-face events Build and maintain mutual trust Focus on implementation on the ground To serve as milestones of online discussions Format (training, study tours, workshops) Frequency and size

10. Demand-driven topic selection Incentives for participation Proper scheduling of online activities Address language problem Country-based CoPs in native language Address technical problems Scaling up of CoP Develop country-based or network-based CoPs (core group members are focal points) Publish CoP member contributions Link with other MfDR or similar networks Sustainable financing Co-financing from other development partners Development partners reflect and respond to the voice of the CoP Lessons Learned

11. THANKS