APEC PROJECTS’ FUNDING PROCESS: THE NEW CONCEPT NOTE

1. APEC PROJECTS’ FUNDING PROCESS: THE NEW CONCEPT NOTE Chen-Sheng Ho, Ph.D. Associate Research Fellow Chinese Taipei APEC Study Center, TIER

2. PRESENTATION PURPOSE • Describe the process and the latest timeline. • Provide suggestions for completing the Concept Note.

3. 2010 APEC PROJECT CYCLE: SESSION 2 Stage 1: Concept note development and submission • Prepare the Concept Note. • Submit the Concept Note to related APEC forum (Forum Deadline). • Review and rank the Concept Note by APEC forum (Forum Deadline). • Submit the endorsed and ranked Concept Note to Secretariat (By June 9).

4. 2010 APEC PROJECT CYCLE: SESSION 2 Stage 2: Priority assessment of concept notes • Review and rank the Concept Notes by Committees and SFOM using the APEC Funding Criteria (By June 16). • If required, each economy’s Principal Decision-Maker (PDM) would prioritize concept notes (By June 24). • BMC approves concepts notes (By June 23).

5. 2010 APEC PROJECT CYCLE: SESSION 2 Stage 3: Quality assessment of full project proposals • Develop the project proposal (ASAP). • A new proposal template is under BMC consideration.

6. THE CONCEPT NOTE Introduction • Specify amount being sought from APEC: Travel; Hosting; Labor Costs; Publication & Distribution; and Other. • Submit Concept Note of not more than three pages in Arial 10 or Times New Roman 11.

7. THE CONCEPT NOTE Clarifying the Objective • Be realistic about achieving objectives. • Measurable with the stating of indicators of achievement. • A maximum of three objectives.

8. THE CONCEPT NOTE Ensuring Relevance • Answering 1st Question: State statements by Leaders, Ministers and fora. • Answering 2nd Question: State reasons, such as enhancing cooperation, addressing challenges, promoting capacity building, sharing of ideas, and generating benefits. • Focus more on the second question.

9. THE CONCEPT NOTE Developing the Methodology • Describe the timelines and dates for key events. • Relate the beneficiaries and stakeholders (APEC and non-APEC). • Link the proposed project with previous projects to show continuity. • State the plan to communicate the results of the project to others.

10. APEC PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA • Relevance: Contribute to APEC goals. • Effectiveness: Add value for APEC; SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). • Efficiency: Achieve “best bang for the buck.” Follow APEC budget guidelines. • Impact: Indicate the beneficiaries and benefits. Provide plan to communicate findings. • Sustainability: State the methods to ensure continuity of activities.

11. PROGRAM DIRECTOR: KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER • Be realistic about what you can achieve. • Be specific about who will benefit and how stakeholders will be involved. • Show that you’ve done your homework. • Be accurate in developing your budget. • Remember the audience: not all proposal readers will be an expert.

12. 建 議 爭取各會員之認同與支持：於提交計畫概念文件之前（評估優先順序階段），加強與所屬論壇及委員會成員說明提案之重要性，爭取支持。 與PD密切聯繫：掌握論壇內概念文件送交時程 與APEC秘書處密切溝通改善計畫品質：於提交完整計畫提案前（評估計畫品質階段），為確保計畫品質獲秘書處滿意之評估，可以電話或電子郵件等方式與秘書處密切溝通。

13. 協助檢視概念文件稿，請聯繫： APEC研究中心何振生博士 電話：02-25865000 ext. 543 郵件：d9449@tier.org.tw 審查程序之疑問，請聯繫： 外交部國際組織司陳瓊玉秘書 電話：02-2348-2539 郵件：apecct@mofa.gov.tw

14. THANK YOU