Between July and September 2024, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project assessed the organizational and functional capacities of 56 partner Local Public Authorities (LPAs) using the FOCAS1 tool. This evaluation revealed the need to improve competencies in essential areas such as public service organization, intermunicipal cooperation, revenue management, citizen consultation, and administration digitalization. Based on this analysis, the project team developed a modular training program aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials and local elected representatives, tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
Through this program, public officials and elected representatives have the opportunity to learn how to manage efficiently and transparently, improve public resource management, and implement administrative solutions for the benefit of their communities. Special attention was given to developing leadership and planning skills, particularly in crisis contexts, as well as human resource management to ensure effective leadership and staff motivation.
The training program launched in November 2024 with five modules addressing key aspects of local administration, covering topics such as strengthening integrity in local public administration, legal aspects of intermunicipal cooperation, citizen engagement, and effective communication.
For instance, one of the key modules focused on strengthening integrity within LPAs, moderated by Victoria Popa, an integrity advisor, who addressed conflict of interest management, whistleblower mechanisms, and corruption prevention tools, emphasizing the crucial role of local leaders in fostering an ethical environment.
The training on citizen engagement, organized in collaboration with the Institute for Rural Initiatives, provided participants with valuable techniques for effectively mobilizing citizens and promoting genuine civic activism.
The module “Legal and Institutional Aspects of Intermunicipal Cooperation,” moderated by Ion Beschieru, a public administration consultant, covered basic concepts of LPA cooperation and legal tools for jointly delivering public services.
Another important aspect was the training on effective communication for LPAs, moderated by Veronica Tomescu, strategic communication manager. Participants were equipped with tools to manage social platforms, gather citizen feedback, and create and share relevant content. This approach contributes to developing more effective communication strategies tailored to community needs and expectations.
The module dedicated to Public Procurement addressed procedures, award criteria, and key stages such as evaluation and contract awarding. Participants learned how to manage public procurement correctly, ensuring transparency and compliance with legislation. They were also introduced to electronic platforms, including Mtender.gov.md, and learned how to resolve disputes and manage clarifications during procurement procedures.
The program is already yielding significant benefits, and participant feedback confirms its positive impact. Participants include mayors, deputy mayors, council members, local secretaries, and public officials, with remarkable results in enhancing intermunicipal collaboration and improving professional skills.
By launching the Capacity Development Program, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project continues to support Local Public Administration in Moldova. Faced with rapid changes and increasingly complex demands, partner LPAs benefit from a modular training system tailored to their specific needs. By enhancing professional skills, partner LPAs can adapt effectively to the ever-changing context and deliver quality services to citizens.
Note: FOCAS (Functional Organizational Capacity Assessment) is a tool for self-assessing organizational and functional capacities, structured by functions/capabilities and based on a well-defined scoring system developed by the “Comunitatea Mea” Program (USAID).
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