Yemen

1

• Mine Action in Yemen
• Current Situation
• 1200 personnel and US 6 million annual budget.
• Ottawa Mine Ban Convention Signed and ratified.
• LIS indicated 594 communities, 923 km square
  affected.
• The Government contributes over 50 of programme
  budget (through in-kind contribution of national
  staff salaries allowances, healthcare and
  premises).
• Donors funding support training, field operations
  and equipment.
• Yemen envisions END of SUFFERING by April 2009

2
Stages of UN Assistance in Yemen
UN EX (UNOPS)
NEX/UNDP
NEX / No TAs
Government EX
Oct 2003
Dec 2006
Apr 2009
Apr 1999

• Capacity development phase
• Programme established.
• Mine Ban Treaty ratified.
• LIS conducted.
• Strategic plan developed.
• Survey and clearance, MRE and VA established.
• International TA recruited (4)
• Capacity building focused on Management-
  Operations and Support
• Important TAs take the lead with National
  Counterparts Training is critical

• Capacity strengthening phase
• The programme moved from UNOPS to UNDP
• The National Director became Programme Manager
• All TAs worked and reported to National
  Directors
• TAs were reduced gradually from 4 to one full
  time CTA
• Capacity development efforts focused on
  Financial management - National Standards-SOP and
  Training - Resource mobilization and Strategic
  planning/end state
• Important National Director takes the lead -
  Coordination and cooperation is critical.

• UN Exit phase
• No International TA.
• Gradually scale down resources.
• seek consultative support as required.
• Handover to the Ministry of Defense.
• Important National planning and supervision

• The Government to deal with the remaining
  mine/UXO problems.
• Mine/ERW tasks carried out by the mine action
  department in the ministry of defense.
• Important Total national responsibility

3
Yemen-a Story of Success

• Strong Government support
• signed the AP MBC
• Contributes over 50 of total expenses
• Good national planning
• well defined problem
• smart objectives-strategic plan
• result oriented
• transparency
• Good donor support
• Committed national staff (National Director)
• Committed TAs.

4
Recommendation for capacity building efforts and
programme nationalization (based on a medium
sized programme)

• Capacity building phase (4 - 5 years)
• (number of International TA as required).
• Strengthening national capacity phase (2 - 3
  years)
• (a CTA and an Operations Advisor- for the first
  year, and a CTA for additional 1-2 years).
• UN Exit phase 2-3 years (no TAs are required.
  UNDP CO may support with resource mobilization
  and financial management seek consultative
  support as required)
• All together approx ten year- in line with the
  Ottawa Mine Ban Convention.

5
Recommendations for Technical Advisors

• Leadership style (never be autocratic)
• Keep your expectation in balance with the
  national working culture.
• Coordination and cooperation at all stages is
  critical.
• Proper planning reduces bureaucratic procedures
  at all levels (Government UN).
• Proactive approach - do not wait go and help.
• Take full responsibly for your action.
• Knowledge of culture and language is useful.

6
Recommendations for National Directors

• Engage, discuss and debate ideas and work with
  your TAs as colleagues.
• Involve TAs in decision making at all stages.
• Coordination and cooperation at all stages is
  critical for creating an effective working
  environment .
• Communicate to the outside world and seek
  assistance as required.
• Plan the use of your budget effectively (invest
  in the development of your organization)

7

• Thank you