CONSULTING SERVICES IN FRAGILE CONTEXTS (KWW, 2021-2025)
GFA leads a joint venture implementing a Framework Agreement (FWA) to support project preparatory studies and assessments in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS), launched by KfW Development Bank in 2021. Designed for flexibility beyond traditional project cycles, the FWA facilitates adaptable project preparation and early implementation. It ensures standardized, high-quality information collection, leading to more efficient and sustainable decision making and project implementation.
The identification and preparation phases of a project or programme are essential to laying a solid foundation for efficient and sustainable outcomes. This foundation comprises comprehensive analyses of social, economic, legal, cultural, educational, and political factors, along with the involvement of stakeholders and partners to maximize collective ownership and sharing. With its new instrument, the FWA, KfW Development Bank aims to provide the critical background information required for the efficient and sustainable implementation of the financed projects or programmes. Ultimately, this approach supports the overarching goals of Agenda 2030, fostering impactful, long-term development.
OVERVIEW OF SERVICES
The geographical scope recognized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) encompasses fragile states with high potential for escalation, divided into three regions, namely the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Francophone and Anglophone Africa. The services provided cover the five modules listed below.
Pre-feasibility studies (Pre-FS)
The pre-feasibility study marks the initial phase of the project cycle, translating project strategies into actionable concepts. It involves a detailed analysis of political, economic, social, technological, and legal factors, adhering to KfW guidelines and standardized templates. These templates ensure a structured approach, covering key elements like situational analysis, stakeholder mapping, and risk assessment.
Environmental and social due diligence analysis (ESDD)
The ESDD analysis, integral to sustainable goals, complements the pre-feasibility study by using standardized tools and collaborating with the Project Executing Agency (PEA), stakeholders, and community representatives. It aims at identifying synergies with other modules, ensuring a comprehensive review of environmental, social, health, and safety aspects of proposed projects.
Institutional analysis of designated project executing agencies (PEA)
The PEA assumes a vital role in managing all aspects of the project or programme. Accordingly, this module focuses on the PEA’s capacities and support needs, reviewing its legal and institutional framework, and evaluating its capacity and ability to implement the project or programme effectively. The analysis also identifies capacity development requirements using a standardized data collection template.
Analysis of target groups and project-affected people (ATG-PAP)
The ATG-PAP analysis aims to identify and describe potential beneficiaries, analyse development constraints and opportunities, and develop strategies to maximize positive impacts while minimizing any adverse effects. The analysis builds on insights gained from the other modules, and places a strong emphasis on fostering participation and a sense of ownership within the respected target group.
Peace and conflict assessment (PCA)
The Peace and Conflict Assessment ensures projects and programmes adhere to the “do-not-harm” principle. It involves region- or theme-specific research, is closely linked to the ATG-PAP, analysing conflict drivers and their impact on project goals while serving as a monitoring tool for alignment with the project or programme’s objectives.
The partnership between KfW and GFA is highly beneficial, as it combines KfW’s commitment to supporting fragile and conflict-affected states with GFA’s expertise in project preparation and analysis. Furthermore, it ensures high-quality, standardized studies that lay a strong foundation for efficient and sustainable project implementation.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO SUPPORT LOAN AND GRANT FINANCED PROJECTS (CEB, 2023-2027)
GFA is a partner in a consortium implementing a Framework Contract for the provision of consultancy services to support loan- and grant- financed projects of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The services ensure that projects are effectively designed, executed, and monitored. This aligns to the bank's objectives and the specific needs of member states and underscore the pivotal role of consultancy services in advancing social cohesion projects across Europe. Framework contractors offer technical assistance, conduct feasibility studies, perform impact assessments, and support capacity-building efforts within partner institutions.
Framework contractors offer the following scope of services:
- Preparatory services include the preparation of technical documentation, conducting pre-feasibility or feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and related studies. In addition, it involves general assistance with project preparation, management and procurement.
- Monitoring services comprise performing technical reviews and analysis, monitoring adherence to technical specifications, or reviewing of project implementation strategies.
- Housing for low-income persons: Developing affordable social and affordable housing solutions to support vulnerable populations.
- Urban and regional development, resilient cities: Promoting resilient cities and sustainable regional growth.
- Health: Enhancing health infrastructure, public health initiatives, and social care services.
- Education and vocational training: Improving educational facilities and supporting vocational training programmes.
- Support for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises): Assisting in job creation and preservation of viable jobs.
- Microfinance: Facilitating access to financial services for underserved communities.
- Social inclusion: Supporting vulnerable groups, including refugees, migrants, and displaced persons.
- Migration: Supporting refugees, migrants, displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
- Gender equality: Promoting women's empowerment and equal opportunities.
- Climate change: Focusing on climate resilience, adaptation, mitigation, and Paris Agreement alignment.
- Environmental and social safeguards: Ensuring due diligence in environmental and social standards during project implementation.
- Conflict: Addressing conflict prevention and resolution, including the development of effective post-conflict transition plans.
- Procurement: Encouraging socially responsible procurement practices, with an emphasis on green procurement.
Support of the InvestEU Advisory Hub
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) partners with the InvestEU programme and its Advisory Hub to promote sustainable development and social cohesion in Europe. The InvestEU Advisory Hub supports the CEB in appraising and structuring potential projects while managing initiatives under the Social Investment and Skills Window, which provides financing and guarantees for social infrastructure, entrepreneurship, employment, training, and inclusion initiatives. The CEB delivers Project Advisory Services (PAS) under its Joint General Product for Social Inclusion, offering technical assistance to improve project design and implementation. It also strengthens microfinance institutions (MFIs) by enhancing governance and capacity to promote financial inclusion.
Additionally, the CEB provides technical support to address displacement impacts in Ukraine, focusing on legal, economic, and social recovery. The CEB also conducts market assessments to identify investment opportunities for its Debt Financial Product, supporting social projects in its member countries.
The partnership between CEB and GFA ensures effective project delivery by addressing critical issues like affordable housing, health, education, and climate resilience. By combining expertise, the two organisations strengthen social inclusion, gender equality, and sustainability across CEB’s member states.
Contact
Christian Caspar
FWC Unit Manager
E-mail: christian.caspar[at]gfa-group.de
Photo title: slav | istockphoto