Background:

The first four day training for the selected JTS and antennae staff for IPA cross-border programmes on the internal borders of the Western Balkan countries was organised from 8th until 11th September in Kotor, in Hotel Sind.

Among 16 trainees, coming from Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania, were those employed in JTSs or antennae for 7 cross-border programmes (Croatia-Montenegro, Croatia – Serbia, Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia – Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro, Albania – Montenegro and the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia – Albania) and representatives from Operating Structures (Secretariat for European Integration – Montenegro and Ministry of Local Self-Government – the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

The trainer was Mari Andela, CBIB EU STE, assisted by Remy Reymann, CBIB Key expert and Marija Stevanovic, CBIB local expert. The training working language was English.

The level of previous experience and knowledge of the participants was not the same. The participants from Serbia had already participated in the trainings organised in the Ministry of Finance (Operating Structure in Serbia) and were actively engaged in the preparation and implementation of Call for Proposals on the external borders (Neighbourhood programmes). Montenegrin representatives in JTSs and antennae were contacted with the 1st of July and had previously on the job trainings with CBIB experts and participated in the Workshop organized by CBIB end of July. Albanian representatives had no previous experience. They participated only in the awareness seminars that were organized by CBIB in Albania during 2007.

Even though the level of previous experience and knowledge of the participants was not the same, all of them took active part in the training. They have established very good communication among themselves during the course, but also after each working session.

Course objectives:

• Gain knowledge on new financing instrument - IPA and relevant cross-border programmes;
• Be aware of the linkage between cross-border program and the specific Call for Proposals;
• Know major steps in implementation of the programme and the role of the various actors in each step;
• Know specific role and tasks of JTS in every step of the programme implementation cycle;
• Know what it takes to launch a Call for Proposals;
• Know what it takes to evaluate grant project proposals;
• Know how grant contracts will be awarded;

But also

• Networking and establishment of good communication between staff from various JTSs and antennae.

General description of the course:

The purpose of the 4 days training was to train the staff of the Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) in their tasks/roles in managing the Call for Proposals under IPA cross-border programme. The training also was targeted to facilitate their understanding on their roles as defined in the JTS manual.

The training followed the phases and tasks of the JTS in each phase of the Call for Proposal cycle:

• Preparatory Activities (incl. preparation of guidelines)
• Launching of the CfP
• Evaluation
• Contract Prep. and Signature
• Project implementation

The course was divided into different blocks/elements:

1. Introduction to IPA CBC
2. Institutional Framework for implementing the cross-border programme
3. Steps and sub-steps in the Call for Proposal process (actors, responsibilities, timeline)
4. Visibility requirements of EC assistance
5. Preparatory Activities for CfP
6. Guidelines for Applicants;
7. Launching Call for Proposals;
8. Evaluation, Steps;
9. Evaluation, Concept Note;
10. Evaluation, Full Application Form;
11. Evaluation, Provisional Selection, Eligibility Criteria & Submission of Proof;
12. Contract Preparation and Signature;
13. Implementation of the project level;
14. Implementation on the program level
15. Implication of the activities on Work Plan and TA budget.