The overall objective of the Project was to ensure speedy and efficient implementation of the "Local and Regional Development Grant Scheme"  to support local initiatives by contributing to the development and strengthening of an effective implementation structure.

The immediate objective was, as part of the Phare ECOSOC 2002/000.610-13 Local and Regional Development Grant Scheme (RDGS) to provide start-up assistance and training to the Technical Secretariats and the Ministry of Construction and Regional Development. This work included:

• Conducting a training needs analysis (TNA) of the staff of Ministry of Construction and Regional Development, the Regional Development Support Agency (Implementing Agency) and Technical Secretariats. The objective of this TNA was to identify gaps in staff knowledge concerning grant scheme management
• Conducting training workshops and seminars based on results of the TNA. Written materials, which address the current situation in Slovakia were prepared and included training manuals based on Slovakian case studies and appropriate case studies in Candidate Countries and EU Member States
• Training of trainers for Technical Secretariats and specifically addressing the needs of Slovakian Local Development Organisations (LDOs)
• Conducting a specific and intensive course oriented on grant scheme management for the grant scheme project managers within the Regional Development Support Agency
• Preparing a procedures manual focusing mainly on transparent projects selection process
• Providing on the job advice and support on managing calls for proposals, project appraisal and selection, project/programme monitoring and evaluation, including information sessions and evaluation meetings and on the basis of the elaborated Procedures Manual
• Updating the RDGS Users Manual and Operational Manual
• Preparing a good practice manual and covering monitoring and evaluation systems for individual projects and for the grant scheme as whole and an Information strategy concerning the implementation carried out in correspondence with other information activities within the Ministry
  
  

 
As sub-contractor to PE International and in association with AJS Management Slovakia s.r.o. HCL were responsible for implementing all technical components of the project and including:

• Identifying, contracting and managing consultants

• Providing relevant technical assistance

• Undertaking training needs analyses and conducting appropriate participative and on the job training

• Organising seminars and workshops

• Developing appropriate procedures and good practice manuals

• Monitoring and evaluating project activities

• Contributing to IT Development