ZELS - Institutional Support

Progetto concluso

SDC has now several years of experience in Macedonia in supporting decentralization and local governance with different complementary programmes. With the Institutional support to ZELS, Switzerland is enabling local authorities to provide better services to its citizens. The programme is also contributing to the improvement of the positition of the local authorities in relations with the central authorities.

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Macedonia
Governance
Stato di diritto - democrazia - diritti dell'uomo
Decentralizzazione
01.07.2011 - 30.04.2016
CHF 1'403'000
Contesto

As a direct result of the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA), was the decision to decentralize a number and competences from the central Government to the local authorities. In this context the role of the Association of the Units of Local Self Government of Macedonia (ZELS) has become increasingly important. SDC has recognized the important role of ZELS in the decentralization process and has decided to address the issue of institutional development and strengthening of the organization.

 

Obiettivi

Improving the financial sustainability of the Association, strengthening the managerial capacities and increasing lobbying and advocacy skills in order to better meet the needs of its members. Through its professional, apolitical, and knowledgeable staff ZELS will be able to advocate for the interests of local communities in front of the central government and international community, thus improving the financial sustainability of the Association and its members.

 

Gruppi target

The direct target group of the project is the ZELS Executive Office - management and staff. The indirect target group are the municipalities.

 

Effetti a medio termine

Improved management capacities of the administrative staff; involvement of citizens in decisions on municipal fund allocation and utilization; Developed systematic training plan for municipal authorities and administration; improved financial sustainability of the municipalities through lobbying with the Central Government; development of the capacities of local selfgovernment for utilizing IPA funds; ZELS has professional, independent, apolitical and knowledgeable administrative staff that offers a spectrum of self-sustainable services accessible to all its members.

 

Risultati

Risultati principali attesi:  

Created functional and up-to-date lobbying system aimed at improving the conditions of local self-governments is established; Long-term policies for financial stability of the municipalities are established and pursued; A comprehensive training system with standards for civil servants, mayors, councilors and other officials of municipalities is designed; A number of municipalities successfully applies for IPA funding with the support of ZELS; The payment of membership fee is increased; Categorization of basic and paid services is elaborated and approved by the Governing Board of ZELS; The delivery of basic and paid services of ZELS to its members is improved.

 


Risultati fasi precedenti:  

According to the external evaluation of the second phase, "ZELS certainly plays a central role in the decentralization process". Furthermore, the evaluation shows that ZELS has made substantial contributions to the implementation of the decentralization law and that "ZELS is the undisputed champion of decentralization in Macedonia".

 


Direzione/Ufficio responsabile DSC
Credito Cooperazione con l'Europa dell'Est
Partner del progetto Partner contrattuale
ONG internazionale o straniera
Economia privata
  • Settore privato svizzero


Altri partner

Mayors, Municipal Administrations, Ministry of Local Self Government, Civil Society Organisations, Citizens.

 

Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori

Close synergies with local Community Forums programme. Civil Society Support Facility programme and to institutional support of the regional local authorities association NALAS.

 

Budget Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF   1'403'000 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF   1'398'102
Fasi del progetto

Fase 3 01.07.2011 - 30.04.2016   (Completed)