Would you like to take part in a training course tailor-made for IFAD on the Sustaniable Livelihoods Framework? Read On!

Workshop description

IFAD has been exploring the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach in its programmes for some time as a means of assisting project design and implementation. The approach is a way of thinking about the objectives, scope and priorities of development. It puts people at the centre of development, thereby increasing the effectiveness of development assistance. One important tool to facilitate this approach is the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. The Framework endeavours to provide a perspective on the livelihoods of poor people that will stimulate debate and reflection, thereby improving performance in poverty reduction. In its simplest form, it views people as operating in a context of vulnerability. Within this context, they have access to certain assets or poverty-reducing factors. These gain their meaning and value through the prevailing social, institutional and organizational environment. This environment also influences strategies to combine and use assets that are open to people in pursuit of beneficial outcomes that meet their own livelihood objectives.

IFAD is now organizing a workshop on this subject for IFAD country portfolio managers (CPM) and Europe-based consultants. If you are a consultant that has already been involved in designing projects for IFAD, this workshop aims to help you in your work with IFAD. You will learn more about how this framework can help projects to have better design, implementation and impact.

The workshop will address the following topics:

• What is the sustainable livelihoods framework, why was it developed, what does it look like in practice and why should I (as an IFAD CPM or consultant) use it?
  
• What is the PIP (policies, institutions and processes) box?
  
• How will I operate differently on my next IFAD mission if I use the sustainable livelihoods framework? And what are the institutional implications for IFAD and its project partners?

A 'full immersion' experience, the workshop will give participants the oportunity to explore the subject through in-depth presentations, discussions, case-study work and informal sharing of viewpoints over meals. It will include formal presentations, reading, group discussion, case studies, problem-solving, and feedback sessions. A consultant facilitator (Philip Townsley) will support the IFAD technical advisor on sustainable livelihoods approaches (Julian Hamilton-Peach) during workshop preparation and delivery. No prior knowledge of the framework is necessary. For more information you can also check the following website:www.livelihoods.org

Duration

The workshop will take place in Montepulciano, Tuscany, from Monday 15 to Friday 19 April 2001. The first and last days are travel days. Participants will be residents for three or four nights. If you feel you cannot make the commitment to the whole duration, please do not apply.

Costs

Travel, food and accommodation are provided free of charge.

Prerequisites

Applicants meeting the following eligibility criteria will be accepted in the order of application:

Consultants (10)

At least ten years of work experience in international development

• At least five previous contracts with IFAD

• Applications from consultants who partially meet the above two criteria will be considered.
  
• Operational knowledge of English
  
• Interest in working with IFAD on future consulting assignments
  
• Written (e-mail) support of three IFAD professional staff

CPMS (5)

• Interested in using the sustainable livelihoods framework in current and future IFAD work
  
• Willing to commit to the whole workshop period without absence
  
• Written (email) support of Divisional Director copied to Assistant President
  
  

Application deadline

Applications must be received by 15 March 2002. Other workshops may take place in 2002, depending on the number of applications received

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please contact Illia Rosenthal via e-mail i.rosenthal@ifad.org or telephone +39.06.5459.2519. Evidence of your eligibility should be communicated by e-mail only.