DPA Strategy Operationalization
A unique and nuanced intervention with a department of high sensitivity
Context
The Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA), operating under the Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently developed their 2022-2024 strategy. Now, the need has risen to operationalizing this strategy and turning it into actionable plans on different levels of the department.
The mission’s primary objectives are to:
- Advise, facilitate, and support the DPA strategy operationalization process, which is crucial for achieving the department’s vision, mission, and strategic goals
- Provide guidance on best practices for strategy operationalization and current management trends, considering DPA’s role as a Jordanian government entity working with Palestinian refugees
The expected outcomes include developing staff capacities, facilitating operational plan development, ensuring a participatory approach, aligning plans with strategic goals, and developing effective management & monitoring tools.
Methodology
1. The introductory phase consisted of a series of introductory meetings and a desk study. During which we designed a detailed methodology for the mission according to new data and based on risk analysis and analysis of the parties concerned. The high complexity of the context led to significant modifications in the mission path compared to the scenario on which the initial proposal was based.
2. The diagnostic phase started with the development of institutional diagnostic tools and review of the department’s strategy. This step was added due to the necessity of understanding the reality of the institution and the challenges it faces before developing operational plans. The diagnosis included several tools for collecting and analyzing data, which did not stop with office employees in the department, but rather included members of service committees and local community institutions, whom we met in several workshops during the project.
3. Developing operational plans. We divided this component into two stages to simplify the work, the first to develop operational plans at the directorate level (with directorate directors and department heads) and the second at the individual level.
4. Building the monitoring and evaluation system, including capacity building and unifying understandings of what is meant by monitoring and evaluation and how the department can benefit from this field despite the absence of any M&E specialists on its staff. For this purpose, we organized a face-to-face workshop on monitoring and evaluation, and together we developed a proposed system that takes into account the specificity of the department and the nature of its strategic plans.
Outcome
- A diagnostic report on the reality of the institution in terms of its planning and administrative capabilities
- Detailed operational plans at the directorate and individual levels
- Guide to developing operational plans
- Interactive dashboard for following organizational performance indicators
- A documentary film about the progress and outcomes of the project
- A learning course & manual on the basics of monitoring and evaluation (on MEENA platform)
- Strengthening the capabilities of the department’s employees in the areas of planning and monitoring.
- Improving organizational culture and enhancing the spirit of initiative.
Testimonials
We miss Tammey's spirit in the department!
Heba Al-Maani
Senior manager at DPA
I've never been part of such level of planning before.
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team leader
Tammey has made a radical shift in the institutional development of the department. They have demonstrated a distinct understanding of the unique context and sensitivities and built relationships with partners and beneficiaries to contribute to achieving the project’s objectives. They have also dealt with changes with flexibility and innovation.
Ismail Siyam
GIZ, Project ManagerRelated Readings
You can see our previous project in which we interacted with the Department of Palestinian Affairs during our work in the camps in Jordan, as well as our project that was born as an extension of this project entitled “Youth Program.”
You can also view our other projects in the field of organizational development here.