Our Projects
COMPLETE LIST OF PROJECTS
- Managing Core Contributions to Multilateral Organizations (2011)
- Advisor UN System Coherence at FAO (2011)
- Quality Assessment of UN Evaluation Reports (2011)
- Development of FAO Strategy on Collaboration within the UN System (2010)
- Evaluation of UNDP Contribution at the Regional Level to Development and Corporate Results (2010)
- External Review of UNIFEM Sub-regional Strategies (2010)
- Results-oriented Monitoring of EC-funded Programmes/Projects (2008-2010)
- Technical Assistance for Delivering as One United Nations (2010)
- Seminar on Collaboration between Bilateral and Multilateral Aid Agencies (2010)
- Formulation of UN Global Compact Strategy (2010)
- Millennium Development Goals Progress Report of Switzerland (2010)
- Peer Review of the Evaluation Function of the Council of Europe (2010)
- Review of DPA Follow-up to Evaluation Recommendations (2010)
- Managing Financial Contributions to Multilateral Organizations (2010)
- Retreat for Board Representatives (2010)
- External Assessment of UNIFEM Quality Assurance Process and Project Design (2009)
- Quality Assessment of OIOS Evaluation Reports (2009)
- Evaluation of UNIDO’s Field Mobility Policy (2009)
- Evaluation of Strategic Partnership between UNIDO and UNDP (2009)
- Assessment of SDC Strategic Planning Documents (2009)
- Delivering as One United Nations (2009)
- Moderating a Retreat for IFI Board Representatives (2009)
- SDC Annual Workplanning (2009)
- Seminar on Sustainability and Globalization (2009)
- Advising the Peer Panel Review of the United Nations Evaluation Function (2008/2009)
- Evaluating UN Reforms at Country Level (2007/2008)
- Assessing Multilateral Effectiveness at Country Level (2004-2008)
- Managing Financial Contributions to Multilateral Organisations (2008)
- Demonstrating Local-level Solidarity with Developing Countries (2008)
- Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Host Countries (2008)
- Making the case for Multilateral Development Cooperation (2008)
- Facilitating a Work Planning Process (2008)
- Designing a Logical Framework Matrix (Logframe) (2008)
- Moderating a Retreat for Board Representatives (2008)
- Staff Training on the Functioning of the UN (2008)
- Developing Strategic Recommendations for the UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace (2007)
- Developing a Funding Proposal for the UN Global Compact Office (2007)
- Formulating a Youth & Development Policy (2007)
- Establishing a Foundation to Support the Millennium Development Goals (2006/2007)
- Conducting Training on Sustainable Development and Globalization at the University of Berne (2007)
- Defining Future Arrangements for the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at FAO (2007)
- Involving Civil Society in UNEP (2007)
- Organizing a United Nations Career Information and Networking Event (2007)
- 2008 Annual Programme Planning of the FAO Right to Food Unit (2007)
- Implementing United Nations Reform at Country Level (2006/2007)
- Learning: United Nations for beginners and advanced (2007)
- Development Strategy Summaries (2007)
- Reviewing Strategic Partnerships at Country Level (2006)
- Combating Child Trafficking (2006)
- Elaborating a Swiss Strategy for Partnering with Major UN Funds and Programmes (2006)
- Elaborating Guidelines on Disaster Risk Reduction (2006)
- Capitalizing on Experiences in Integrating Human Rights into Development (2006)
- Partnering with Business to Save Women's Lives (2005)
- Training and Moderation (2006)
- Switzerland's Contribution to Reaching the MDGs (2005)
- Working for the United Nations (2004/2005)
- Children and Youth in Swiss Development Policy (2005)
- Corporate Responsibility in Education, Inter-Cultural Dialogue and Emergency Aid (2003/2004)
- Shaping Partnerships with Business for Refugees in Need (2005)
- International Conference on Sport and Development (2005)
- Training of WFP Young Professionals (2004)
Managing Core Contributions to Multilateral Organizations
2011: Alison King assessed SDC’s Core Contribution Management tool, an instrument for results-oriented planning and monitoring of un-earmarked financial contributions to its major multilateral partners.
At the beginning of 2011, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) contracted Alison King to assess its Core Contribution Management tool. The Core Contribution Management tool was initially conceptualized and introduced with the support of King Zollinger in 2008/2009. The assessment identified some scope for improvement, both in terms of implementation and design. The instrument was adapted based on recommendations made. Contact: Alison King
Advisor UN System Coherence at FAO
2011: Alison King was contracted by the FAO UN Relations and Rome-based Collaboration Branch to provide policy and strategic advice on UN system coherence matters.
From September to December 2011, Alison King was based at FAO Headquarters in Rome. As UN System Coherence Advisor, she provided policy and strategic guidance on developments related to UN reforms and UN system-wide coherence. This, in view of strengthening FAO’s voice in global inter-agency and inter-governmental processes, such as preparations for the 2012 UN General Assembly Quadrennial Policy Review. Contact: Alison King
Quality Assessment of UN Evaluation Reports
2011: Urs Zollinger was engaged by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to conduct a quality assessment of evaluation reports from across the United Nations.
The purpose was to assess the quality of selected evaluation reports completed by the UN Secretariat departments during 2008-2009. 45 reports were assessed along 27 quality criteria. The assessment included reports from DPKO, DESA, UNCTAD, UNEP, UNHCR, UNRWA, the UN Regional Commissions and other entities. The findings of the assessment were included in a report to the UN General Assembly (A/66/71). Contact: Urs Zollinger
Development of FAO Strategy on Collaboration within the UN System
2010: FAO has contracted Alison King to elaborate a corporate strategy on collaboration within the UN system.
In 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) asked Alison King to draft a strategy to achieve a more proactive and coherent corporate approach to UN system partnerships and UN reforms. In close collaboration with the Office of Corporate Communications and External Relations in Rome, Alison is developing a strategy determined by a vision of strong partnerships that enhance FAO’s capacity to assist its member states achieve their national goals and to help accelerate progress towards the MDGs. An Agenda for Action will facilitate the implementation of the Strategy.
Evaluation of UNDP Contribution at the Regional Level to Development and Corporate Results
2010: Urs Zollinger was mandated by the UNDP Evaluation Office to co-lead a six-person team to evaluate UNDP’s regional programmes and presence.
This strategic evaluation looked at the regional work of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2000 and assessed the Organization’s contributions to achieving development results and corporate objectives. Its scope included the five UNDP regional programmes for Asia, Africa, Latin America, Arab States and Europe/CIS and the relevant institutional arrangements, in particular the work of the Regional Service Centres in Bangkok, Dakar, Johannesburg, Panama, Cairo and Bratislava. The evaluation results were presented to the UNDP Executive Board in January 2011. Contact: Urs Zollinger
External Review of UNIFEM Sub-regional Strategies
2010: Alison King was asked to facilitate and participate in a review of 15 UNIFEM Sub-regional Strategies.
In 2008, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) developed Sub-regional Strategies (SRS) how to implement the corporate Strategic Plan at sub-regional levels and to providing programme and accountability frameworks for UNIFEM’s 15 Sub-regional Offices around the world. Based on a senior-management decision, Alison King was asked to work with a team of seven UNIFEM staff to review the usefulness of the SRS as a strategic framework on the one hand and as an implementation tool on the other. The team also took stock of progress made towards stated sub-regional development and management results. The Synthesis Report provides recommendations in view of producing guidelines for next generation SRSs under the newly created UN Women. Additional recommendations emerged for improving the corporate annual reporting system. Contact: Alison King
Results-oriented Monitoring of EC-funded Programmes/Projects
2008-2010: Alison King monitored EC-funded programmes and projects in Africa and recommended actions for improvement.
In 2010, Alison King continued her work as senior international expert to monitor EC-funded programmes and projects in Africa in areas such as rural development, agriculture, democracy, child protection, disabilities, education and training, aid effectiveness and institutional capacity development. The Results-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) system of the European Commission scores development programmes and projects against internationally agreed criteria: relevance and quality of design, efficiency, effectiveness, impact prospects and potential sustainability, for which knowledge of project cycle management and the logical framework approach is essential. In 2010, Alison conducted missions to Ghana, Swaziland and South Africa. Previously, she carried out results-oriented monitoring in Ethiopia, The Gambia (mission leader), Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (mission leader). Contact: Alison King
Technical Assistance for Delivering as One United Nations (DaO)
2010: Alison King continued to provide technical assistance to SDC’s involvement in DaO
In 2010, Alison King continued to provide support to the Swiss Cooperation Office in Albania in monitoring and engaging in the Delivering as One process. In particular, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation requested Alison to review and document experiences with Swiss involvement in DaO to learn for future institutional engagement with the UN system at country level. This experience documentation fed into Swiss statements at the Hanoi High-level Tripartite Conference on DaO in June. Later on, it served as key input into an SDC internal workshop in Maputo on how to improve cooperation with multilateral organizations. Contact: Alison King
Seminar on Collaboration between Bilateral and Multilateral Aid Agencies
2010: Urs Zollinger moderated a seminar - which he also helped design - on cooperation between SDC and multilateral organizations.
Urs Zollinger supported the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in developing a seminar on cooperation between SDC and multilateral organizations, which he then moderated. Through exchanging experience of past collaboration, the objective of the seminar was to improve the understanding of multilateral organizations’ planning, funding and implementation modalities in order to strengthen cooperation. SDC staff based in Africa and the Organization’s headquarters participated in the seminar in Maputo. They were joined by resource persons from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and UNDP. Participants rated the event very positively and suggested that it be repeated in other regions. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Formulation of UN Global Compact Strategy
2010: Urs Zollinger facilitated an internal review of the 2008-2010 UN Global Compact Strategy and the formulation of a follow-up Strategy.
Urs Zollinger was asked by the Global Compact Office in New York to support the review of its three-year strategy (2008-2010), which he had helped develop back in 2007. In close collaboration with the Global Compact team in New York, Urs facilitated the review process and the formulation of the next three-year strategy (2011-2013). He provided methodological guidance on results-oriented approaches and ensured external quality control. The new Strategy was well received by donor governments. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Millennium Development Goals Progress Report of Switzerland
2010: Mandated by the Swiss Foreign Ministry, King Zollinger contributed to concept and drafting of the Swiss Federal Council 2010 MDG Progress Report.
This second progress report was prepared in preparation for the UN General Assembly Summit on the Millennium Development Goals that took place in New York in September 2010. Intended for the Swiss public at large, Swiss parliamentarians and members of the press, it uses specific examples to show how Switzerland, working with national and international partners, has contributed to the MDGs and what difference the country’s efforts are making. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Peer Review of the Evaluation Function of the Council of Europe
2010: Urs Zollinger was appointed as one of two experts to peer review the evaluation function of the Council of Europe.
In May 2010, the Council of Europe decided to organize a peer review of the institutional set-up and functioning of its recently established Evaluation Division. The purpose of the review - headed by the Swiss Foreign Ministry - was to suggest ways to strengthen the Organization’s evaluation function based on initial experience gathered. The expert team reviewed a number of policy documents and met with several key staff and government representatives in Strasbourg. Its recommendations were well received by the Evaluation Division and the top management of the Council of Europe. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Review of DPA Follow-up to Evaluation Recommendations
2010: Contracted by OIOS, Urs Zollinger conducted a triennial review of the implementation of evaluation recommendations.
In 2006, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) conducted several evaluations of the work of the UN Department for Political Affairs (DPA), which plays a central role in peace building and preventive diplomacy, and supports among many other things the work of the UN Security Council. In 2010, based on an inter-governmental decision, Urs Zollinger was asked to review and assess the extent to which DPA has implemented the evaluation recommendations. The review was well received by DPA management, and acknowledged for establishing a clear path to conclude unfinished business. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Managing Financial Contributions to Multilateral Organizations
2010: Urs Zollinger assisted the Swiss Government in rolling out a results-oriented planning and monitoring instrument.
In 2008/2009, Urs Zollinger developed an instrument for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to manage its financial contributions to core (regular) budgets of multilateral organizations in a results-oriented manner. In 2010, Urs supported the development of training materials, such as case studies and Q&A, and participated as resource person in workshops to introduce the new management instrument. SDC staff members are now using the tool to manage financial contributions to all major multilateral partner organizations. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Retreat for Board Representatives
2010: Urs Zollinger moderated the annual retreat for government officials representing Switzerland on the boards of multilateral development banks.
In December 2010, Urs Zollinger moderated - for the third time - the annual retreat of Swiss representatives on the boards of the World Bank and the African, Asian and Inter-American Development Banks as well as their headquarter-based counterparts. The two-day retreat was jointly organized by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It provided an opportunity to discuss global issues such as the post-financial crisis and the green economy and identify key priorities for 2011. Contact: Urs Zollinger
External Assessment of UNIFEM Quality Assurance Process and Project Design
2009: Alison King was asked to assess UNIFEM’s quality assurance process and appraise the quality of its programmes/projects and strategies approved under the corporate Strategic Plan 2008-2013.
The intention of the external assessment of the quality of UNIFEM programmes/projects and strategies on the one hand, and of the rigour and effectiveness of its quality assurance process on the other, is to monitor institutional performance and to recommend measures for improvement. Contact: Alison King
Quality Assessment of OIOS Evaluation Reports
2009: Urs Zollinger was engaged by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to assess the quality of its evaluation and inspection reports.
The purpose of this external assessment was to assess the extent to which the Inspection and Evaluation Division of OIOS meets its organizational performance reporting requirements as well as to recommend measures to improve the quality of its reports. Evaluation and inspection reports were assessed along 42 standards derived from the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) evaluation and other quality standards. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Evaluation of UNIDO’s Field Mobility Policy
2009: UNIDO contracted Urs Zollinger to evaluate its Field Mobility Policy.
The process evaluation assesses the extent to which the UNIDO Field Mobility Policy has resulted in increased staff mobility and strengthened the organisation’s field presence. It also looks into design and implementation issues. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Evaluation of Strategic Partnership between UNIDO and UNDP
2009: Urs Zollinger was one of two international consultants contracted to evaluate the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between UNIDO and UNDP.
The joint terminal evaluation covers UNIDO-UNDP joint private sector development initiatives as well as the effectiveness of the expanded UNIDO country presence, inter alia in the context of ongoing UN reforms. The UNDP Executive Board and the UNIDO General Conference acknowledged the evaluation findings and recommendations in September and December 2009 respectively. View full report. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Assessment of Strategic Planning Documents
2009: Contracted by the SDC Controlling Division, King Zollinger assessed SDC strategic planning documents from a “Managing for Development Results” point of view.
In July/August 2009, King Zollinger analyzed randomly selected strategic planning documents to assess the extent to which the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is applying its corporate “Managing for Development Results” criteria. A traffic light system visualizes the findings for the attention of SDC management. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Delivering as One United Nations
2009: The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) contracted Alison King to develop a standardized Delivering as One process Monitoring & Evaluation framework.
The primary intent of the standardized Delivering as One (DaO) process M&E framework is to guide the eight DaO pilot countries in developing their own country-specific M&E frameworks. The standardised log frame serves as a menu from which to prioritise based on a prior analysis of UN agencies’ common needs and capacities. Summarising the key elements of DaO, it serves to i) communicate the reform process and how the UN will deliver its contribution in future; and ii) allow the UN country team to track progress and adjust the focus of its reform activities. A follow-up assignment includes further elaboration of outcome indicators for measuring increased efficiency and effectiveness through common services and harmonised business practices. Contact: Alison King
Moderating a Retreat for IFI Board Representatives
December 2009: Urs Zollinger moderated the annual retreat for government officials representing Switzerland on the boards of multilateral development banks.
For the second time since 2008, Urs Zollinger moderated an annual retreat for Swiss representatives on the boards of the World Bank and the African, Asian and Inter-American Development Banks as well as other Swiss government officials dealing with the multilateral development banks. The retreat was jointly organised by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). It provided an opportunity to review 2009, discuss global challenges such as the financial crisis, and identify key priorities for 2010. Contact: Urs Zollinger
SDC Annual Work Planning
2009: Urs Zollinger facilitated the 2009 mid-term review and 2010 work planning of the SDC Global Institutions Division.
In 2009, the Division responsible for global institutions within the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked King Zollinger to facilitate the assessment of activities and results achieved in 2009 and to support planning for 2010. As in earlier years, Urs Zollinger provided methodological guidance to the process and facilitated a mid-term review and a planning workshop. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Seminar on Sustainability and Globalization
January 2009: Urs Zollinger was co-responsible for a two-day seminar on sustainability and globalization as part of the University of Berne Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) on sustainable development.
For the second time since 2007, Urs Zollinger was co-responsible for the realization of a two-day seminar on sustainability and globalization as part of Certificate of Advanced Studies on Sustainable Development at the University of Berne. Using the 2008 food crisis as a case study, the seminar demonstrated the complex relationships between globalisation and sustainable development, and the way the international community responds to global challenges. Urs Zollinger was also responsible for evaluating the theses submitted by the participants. The certificate course will be repeated in 2011. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Advising the Peer Panel Review of the United Nations Evaluation Function
2009: Urs Zollinger is co-author of the Peer Review Report on the Evaluation Function of the Office of Internal Oversight Services of the United Nations (OIOS).
In 2008/2009, Urs Zollinger was one of two international advisors to the Peer Panel reviewing the Inspection and Evaluation Division (IED) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) of the United Nations. OIOS/IED is located within the UN Secretariat in New York and covers all United Nations activities under the UN Secretary-General's authority. The professional peer reviews of selected multilateral organisations are a joint undertaking of the OECD/DAC Network on Evaluation and the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG). Their scope is to assess the independence, credibility and utility of the evaluation functions of multilaterals. Members of the Peer Panel to review the IED are the Governments of Norway and Switzerland, the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Peer Review Report was published in early 2009. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Evaluating UN Reforms at Country Level
2007/2008: Alison King was part of an international consultant team charged with assessing the evaluability of UN reforms at country level.
In November 2006, the UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in the Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment published its report entitled "Delivering as One". In order for the UN system to become more coherent, effective and efficient, the report recommends that it introduce the concepts of one leader, one programme, one budgetary framework and one office at the country level. In 2007 and 2008, Alison King participated in United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) missions to 3 of the 8 pilot countries, i.e. Viet Nam, Albania and Rwanda. The scope of the visits was to assess whether the ongoing UN reform processes can be evaluated at a later point in time and what might be the barriers to its effective and useful evaluation. Contact: Alison King
Assessing Multilateral Effectiveness at Country Level
2004-2008: King Zollinger supported the Annual MOPAN Survey of multilateral partnership behaviour. The Multilateral Organisations Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) is a network of like-minded donors.
From 2004 to 2008, King Zollinger supported the Annual MOPAN Survey of partnership behaviour of multilateral organizations towards national stakeholders on the one hand and other international development organizations on the other. The focus of the Survey on multilateral contributions to policy dialogue, advocacy, capacity development, alignment, information sharing, inter-agency coordination and harmonization at the country level reflects the emphasis of the international community on the quality and effectiveness of aid. King Zollinger managed the hotline for MOPAN country teams, wrote the Synthesis Reports and suggested improvements to the Survey methodology. Contact: Alison King
Managing Financial Contributions to Multilateral Organisations
2008: Urs Zollinger developed a methodology for SDC to manage – in a results-oriented manner – non-earmarked financial contributions to the regular budgets of multilateral organisations.
Managing for development results also applies to non-earmarked financial contributions made by donor governments to multilateral organisations. From a results-oriented point of view, this type of contribution poses a specific challenge, as it is difficult to attribute development results to the individual contributions. In 2008, Urs Zollinger developed a tool for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to manage non-earmarked financial contributions to core (regular) budgets of multilateral organisations in a results-oriented way. This will help improve the strategic management of Switzerland’s multilateral cooperation as well as enhance Switzerland’s accountability for its multilateral financing. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Demonstrating Local-level Solidarity with Developing Countries
2008: At the request of the Swiss Government, King Zollinger elaborated a series of good examples of local-level international solidarity.
In 2006/2007, King Zollinger explored the potential for closer involvement of Swiss cantons and towns in the efforts of the Government to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. In 2008, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) asked us to elaborate a series of practical “good examples” illustrating how Swiss municipalities are successfully demonstrating solidarity with developing countries. Examples of international solidarity include social integration of migrants, responsible investment practices of public pension funds, sustainable energy, North-South cooperation on biodiversity, climate neutral mobility, investing 0.7% of communal budgets in support of the MDGs, and sustainable procurement of wood and paper-based products. For more information about the examples, visit the ARE website at www.are.admin.ch. Contact: Alison King
Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Host Countries
2008: King Zollinger supported the efforts of UNICEF Switzerland to reinforce the inter-governmental debate on the problem of FGM in host countries.
In 2008, the Swiss Committee for UNICEF asked King Zollinger to undertake rapid research into multilateral initiatives to tackle FGM in developed nations hosting migrants and refugees from countries that practice FGM. In particular, we identified those multilateral bodies that have deliberated the question of FGM in host countries. We also proposed potential tracks for reinforcing the inter-governmental debate within the United Nations as part of a larger coordinated strategy to protect girls from FGM. Contact: Alison King
Making the case for Multilateral Development Cooperation
2008: In collaboration with UNICEF Switzerland, King Zollinger developed arguments in support of a strong Swiss engagement in international development policy and cooperation.
In 2008, a number of Swiss parliamentarians questioned the level of Swiss Official Development Assistance (ODA) and in particular the percentage of multilateral contributions. In support of a strong Swiss engagement in international development policy and cooperation, King Zollinger, in collaboration with the Swiss Committee for UNICEF, put forward a number of political, legal and moral arguments for increasing Swiss ODA and securing the multilateral share. The discussion paper was presented to members of Parliament during the run-up to a parliamentary debate during the second half of 2008. Subsequently, while Parliament decided to increase ODA to 0.5% of BDP by 2015, the multilateral share was reduced. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Facilitating a Work Planning Process
2008: Urs Zollinger facilitated the 2008 annual review and 2009 work planning of the SDC Global Institutions Division.
The Division responsible for global institutions within the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked King Zollinger to facilitate the assessment of activities and results achieved in 2008 and to support planning the implementation for 2009. Urs Zollinger provided methodological guidance to the process and facilitated a mid-term review and a planning workshop. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Designing a Logical Framework Matrix (Logframe)
2008: Urs Zollinger facilitated the development of a logframe matrix for the Government of Switzerland Strategy for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.
The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked King Zollinger to facilitate the development of a logframe matrix for implementing the Government’s four-year Strategy for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Urs Zollinger was responsible for introducing the methodology and for facilitating a workshop with participants from different parts of the Federal administration. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Moderating a Retreat for Board Representatives
2008: Urs Zollinger moderated the annual retreat for Swiss representatives on the boards of multilateral development banks.
In December 2008, Urs Zollinger moderated a two-day annual retreat for Swiss representatives on the boards of the World Bank and the African, Asian and Inter-American Development Banks as well as other Swiss government officials dealing with the multilateral development banks. The retreat was jointly organised by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). It provided an opportunity to review 2008, discuss global challenges such as the financial crisis, and identify key priorities for 2009. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Staff Training on the Functioning of the UN
2008: Urs Zollinger co-organised a one-day staff training on the functioning of the United Nations.
For the fourth time since 2005, King Zollinger co-organised with SDC a one-day staff training to familiarise participants with the role and functioning of the United Nations system. Participants also focused on the different types of interactions between the UN and its Member States. Organised primarily for SDC staff, the training was open to other parts of the Federal administration and partner organisations. Urs Zollinger contributed to the conceptual design of the training and was responsible for its moderation. Contact: Urs Zollinger
Developing Strategic Recommendations for the UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace
In early 2007, the then UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, Under-Secretary-General Adolf Ogi, initiated a process to develop recommendations for the future strategic focus of multilateral efforts for sport for development and peace. Urs Zollinger facilitated this process and - in close consultation with key actors and stakeholders in New York and Geneva - drafted recommendations for the attention of the new UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Based on these recommendations, he also provided advice on the future institutional set-up of the UN Special Adviser's office and support to the preparation of an annual Strategic Plan 2008. Contact:
Developing a Funding Proposal for the UN Global Compact Office
Established in 2000, the UN Global Compact has grown into an international network involving the UN and more than 4,500 business participants and stakeholders from approximately 120 countries, leading to increasing demands and expectations. The rising profile of the UNGC has also invited greater scrutiny and expectations with respect to improved accountability and transparency. In 2007, King Zollinger was asked to support the UN Global Compact Office to devise a funding proposal to donor governments for the next 3-year phase that responds to these challenges. In close collaboration with the team in New York, Urs Zollinger suggested an outline for a new funding proposal, provided methodological guidance with regard to the definition of objectives, success indicators, activities and outputs. Particular attention was given to the setting of clear priorities, the allocation of financial resources and staff time to the achievement of the different objectives. Contact:
Formulating a Youth & Development Policy
Today's generation of youth is the largest in human history. Young men and women aged 15 to 24 account for more than one billion people, 85% of whom live in developing countries. Through stronger involvement of youth in policy dialogue and decision-making and by investing more in the human capital of youth (e.g. health and education), developing countries now have the unique opportunity to massively reduce poverty. In 2007, Alison King helped to formulate a new SDC Youth Policy and drafted the manuscript. The implementation of the Policy - one of the first of its kind - aims at achieving three main goals: supporting young people in developing their potential, improving their living conditions, and giving them a greater voice in political decision-making processes. It is being implemented through SDC programmes and projects in developing and transition countries. Contact:
Establishing a Foundation to Support the Millennium Development Goals
With King Zollinger providing advisory support, the Centre for the Millennium Development Goals (CMDG) was established in Basle at the end of 2006. Its two overarching goals are to raise awareness of the MDGs and the United Nations work on the MDGs on the one hand and to provide a platform for engaging civil society in a constructive dialogue around the MDGs and the UN on the other. In 2007, we continued to provide conceptual and strategic development policy advice to the start-up phase. The CMDG is supported by the former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan: "The work of the CMDG, I am confident, can have a significant multiplier effect and make a difference in reducing global poverty." Contact:
Conducting Training on Sustainable Development and Globalization at the University of Berne
In June 2007, Urs Zollinger was co-responsible for the realization of a two-day seminar on sustainability and globalization as part of Certificate of Advanced Studies on Sustainable Development at the University of Berne. Urs Zollinger dedicated his main lecture to the topic "The Effects of Globalization on Sustainable Development and the Challenges to Global Governance". Moreover, working groups looked into different questions about globalization, among other things the question of global income distribution. Urs Zollinger was also responsible for evaluating the final papers submitted by the participants. The certificate course is being repeated in 2008/2009. Contact:
Defining Future Arrangements for the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at FAO
Launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002, the Mountain Partnership is a global alliance of governmental and non-governmental partners to support positive change in mountain areas. In March 2007, Urs Zollinger facilitated a two-day workshop in Rome, during which participants defined future arrangements for the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, based in FAO. The workshop followed an external evaluation of the Secretariat and brought together a number of different stakeholders, i.e. representatives from the Governments of Italy and Switzerland, UN agencies, research institutions and NGOs. It concluded successfully with a key decision for a more decentralised Secretariat and a clear road map for the next phase. Moving towards implementation, Urs Zollinger subsequently facilitated a second workshop in July for operationalizing the road map. Contact:
Involving Civil Society in UNEP
In October 2007, Urs Zollinger facilitated a high-level UNEP workshop in Geneva. The purpose of the workshop was to gather inputs on how to strengthen the involvement of major civil society actors in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at governance and implementation levels. Contact:
Organizing a United Nations Career Information and Networking Event
In December 2007, King Zollinger conceptualized a cinfo information and networking event for Swiss nationals interested in working with the United Nations. Urs Zollinger also moderated the event with around 60 participants and compiled key findings and tips for job applicants. Contact:
2008 Annual Programme Planning of the FAO Right to Food Unit
In December 2007, King Zollinger was asked to facilitate the annual planning process of the Right to Food Unit at FAO in Rome. FAO was looking for "a facilitator from outside the organization with extensive experience in planning processes, experience with strategy development, and well acquainted with the donor as well as the UN perspectives of development work". Urs Zollinger prepared and managed a 2-day retreat, provided methodological support and prepared a retreat paper pulling together the elements developed during the retreat. Contact:
Implementing United Nations Reform at Country Level
In the context of the ongoing UN reforms - and particularly the November 2006 High-level Panel Report on UN System-wide Coherence in the Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance, and the Environment - King Zollinger was asked by the United Nations in December 2006 to help advance the One UN Initiative in Viet Nam that aims to enhance the coherence, effectiveness and efficiency of UN operational activities in that country. More specifically, in connection with preparations for establishing a unified UN Budget, we analysed the various funding modalities of the UN organizations in Viet Nam and conducted interviews with donors as to their interest in and capability of re-programming and providing additional funds in support of the One UN Initiative. Apart from their immediate importance for moving ahead in Viet Nam, our findings and process methodology can serve as a useful input into similar exercises in other parts of the world. Contact:
Learning: United Nations for beginners and advanced
In 2007, King Zollinger was closely involved in organizing two training courses for SDC staff on multilateral development and the UN. Contact: Urs Zollinger. In May 2007, King Zollinger was asked to familiarize staff members of the Swiss Committee for UNICEF with the role and functioning of the UN system and the place of UNICEF therein. Contact:
Development Strategy Summaries
In 2007, SDC elaborated a new combined Basic Education and Vocational Training Strategy designed to guide the work of both SDC staff and its close partners. In order to efficiently communicate the strategy's key ideas, King Zollinger was asked to present its salient points in a short English summary.
Reviewing Strategic Partnerships at Country Level
In Vietnam, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) has committed substantial non-earmarked funds for the work of UNDP in the areas of governance, social and economic transition, environment, and emerging national priorities in the period August 2004 to December 2008. At the beginning of 2006, DFID asked King Zollinger to undertake a review of the first year of the Strategic Partnership Initiative, and to make recommendations as to how implementation might be strengthened during year two. Work included interviewing key stakeholders within and outside UNDP and DFID, organizing a workshop towards the end of the mission to discuss the key findings, and producing a final report, the recommendations of which subsequently fed into the second joint DFID/UNDP Annual Review. Contact:
Combating Child Trafficking
In 2006, we were asked by the Swiss Committee for UNICEF to help elaborate a discussion paper on the extent of the problem of child trafficking in Switzerland and at the global level, including a number of recommendations for action at the domestic and international level in terms of making child trafficking a higher priority. More specifically, King Zollinger was asked to research, analyse and include in the report key inter-governmental dimensions, including international obligations, of fighting the trafficking of children. The report can be purchased at the Swiss Committee for UNICEF.
Elaborating a Swiss Strategy for Partnering with Major UN Funds and Programmes
In 2006, SDC asked King Zollinger to conceptualize and draft a Swiss strategy for partnering with UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNIFEM. Anchored in the MDGs, the wider discussion on aid effectiveness and the ongoing UN reforms, such an institutional strategy is expected to provide guidance to Swiss Government representatives dealing with the respective organizations, thereby ensuring focus, coherence and transparency in Swiss multilateral development. Contact:
Elaborating Guidelines on Disaster Risk Reduction
In 2006, SDC asked us to support its efforts to elaborate institutional guidelines on disaster risk reduction. Apart from providing conceptual and general development policy advice, King Zollinger was responsible for incorporating multilateral dimensions. The SDC Guidelines on Disaster Risk Reduction were published in 2007. Subsequently, King Zollinger was also asked to summarize the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery of the World Bank. Contact:
Capitalizing on Experiences in Integrating Human Rights into Development
In 2006, SDC published its new Human Rights Policy which adopts a human rights-based approach to development as a strategic orientation. SDC asked King Zollinger to help facilitate the implementation of this Policy by organizing a capitalization conference for its staff and close partner organizations. In September 2006, over 80 participants from all over the globe came together in Thun, Switzerland, to mutually learn from their manifold experiences in integrating human rights into development and applying a human rights-based approach. King Zollinger helped SDC develop a vision and a concept for the conference, manage the preparatory process, consult various stakeholders, design the conference methodology and programme, coordinate the event, and finalize the conference report, including recommendations for implementing the new Human Rights Policy. The results of the capitalization conference were published in 2007. Contact:
Partnering with Business to Save Women's Lives
In 2005, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Geneva launched an initiative to join hands with Swiss-based business to save women's lives. In 2006, King Zollinger continued to provide advice to the initiative in terms of refining and elaborating the outreach focus, strategies and tools. We also conducted a lessons learned exercise, contributed and conceptualized ideas, carried out research, established contacts with potential partners, and organized exploratory meetings. The Swiss Private Sector Initiative - apart from showing concrete promising partnership opportunities - helped UNFPA to learn what partnership-building with the private sector actually means in practice, including implications for the Fund's institutional set-up and functioning. Contact:
Training and Moderation (2006)
On several occasions during 2006, King Zollinger was again invited to conceptualize and/or moderate trainings, workshops and other events on topics related to international development and the United Nations. As in earlier years, we were asked to facilitate the mid-term review and annual programme planning processes of the SDC United Nations Development Division. King Zollinger also further developed and moderated for the second time SDC staff training in the role and functioning of the UN. In addition, we helped design and moderate an inter-departmental seminar on Swiss official relationships with UNESCO. Towards the end of the year, King Zollinger was represented on the oikos Winter School faculty at the University of St. Gallen. Currently, we are designing a two-day seminar on sustainability and globalization as part of a University of Berne certificate course on sustainable development (26/27 June 2007). Contact:
Switzerland's Contribution to Reaching the MDGs
In preparation for the 2005 World Summit of the United Nations General Assembly, King Zollinger was closely involved in reviewing the contribution of the Government of Switzerland to reaching the MDGs. One important aspect of this work was the drafting of the Swiss Federal Council report "Millennium Development Goals - Progress Report of Switzerland", which was published in May 2005. Towards the end of 2005, King Zollinger was also engaged in a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the outcome of the 2005 World Summit, with a particular focus on the feasibility and desirability of organizing an MDG campaign in Switzerland. Contact:
Working for the United Nations
In 2004/2005, King Zollinger was asked on several occasions by cinfo and SDC to conceptualize and/or moderate workshops as well as speak to development experts interested in working with and for the United Nations. Contact:
Children and Youth in Swiss Development Policy
Research and policy analysis undertaken by King Zollinger in 2005 led to the submission of a parliamentary request for the Swiss Government to increase the priority afforded in Swiss development policy and programming to children and youth in general and those affected by HIV/AIDS in particular, especially in Africa. Subsequently, the Swiss Federal Council committed itself to preparing an in-depth report on the role of children and youth in Swiss development policy and further scope for action. Contact:
Corporate Responsibility in Education, Inter-Cultural Dialogue and Emergency Aid
In 2003/2004, King Zollinger was asked by Orange Communications to help the company identify potential partner organizations and advise them on possible projects in the areas of education and inter-cultural dialogue as part of the company's corporate responsibility programme. Contact: Alison King. In 2005, Deutsche Post benefited from our knowledge of the United Nations system for strengthening its partnership with the UN in the area of disaster preparedness and disaster response through logistical support. Contact:
Shaping Partnerships with Business for Refugees in Need
In 2005, King Zollinger was asked by UNHCR to prepare a communication and information package for member companies of the UNHCR Council of Business Leaders suggesting why and how they can celebrate World Refugee Day with their employees worldwide. Contact:
International Conference on Sport and Development
In December 2005, King Zollinger was responsible for reporting from the 2nd Magglingen Conference on Sport and Development. Contact:
WFP Young Professionals Training
In 2004, King Zollinger was asked by WFP in Rom to evaluate and subsequently moderate its week-long introduction courses for new WFP Young Professionals. Contact: