TOKTEN Transfer Of Knowledge Through Expatriates Nationals Prepared

TOKTEN Transfer Of Knowledge Through Expatriates Nationals Prepared by Rula Koudsi

TOKTEN In General • UNDP modality to recruit qualified nationals • Short term consultancy services (2 – 8 weeks) • Voluntary program • UNDP covers air-tickets & DSA

TOKTEN In Syria • Phase I: 1986 (no enough data on this phase) • Phase II: 1994 (activated in 1996) • Only 20 expatriates came in phase II

Distribution of Institutes as Beneficiaries In Phase II

Women / Men Ratio

Obstacles in Phase I & II 1 - Project Coordinator is not fully assigned for TOKTEN. 2 - TOKTEN is not identified by line ministries. 3 - Lack of coordination between SPC & line ministries. 4 - Government requirements are not identified at the SPC. 5 - Delay at the Government side. 6 - Lack of information on expatriates and lack of CVs.

The New TOKTEN • • • Signed in 2001 Duration of project 2001 – 2004 Project budget: US$ 100, 000 Executing agency: UNOPS Target beneficiaries: Government ministries and institutions Public sector enterprises Academic and research institutions

New Features • Working committee of ministerial focal points • Designing TOKTEN web site • Expanding the areas of focus from basic science and research to include general development matters, e-government, e-learning, strategic planning, tourism, administrative development…. . etc • Coordination with NOSSTIA (Network of Syrian Scientists, Technologists and Innovators Abroad)

Implementation Strategy • Focal points study the requirements of their line ministries • Creating a data bank of Syrian expatriates • Holding monthly meetings to prioritize technical assistance needs • Receiving request for expatriates through the Government counterpart • Final decision on the selection of the appropriate expatriate will be made by a committee

Role of UNDP • Receive Government’s requests for TOKTEN expatriates • Coordinate in the selection of the expatriate • Contact the expatriates to seek availability • Coordinate with the executing agency (UNOPS) • Welcome the expatriate at his arrival and make him sign the “Rules of Conduct for TOKTEN Volunteers” • Manage the monthly meetings • Ensure the expatriate report is ready after his assignment

Role of Line Ministries • Have a representative in the monthly meetings • Study their requirements • Ensure an office and all needed working environment to the expatriate • Designate a counterpart to be trained by the expatriate • The expatriate counterpart should evaluate the expatriate and recommend if to benefit from him in the future

Expected Outcomes • Fast Survey of the ministries’ requirements to technical assistance • Usage of TOKTEN forms in the new process • Have immediate requests for TOKTEN consultants for this year • Data bank on the 8 million Syrian expatriates • Monthly meetings with focal points