Evaluation of “Japan’s Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (FY2016)”

Link to the full report

Background, Objectives, and Scope of the Evaluation

This evaluation was conducted on the “Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (FY2016)” (hereinafter referred to as the “2016 Economic and Social Development Programme”) (grant amount: 1 billion JPY), which was implemented by MOFA. The purpose of this project-level evaluation was to obtain recommendations from the evaluation results that can be used for similar projects in the future and to fulfill accountability to the public.

The 2016 Economic and Social Development Programme was implemented with the aim of improving the capacity of Jordan in the security sector through the provision of equipment manufactured in Japan, thereby contributing to Jordan’s socio-economic development and the overseas expansion of Japanese companies through support for the stabilization of Jordan.

Summary of Evaluation Results

(1) Relevance of Plans

The year 2016, when this project was implemented, was a record year for the number of terrorist incidents in Jordan, and it was the time when tension over security measures in the country increased significantly. As the threat of conflict and terrorism in neighboring countries such as Syria and Iraq spread to Jordan, the Government of Jordan made national security based on the Construction one of the priority areas in the development objectives, and strengthened the efforts to improve border security measures. This project, planned under these circumstances, was consistent with the Government of Jordan’s development plans and needs with regard to security measures. 

Japan, which relies on imports of more than 80% of its crude oil from the Middle East, aims to build a multi-layered relationship with the region, including security as well as economic cooperation, and supports Jordan to maintain stability as a moderate faction in the region toward the Middle East peace process. This project, implemented as an assistance that contributes to peace and stability in Jordan, was in line with Japan’s diplomatic and development cooperation policies toward the Middle East region and Jordan. Furthermore, the adoption of the Economic and Social Development Programme, which is characterized by mobility and rapidity, was appropriate under the circumstances of the time, when there was an urgent need to strengthen the security measures.
(Evaluation Result: Satisfactory)

(2) Effectiveness of Results

During the implementation and monitoring stages of this project, the work was carried out without any problems in accordance with the standard workflow, and the payment was implemented as planned in terms of both amount and timing. After the equipment request was finalized at the intergovernmental committee, the System Integrator (SIer) was selected through competitive bidding to formulate the Requirements Definition (R/D) for the system development. Then, the system was developed after consultation with the implementing agency/end-user. A contract was then signed with the supplier of the system and equipment, and the security equipment was smoothly delivered to the target sites. 

Due to budgetary constraints, the maintenance contract has not been renewed after the warranty period, and the technical team of implementing agency/end-user has been handling the maintenance of the hardware equipment. To date, no major equipment problems have occurred, and the equipment has been operating without problems at the three target sites. The provision of equipment has strengthened the monitoring system and improved the work efficiency of the officers in charge.

Although no information on this project was reported locally due to the confidential nature of the security measures, the quality of security equipment of the supplier for this project is widely recognized in Jordan. In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring consistency in border facilities, Japan’s presence in the security sector in Jordan is high, and Japan is playing an important role, as the Government of Jordan has continued to install security equipment at border checkpoints with support by Japanese ODA following this project.
(Evaluation Result: Satisfactory)

*Ratings: Highly Satisfactory; Satisfactory; Partially Satisfactory; Unsatisfactory

Recommendations Based on Evaluation Results

(1) Support for Maintenance Costs

The equipment delivered under this project requires annual maintenance fee of 10-15% of the equipment cost. Due to the budget constraints of the implementing agency/end-user, the maintenance contract with the local agent has not been renewed. It is recognized that the technical team of the implementing agency/end-user is capable to deal with hardware problems related to the equipment itself, but a support contract with the supplier is necessary to deal with software problems. 

While Japan’s ODA emphasizes the encouragement of self-help efforts by partner countries, in cases such as this project, where the objective is to reduce the financial burden on the partner country, there is room for consideration of including maintenance costs in the budget of grant aid for a certain period, without limit of the one-year warranty period.

(2) Review of Procurement Guidelines

Procurement under the Economic and Social Development Programme is carried out in accordance with the “Guidelines for Implementation of Procurement Procedures for Non-Project Grant Aid (September 2005)”. However, nearly 20 years have already passed after the formulation of the guidelines, and the name of the scheme has been changed. Therefore, it is time to revise the guidelines and inform all parties concerned.

Note: In the interest of confidentiality of security measures, photographs related to this project shall not be published.