Monitoring and Coordination
The activities under these three programs housed at Program Implementation Unit (PIU) require constant monitoring of progress initiatives on behalf of the departments. PIU acts as a monitoring and coordinating agency for the implementing agencies. The Program Implementation Unit coordinates key program activities set under the ambit of Ease of Doing Business Reform Agenda, Jobs and Competitiveness Program and Strengthening Markets for Agriculture and Rural Transformation. The objective is to ensure that all departments meet the set targets and deadlines set for the year. For this purpose, monitoring of the activities to be implemented by departments is done through a robust electronic dashboard. Moreover, the program monitoring reports as per agreed arrangements are also submitted to the World Bank regularly. Additionally, the PIU acts as a one stop shop for the development partners. The PIU also acts as Secretariat for the technical committees and program steering committees notified under different programs.
Financial Management
The PIU ensures financial support to implementing agencies/departments for the implementation of the key developments/initiatives as and when required. The main objective is to fund the resourcing gap in order to execute program activities. Furthermore, the program implementation unit conducts financial audit and program audit of the implementing agencies through internal and external auditors. The PIU also prepares and consolidates financial statements and expenditure framework on behalf of implementing agencies and submits regular program financial reports to the World Bank. Furthermore, PIU prepares and submits withdrawal application of the loan proceeds to the World Bank on behalf of the implementing agencies upon achievement of given targets set in the program agreements
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement sessions are organized by Program Implementation Unit (PIU) to disseminate information to the relevant public and private sector to increase awareness regarding the reforms that are being executed and in process. Stakeholders from relevant fields are engaged in order to obtain differing views and to incorporate relevant feedback. Regular meetings with the stakeholders ensures identification of impediments faced by the public and private sector at various levels. This component focuses on the development and implementation of the communication and outreach strategy.
Third Party Validation
PIU is also responsible to validate the reform efforts and program interventions agreed with the World Bank through third party validation firm as per agreed verification protocol with the World Bank. The independent verification agency (IVA) is hired through a competitive process. The main purpose of having an IVA on board is to ensure quality of the reforms being implemented. IVA’s feedback is imperative in identifying the weak areas in the process of reform design and implementation.