pct28

=Africa RISING PCT meeting #28= 14 March 2018 Arusha, Tanzania


 * PCT page
 * PCT follow-up action points


 * Participants:**
 * Jerry Glover - Chair
 * Siboniso Moyo - Secretary
 * Peter Thorne
 * Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon
 * Carlo Azzarri


 * Apologies**
 * Bernard Vanlauwe
 * Ewen LeBorgne


 * Agenda **
 * 1) Program Communication
 * 2) Way forward with M&E
 * 3) Next PCT meeting
 * 4) AOB

__**Conversation**__

1. Program Communication
 * The program communications needs are increasing and we need to respond accordingly.
 * It was proposed that Jonathan takes over the program communications role – He is familiar with the program and has been shouldering the communication needs in the last 15-18 months, specifically his role in the Phase 1 synthesis document is acknowledged. This approach will save us time and recruitment costs.
 * ILRI will retain the support to the platforms. Boni to advise ILRI senior management on the PCT decision.
 * IITA to recruit Communications Specialist for WA and ESA.
 * Budget – Revisit the budget (shift funds to IITA except for the platform). Send the revised budgets to Jerry as soon as is possible.
 * Timeline – this decision is effective as soon as is possible.

2. Way forward with M&E
 * Need embedded M&E specialists in the regional projects teams. Aim for efficiency gains.
 * Recruitment - Data Management Specialist/Evidence gathers transferred to IITA and ILRI. Redesign the job descriptions/roles and workplans. Manage risks through co supervision.
 * IFPRI – continue to lead tool development and training. Part of the workplans and reporting.
 * Budget – Revisit the budget to reflect the proposed changes and share with Jerry as soon as is possible.
 * Establish a Data Management Task Force (Peter, Irmgard and Carlo) to ensure that data is available and accessible on time.

3. Next PCT meeting
 * 10th April 5PM EAT.

4. Any Other Business
 * The program needs to identify high priority areas in the coming year (synthesis, communications, cleaning the data and putting it in a good shape, contracting for extra comms).