PIOJ Institutional Strengthening Programme to Receive $32.6 Million

Phase three of institutional strengthening at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is slated to be undertaken this year with a $32.6 million allocation in the 2014/15 Estimates of Expenditure.

The proposed budget is being reviewed by Standing Finance Committee of the House or Representatives.

The exercise, being funded by the European Union (EU), seeks to improve the Institute’s capacity via training, recruitment of expertise, and the provisions of incentives for staff.

Additionally, it seeks to strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity to monitor and coordinate the Government of Jamaica (GoJ)/European Union (EU) Cooperation Programme, via hardware and software technology.

The project, which commenced in April 2012 has, up to February this year, seen the two long-term and four short-term experts being contracted; three training exercises incorporating five sessions being conducted; five conferences being facilitated; and staff  incentives being paid; and equipment being procured.

This year, it is anticipated that an additional four short-term experts will be contracted; four training sessions held; one conference facilitated; information technology equipment procured; and staff incentives paid.

The project is slated to conclude in March 2017.