Name of Client:
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Country:
Viet Nam
Length of Consultancy Assignment:
Start Date: 14 June 2018
Completion Date: 31 December 2020
Detailed Narrative Description of Project:
The TA aimed at improving the quality of knowledge solutions of VASS. The TA outputs were: (i) research capacity strengthened; and (ii) knowledge services improved.
PRIMEX fielded three international and four national consultants for this project. The International Knowledge Database Development Specialist (i) led the design and development of the knowledge data system and relevant e-enabled applications; (ii) conducted a survey on current ICT systems and usage in VASS; (iii) consulted with VASS management and researchers to identify the appropriate system and design; (iv) developed a new research knowledge management system for VASS; (v) studied the technical and financial sustainability of the new research knowledge management system; and (vi) carried out training sessions for effective operations, updating and maintenance of the new database.
The International Academic Advisor on Agricultural Value Chain (i) provided guidance to VASS to carry out research on Improving Viet Nam Agriculture Value Chain in Regional Markets; (ii) supervised research implementation and ensured the research outcome is of international standard; (iii) analyzed and proposed necessary reforms to improve the added value of Viet Nam’s agriculture products in export markets; (iv) generated higher welfare for farmers, more productive economic activity while reducing negative impacts on the environment; and (v) explored opportunities for integrating TA results into ADB operations and future projects.
The International Knowledge Management and Sharing Specialist: (i) conducted workshops to share the results of the diagnostic report and capacity development approach with VASS and other agency staff; (ii) produced web disclosure of tools, guidance notes, templates, and e-learning modules; (iii) knowledge materials for web disclosure in both English and Vietnamese to facilitate wider use in Viet Nam; (iv) worked with VASS management and researchers to identify the appropriate system and design and developed the new research knowledge management system for VASS; and (v) studied the technical and financial sustainability of the new research knowledge management system. The National Research Quality Improvement Specialist/Deputy Team Leader: (i) assisted the Team Leader in preparing the TA implementation work plan; (ii) prepared quarterly updates of the TA work plan and progress reports; (iii) assisted the Team Leader in supervising and coordinating the inputs of other consultants; (iv) advised VASS on the technical content of workshops, consultations, and other meetings; (v) reported to VASS and ADB and supported the Team Leader in preparing the TA key reports; and (vi) supported the Team Leader and International Quality Improvement Specialist to conduct intensive consultations with and a study of needs of VASS management and researchers in preparing research guidelines and manual and new quality control systems for the research studies. The National Knowledge Database Development Specialist and the National Knowledge Management and Sharing Specialist assisted their international consultant counterparts in the performance of their respective tasks.
The National Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist: (i) conducted an assessment to identify research capacity gaps in conducting gender and development research and product the capacity assessment report and recommended appropriate organizational/institutional set-up and research training program for effective gender mainstreaming in research for VASS; (ii) designed and delivered a series of gender-related training for researchers participating in the TA; (iii) provided gender technical inputs in the design and guidance of the three research topics and processing of data/information in collaboration with international consultants; (iv) provided gender technical inputs in the development of the knowledge management and dissemination plan, knowledge management system, and knowledge sharing workshops; and (v) provided gender inputs in the M&E of the TA to support TA’s reporting on gender-related baseline and results.