STATE/AID JOINT STRATEGIC PLAN: AMBASSADOR'S

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000141

SIPDIS

STATE FOR RM DAS SID KAPLAN AND AF/S
USAID FOR AFR/AA (T.WOODS) AND AFR/SA (P.FLEURET AND
S.COOKE)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT EAID MI
SUBJECT: STATE/AID JOINT STRATEGIC PLAN: AMBASSADOR'S
ALL-STAFF REVIEW


1. SUMMARY. On February 12, Ambassador Browning conducted a
meeting to introduce and review the new State/AID Joint
Strategic Plan. The concept behind this plan, how it will be
implemented, and what the expected results will be were
presented to American and locally engaged staff of both
agencies. The Ambassador and the USAID Mission Director
highlighted the already strong cooperation between USAID and
State in Malawi, and expressed their expectation that the
formal alignment of foreign policy goals will benefit all
involved. END SUMMARY.


2. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador described the
initiative as an opportunity to better define the U.S.
foreign policy mission, help to set priorities, and clarify
common goals. He suggested that significant administrative
and management changes will be the aspect of this initiative
first noticed at overseas posts. He emphasized joint
State/USAID training and employee exchanges, a unified
communications and messaging system, and joint management of
planning and resources as resulting improvements. The DCM
added that vis-a-vis the Mission's key MPP program goals of
strengthening democracy, economic development, and an
improved health situation, the joint strategic plan increases
the Mission's ability to accomplish objectives.


3. The USAID director noted that the new joint strategy
reflects the role of USAID as a foreign policy agency.
Because a strong relationship already exists in Malawi, the
USAID director commented that the joint strategy puts the
development goals of the USG in greater relief but will not
significantly affect program activity in the country.
USAID's deputy director added that the collaboration with the
embassy and the support of the Ambassador in USAID's
Triennial Review was noted in USAID/Washington as an example
of how the common goals are meant to be operationalized. In
the same fashion, USAID participated closely with the embassy
in preparing the MPP. To illustrate the strong USAID
endorsement of the Joint Strategic Plan and to address some
questions raised by USAID staff, the concluding ten minutes
of the recent USAID "all hands meeting" with Administrator
Natsios was shown.


4. Staff were given the opportunity to ask questions about
the plan, its implementation, and effects. Concerns regarding
wholesale merging of the two agencies were raised, as were
concerns about the impact on staffing levels in certain
fields. The Ambassador stated that although he was confident
a complete merger unlikely and unnecessary, there may be some
staffing ramifications as management efficiencies are
identified. If we can successfully accomplish the same goals
as two agencies, he observed, the appearance of a need for a
combined agency will be diminished. He added that an
important objective of any government agency is responding to
the needs of taxpayers; streamlining and right-sizing make it
easier to determine accomplishments.


5. We understand that the Joint Management Council has
established functional working groups to prepare
implementation plans, and we look forward to learning about
them and implementing their recommendations on the post
level. We believe that the Strategic Plan will benefit the
work both of State and of USAID in the field.


BROWNING