Introduction

A PMA Secretariat was established to support the PMA SC and PMA Forum based on the following principles:

• Able to function, and operate cross-sectorally,
• Be part of the Government structures under MAAIF, and
• Responsible to the PMA Steering Committee through the PS, MAAIF who shall be the Secretary to the PMA SC

Terms of Reference

The functions of the PMA Secretariat include:

• To provide cross-sectoral linkages between the PMA-SC, PMA Forum and the PMA implementing ministries, institutions and agencies
• To provide cross- sectoral technical and policy analysis - directly or through task groups and /or consultants - to enable the PMA-SC make informed decisions
• To monitor and produce performance reports on the implementation of the PMA including monitoring the utilisation of PMA non-sectoral conditional grants
• To carry out the decisions of the PMA SC, follow-up and monitor the implementation of the PMA
• To facilitate the PMA task forces and consultants
• To provide secretariat services to the PMA
• To liase with donors supporting the PMA cross-sectoral programmes and projects to ensure sustainable funding and reporting on progress
• To prepare draft workplans and budgets for the approval of the PMA-SC and manage the PMA Secretariats' operational funds
• To prepare papers on specific agenda items that summarise the content of reports and issues to be considered, clearly indicating decision required at meetings
• To initiate and organise PMA seminars and workshops
• To publish reports and studies on the PMA
• To liase with all stakeholders to facilitate the smooth functioning of the PMA
• To prepare press releases of the PMA activities and liase with the media
• To prepare annual activity and financial reports of the PMA, and
• To carry out any other duties as assigned by the PMA SC.

PMA Secretariat Structure, Staffing and Facilitation

The Secretariat was established as a new structure reporting to the PS, MAAIF who is the defacto secretary to the PMA Steering Committee, which is chaired by the MFPED. The secretariat is a small but effective unit, which  carries out some of its functions through sectoral and cross-sectoral task groups and consultants. The head of the secretariat is employed on terms equivalent to those of a Director in order to attract individuals with the qualifications, skills and experience to perform cross-sectorally. The linkages with other departments in MAAIF are formalised as part of the on-going functional analysis exercise. It is proposed that the Secretariat has a staff of about four technical staff that may include:

• Director/Head/Manager.
• Programme Officer Technical Services.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
• Social Development Specialist 
• Administrative Officer and Accountant.

The staff is employed on contract terms and be adequately facilitated so as to perform the cross-sectoral functions of the PMA secretariat. Such facilitation include transport for official duties, computers, telephone, photocopiers, and E-mail and Internet services.