MCC should standardize a broad set of common approaches and requirements for the design and implementation of grant facilities, including a requirement to engage with a facility manager for oversight and implementation of grant programs. Under the IGP, the engagement of a grant facility manager proved to be an asset to the program in light of the various challenges, delays, and bottlenecks that arose throughout the start-up and implementation of the facility. In particular, the facility manager was able to lead in the provision of capacity building to grantees supported by the program, and to augment MCA-Zambia resources and efforts in responding to issues as they arose throughout the implementation of each grantee’s project. Despite this strength, some aspects of implementation suffered due to misunderstandings between the facility manager and grantees, and a high administrative burden on both MCA-Zambia and MCC staff – challenges that resemble those documented across several MCC-funded grant programs. For instance, the evaluation noted that there were disagreements between the facility manager and various grantees in verifying the achievement of key milestones, contributing to delays in disbursements and complicating engagement with beneficiary communities. Therefore, greater effort is required to identify and implement strategies to streamline the design and implementation of grant facilities. MCC will incorporate this lesson by developing a standard operations manual for grant facilities, and a standard terms of reference for a grant facility manager.
Lesson Learned