Programme Design
The approach to identification and formulation is of critical importance for ensuring that development cooperation addresses identified needs and priorities of target beneficiaries, and is aligned to policies, strategies, plans, and programmes of partner countries and institutions. Ownership, buy-in, and commitment by partners are key to delivering sustainable development outcomes. PEMconsult emphasises a profound understanding of cultural patterns and common values of the beneficiaries and partners, inclusiveness and open-mindedness, avoiding imposition of pre-conceived solutions. Formulation then must translate the basic strategic agreement with partners into a concrete actionable intervention with clear goals, time frame, and specification of the resources required to produce the intended results at objective, impact, output and outcome levels. PEMconsult has identified and formulated country, regional and global projects and programmes with government institutions, civil society, private sector and international organisations. We have extensive experience in these processes, and emphasizes an alignment approach to ensure real embedment of the intervention in partner institutions and an inclusive and respectful process design to ensure ownership.
A key first step in identification
is to analyse the national, local or regional context, to identify what is the problem to be addressed, who are the target beneficiaries, what is the partner’s strategy in the area, where are the challenges and opportunities for intervention. Another critical step is to assess the political economy and institutional/stakeholder landscape to identify champions of transformational change and vested interests that may be obstacles for change. Stakeholder interests and motivation for commitment and ownership to the change process must be identified, and existing partner capacities and their strengths and weaknesses must be assessed. Opportunities for coordination and harmonisation with other development partners must be identified, and risks of overlap and duplication of effort avoided.
During formulation
OUR WORK - EXAMPLES:
Formulation of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme for China, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and Vietnam 2026-2030 (DEPP 2026)
PEM has been assigned to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – together with Ministry of Climate, energy and Utilities (MCEU) and the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) – in formulating a new 5-year phase of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme with China, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and Vietnam for the period 2026-2030 (DEPP 2026). The planned programme contributes to promote access to sustainable, affordable and reliable energy, which is viewed a key pillar for broader socio-economic development and to achieve SDG7 and many other SDGs. It also contributes to support the countries in their uptake of more variable renewable energy, support energy security and contribute to advance on the national NDCs and progress towards meeting the global targets of the Paris Agreement.
- Danida (2026), contract value DKK 976,640
Identification and formulation of projects under the Denmark-Ethiopia Country Strategic Framework (2025-2029)
Ethiopia has ambitious political aims to become a global green pioneer, an economic frontrunner in Africa, and a stabilising factor in the Horn of Africa. These aims are supported by Denmark’s engagements in Ethiopia that concentrate on strengthening resilience and future opportunities, supporting conflict-sensitive and inclusive green growth and protecting and promoting human rights, social cohesion and peace and stability.
The purpose for the assignment is to help identify and formulate Danish development engagements in Ethiopia for the period 2025-2029 based on the Denmark-Ethiopia Country Strategic Framework and other relevant documentation, under two strategic objectives: strengthening resilience and future opportunities and supporting conflict-sensitive and inclusive green growth.
Moreover, the assignment consists of formulation of nexus programmes and project engagement(s) for sustainable reduction in vulnerabilities among refugees, internally displaced people and local host communities affected by the interplay between climate and displacement challenges in the Somali region.
- Danida (2025), contract value DKK 927,404
Formulation and identification of Water Facility for Africa
PEM was chosen to support the development of a new Danish Water Facility designed to increase the implementation of water projects and expand access to clean drinking water and sanitation across selected African countries. Denmark’s water sector is a global leader in sustainable water management and innovative solutions, yet Danish companies lack the institutional framework needed to engage effectively in African markets. The purpose of the new Danish Water Facility is to fill this gap by providing the institutional set-up required to link Danish expertise with Africa’s water challenges.
PEM led the overall process of design, formulation, and finalisation for approval of the two funds based on Danish priorities on development as outlined in the Danish strategies, in close coordination with MFA, embassies, SSC advisors, Trade Council, and Danish water sector stakeholders.
- Danida (2025), contract value DKK 839,554
Formulation of Ewaso Ng’iro Basin Water, Forest, and Climate Resilience Project (EWFCP)
The Danish government is actively engaged in enhancing water resource management as a vital adaptation strategy to climate change. In Kenya, the embassy has been supporting the water sector through the government of Kenya since the enactment of Kenya’s Water Act (2002). Furthermore, support has been provided through the Water Sector Trust Fund working closely with the Water Resources Authority, and finally, through the Team Europe Initiative.
The objective of the consultancy is to provide support to the embassy for the formulation of a programme for integrated water resources management and reforestation through a participatory, dialogue-based process.
- Danida (2024), contract value DKK 249,933
DANISH SUPPORT TO THE MULTI-PARTNER TRUST FUND (MPTF) OF THE UN DECADE ON ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION – PROCESS CONSULTANCY FOR PREPARATION AND PROGRAMME FORMULATION
The Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a newly established trust fund, which is to deliver on the mandate of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to inspire a global movement in support of preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. Danish support to the MPTF must deliver on Danish priorities within biodiversity, climate adaptation and Nature-based Solutions. The primary aims of the MPTF are to combat declining biodiversity, support livelihoods and green jobs, enhance natural resource bases, and help societies adapt to and mitigate climate change through restoration of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems globally. The objective of this assignment is to support the effective preparation of the Danish support for 2023-2025 to the MPTF and elaboration of the programme document to enabling it to be submitted for approval. It should address the key issues arising from assessments and discussions between MFA, UNEP, FAO, UNDP, and other key stakeholders. The preparation stage included a review of relevant documents, technical meetings with the MPTF team and other key actors and the resolving of outstanding issues in the programme formulation as well as the presentation of drafted documents to the programme committee. During the programme formulation stage, the programme document was finalized. (Picture by Anne Gade)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark (Danida) (2022), contract value EUR 33,210.
PROGRAMMING MYNSAM 2.0 FRAMEWORK WITH MINISTRY OF CLIMATE, ENERGY AND UTILITIES AND ITS AGENCIES
As part of the new Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) guidelines, a 4-year framework programme is being developed with Danish authorities to manage the Danish SSC. The consultancy facilitates the process of preparation and formulation of programme documentation for a framework agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Climate Energy and Utilities (KEFM). For that, the consultancy facilitates, supports, and drafts a 4-year framework which will form the basis for a framework agreement. The process follows the development of the framework document through the quality assurance process leading to the final programme documentation being ready for approval. The objectives of the consultancy contain three overall elements: the facilitation of the formulation process and support to the involved authorities, the drafting of the KEFM’s framework ready for appraisal and later a final framework ready for presentation to UPR and final approval by the Minister for Development Cooperation.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark (Danida), (2022 – 2023), contract value EUR 32,672
FORMULATION OF THE DANISH SUPPORT TO THE AFRICAN WATER FACILITY
The Sahel and Horn of Africa are among the most affected areas in Africa from impacts of global warming and climate change. The region is characterized by strong climatic variability, irregular rainfall and persistent drought. Water is a limiting factor for development in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. Floods and droughts, a common occurrence in the region, affect millions of people every few years.With 149,5 million DKK, Denmark will support the recovery of five countries in the Sahel and Horn of Africa (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Somalia) from the Covid-19 pandemic by improving existing water supply and sanitation services and leveraging new investments in water and sanitation infrastructure in the countries. The support will be channeled through the African Water Facility (AWF), established by the African Ministers’ Council on Water to assist African countries in the mobilization of financing and use of the funds in addressing the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene challenges. PEM is currently supporting the programme formulation of the Danish support to the AWF. We are finalizing a draft concept note and in close collaboration with the AWF and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs developing the programme document with all annexes.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark (Danida) (2021), contract value EUR 24,088
PROCESS SUPPORT, IDENTIFICATION AND FORMULATION OF BILATERAL ENERGY PROGRAMME IN INDONESIA (2020-2025)
EM is currently undertaking the Process Support, Identification and Formulation of a bilateral energy programme in Indonesia (2020-2025) for Danida under the Danish Climate Envelope. The programme supports Indonesia’s development of strategies and policies for reaching their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement through existing strategic partnerships between the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) and the Indonesian partner institutions. The consultancy’s task is to undertake a thorough needs assessment of partner institutions in Indonesia to support low carbon transition and associated development co-benefits in the country. The focus is on the deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, integration of renewable energy, regulation and an overall reduction of CO2. Because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, it is uncertain if travel to Indonesia by the international team will be possible, but the two national consultants are ensuring close liaison with Indonesian partner institutions and stakeholders.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark (Danida) (2020), contract value EUR 64,499
FORMULATION OF A DANISH VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)
PEM formulated the documentation required for a voluntary contribution to IRENA. The expected main areas of emphasis included long-term planning and energy transition system dynamics, with a view to increase ambitions in renewable energy uptake in the energy transition; socio-economic benefits of renewable energy deployment; enhanced South-South cooperation on long-term energy planning, scenarios and modelling; and support for the Clean Energy Ministerial campaign on long-term model-based energy scenarios for the clean energy transition.
- Danish Ministry of Energy Utilities and Climate/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (2018), contract value DKK 220,000.
APPRAISAL OF THE NEW DANIDA COUNTRY PROGRAMME IN SOMALIA
The new country programme for Somalia is at the formulation stage and PEMconsult has been hired to conduct the appraisal of the new programme. The Somalia Country Programme has three Thematic Programmes,: 1) Strengthen responsive and inclusive governance and service delivery, and fundamental human rights; 2) Develop core economic institutions and strengthen inclusive private sector driven growth and economic development to diversify livelihoods; 3)Develop resilience to prevent, plan for, and cope with shocks and stresses thus enabling durable solutions and reducing forced displacement.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/ Danida (2018) contract value app. USD 125,000
OTHER ASSIGNMENTS:
- Formulation of the Danish country programme in Ethiopia (2018 – 2022)
- Ukraine-Denmark Energy Centre (UDEC) phase II: Creation of an enabling environment for sustainable energy investment
- Formulation of Danida Development Engagement Document for Ukraine-Denmark Energy Centre (UDEC) Phase II, in Ukraine
- Formulation for Sida of Support to Indigenous Organisations in Guatemala
- Formulation for Danida of Support to the Trademark East Africa
- Identification/Formulation Study for Sida on Regional Energy Cooperation in the MENA Region and Possible Entry Points for the New Regional Strategy
- Identification and Formulation for Danida of Support to the Productive Sector in Bolivia
- Support to development of a new strategy for water in development and the nexus 2018, EU, 2017-2018
- Development of the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme for Sierra Leone, Ministry of Water Resources/ African Development Bank, 2015-2017.
- Process support and formulation of the Danish Energy Agency Energy Partnership Programme, Danida, 2016-2017.
- Support to the P4G – partnering for green growth and global goals 2030, Danida, 2017-2018.