Minutes from the question and answer conference call

Questions not answered in the Conference CallA. It is not expressly implied in the TORs that the HR systems to be designed be accompaniedby software applications for their implementation. Are we to assume this is not a requisite?HR software should be considered and quoted separately. It is likely that MARN might cover for the costs ofsoftware, as this is not a standard item of CDKN support. In addition, free software and open license softwareshould be given priority. There is a system in place that should be evaluated as part of the consultancy todetermine if it is adequate or it needs changes or replacement.B. If software applications are NOT a requisite of this project, is there any limitation in usingthird party software applications in the piloting process? Are we free to make our ownproposal of relevant packages? Would MARN wish the costs to be specified separately? DoesMARN see this as a useful addition and a priority?As per above, software applications should be considered, and:- Yes, the supplier should make their own proposals of relevant packages, bearing in mind that there arelimited budgets from CDKN and from MARN to cover for it;- Yes, costs should be specified separately;- Yes, this is an important part of a functioning HR system. However, any software is just as good as theinformation that goes into it.C. How much, and in what manner, is the Secretariat for Strategic Matters going to beinvolved in the process of HR systems design? Will they be part of the approval of the designs?The Sub Secretariat of Governance and State Modernization is part of the Presidential Secretariat for StrategicAffairs. The Sub Secretariat of Governance and State Modernization is the governing body that is responsiblefor the modernization and strengthening of public administration. The Sub Secretariat is in an embryonic stageof its policy of strengthening public administration. To this extent, this project TALA-0003c will serve as a pilotproject for it. A point of contact from the Sub Secretariat will be engaged throughout the project, including theselection of supplier, so that lessons learned can be replicated in other Ministries. More information can befound in the following link: http://asuntosestrategicos.presidencia.gob.sv/D. Can you describe in more detail the expected outputs of Component 1 and the likelyprogress and timing in that tender? By which month could this Component likely deliver itsfirst outcomes? Would this be available to inform Component 2, and in what ways do youenvisage inter-component synergies?The combined aim of components 1 and 2 are to increase the country’s institutional readiness formainstreaming climate change. The overall goals of each component are:- Component 1: strengthening capacity for institutional coordination role ofenvironmental ministry and national coordinating body, SINAMA: leaving institutions thatare fit for purpose as a legacy of the current political term is a priority of this government, to ensurethat all the work that has been done in creating new environmental policies, strategies and action plansduring this term (which ends in June 2014) are implemented in the next terms. (Ref. TALA-0003b)- Component 2: Human Resource Development for improved governance andmodernization of MARN and SINAMA: design and implement a Human Resources system inMARN that establishes processes for the selection of personnel, annual appraisals, promotions andtalent management as well as skills based training. In addition to the work in MARN, the skills of