Technical Assistance Unit

CSF III is managed by the Delegation of the European Union to Ethiopia (EUD), assisted by a Technical Assistance Unit (TAU). International Consulting Expertise (ICE), a company based in Belgium in consortium with INTRAC, FCG International, and Cideal Foundation, is contracted to provide technical support to the EUD and the civil society in Ethiopia in the implementation of the programme. The TAU commenced operations on 13 November 2018 by establishing an office and appointing the necessary staff in Addis Ababa.

 The TAU provides administrative, capacity building and technical programme support to ensure that grantees implement activities in compliance with EU procedures, and in accordance with sound financial and project management standards. In doing so, the unit works in close consultation with the Delegation. Its support includes training of, and advice and mentoring to grantees, thereby limiting the risk of them incurring ineligible expenditure, whilst at the same time facilitating the achievement of their projects’ objectives. In addition to grants management, the TAU recognizes its role as a significant stakeholder in the Civil Society environment in Ethiopia. As such, it positions itself to develop a deep understanding of the needs and potentials of the sector, and to deliver relevant, effective and timely support. Its understanding of the context also enables the Unit to provide detailed, accurate and dynamic feedback to the EU and the civil society sector on issues of strategic relevance to the political, economic and social endeavours in the country.