Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 - Irish Aid
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021
2 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 3
ContEntS
Summary 4
ChaPtEr 1: our ViSion for 2021 and BEyond 6
Embassy Logic Model
ChaPtEr 2: our PEoPlE 10
Serving Our People Abroad
Connecting with the Global Irish Family
ChaPtEr 3: our ValuES 13
A Fairer World
A More Just World
A More Secure World
A More Sustainable World
ChaPtEr 4: our ProSPErity 19
Deepening Engagement with Priority Markets
Making the most of Our Competitive Advantage
Sharing Our Culture
ChaPtEr 5: our PlaCE in EuroPE 22
A Strong European Voice in the World
Contributing to EU External Policies
ChaPtEr 6: our influEnCE 24
A Service Responsive to National and Global Changes and Challenges
A Professional and Capable Workforce in a Positive Working Environment
An Open and Accountable Mission Delivering Best Practice in Governance
Annex 1: accounting for our Performance
Annex 2: alignment of Strategy to the SdGs, ireland’s Africa Strategy, ireland’s Policy
for international development “One World, One Future” and its
“Framework for Action”
4 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 5
SummARy
This Strategy sets out Ireland’s role in South Africa and other countries of accreditation in the sub-
region (Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mauritius) over the five-year period 2017-2021.
hoW WE Will Work and re-programme where necessary, to
Strategic and systematic political and
ensure that they are optimally deployed and
>
public diplomacy. The Mission will use
able to deliver on outputs and outcomes. The
BaCkGround region reflects a fragile political Nine outputs to be delivered: Embassy will further develop evaluation and
economy. Large sections of the political and public diplomacy in countries of learning including an evaluation framework to
The Irish Government population, by virtue of the region to promote Ireland’s interests, accompany the new Strategy.
established an Embassy in ethnicity, gender, political culture and values; to support Irish citizens
South Africa in 1994, following persuasion or geography, are resident in or visiting the region; and to nEW dirECtionS
the country’s transition to marginalised and excluded demonstrate that Ireland is a good place in
democracy. The intervening from accessing opportunities which to do business, to study and to visit. On > Strengthened political, trade and development
> An adept, prepared, consular
years have seen significant and benefits in societies where the basis of our values we will advocate for cooperation in the region, including a more
service, well-placed to
expansion in the role of the inequalities are deepening. human rights, gender equality, ending gender strategic and policy focused relationship with
respond to change;
Mission. This has been > Irish diaspora informed, based violence and ensuring economic South Africa.
influenced by the Department’s What WE Will aChiEVE supported and linked; growth is inclusive and equitable. Strategies > In line with revised accreditations, considered
increased trade promotion Our longer-term vision is > Opportunities for Ireland’s will include enhancing links with key engagement with Botswana and regional
mandate, the growth of reflected in our overarching trade, investment, tourism stakeholders in Government, civil society and organisations, including the Southern African
consular work to serve the goal: “ireland’s values and and culture expanded; other spheres. Additional focal areas will Development Community (SADC).
large Irish community, the interests applied to optimise include our cooperation at multilateral and EU > Scaled up engagement and investment in
integration of the previously benefits for citizens of levels. Zimbabwe, in line with Ireland’s policy
Strategy implementation informed by
separate Irish Aid programme, ireland, South africa, commitment to engage in fragile situations.
and the review of Ireland’s Zimbabwe and other > > Increased engagement with Irish State
African Embassy network and countries of accreditation”. evidence and learning. The Mission will Agencies to boost Ireland’s trade and
countries of secondary establish partnerships with highly regarded economic efforts.
> Educational linkages,
accreditation. The Global Island networks and cooperation academic and other institutions to provide > Increased engagement with the Irish diaspora,
including through the provision of improved
Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World
increased; access to robust evidence. Moving to a multi-
The work of the Embassy is > Effective channels for year strategy will require greater attention to consular services.
unique in its breadth across all Global political engagement and monitoring and tracking of results, and > Deepened focus on inclusive development,
five themes of Ireland’s foreign Irish
Ireland’s Diaspora Policy
influence in South Africa and
allocation of increased resources to secure gender equality and human rights and their
policy - Our People, Our regionally; inherent connections.
and strengthen capacity for this. Six monthly
> Civil society’s capacity to
March 2015
Values, Our Prosperity, Our RIALTAS NA hÉIREANN
reports and Annual and Mid-Term Reviews will > A more flexible and adaptable approach to
Two outcomes to be achieved
GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND
Place in Europe and Our promote good governance programme design and implementation that
be essential to guide this whole-of-Embassy
by 2021:
and human rights improved;
Influence. The countries of Strategy. Careful selection of partners and the takes account of political realities and local
> Opposition to Gender Based
engagement reflect a wide existence of quality expertise in the region will context.
> Strengthened environment for Violence and support for
range of political, economic, GBV survivors strengthened; support these processes. > New relationships and partnerships built on
Ireland’s citizens,
trade, consular and the basis of Ireland’s commitment to realise
Quality assured through robust oversight,
diaspora, business, trade, > Innovative health and
development issues and people-to-people and other disability models targeting > the 2030 Agenda to meet the universally
value-for-money and risk management.
challenges. There are an linkages with South Africa women and children; agreed Sustainable Development Goals
estimated 35,000 Irish passport and other countries of > Policy and practice focused (SDGs).
Embassy structures will ensure that systems
holders in South Africa and a accreditation; evidence on regional conflict
and humanitarian crises. are in place to implement and comply with
vibrant and growing diaspora
> Enhanced enabling policies, standards and procedures.
and Irish business community.
environment and space in Management will ensure that risks are
South Africa is also an IRISH EDUCATED
One World,
THE GLOBAL GOALS
GLOBALLY CONNECTED
South Africa, Zimbabwe and
AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR IRELAND, 2016-2020
proactively identified and assessed with
important hub for trade and One Future
the region to tackle controls developed to ensure effective For Sustainable Developmet
investment in the region. Ireland’s Policy
Succeeding
Abroad Supportive
National
exclusion, inequality and
Framework
for International mitigation. We will systematically review the
Development
denial of human rights, allocation of human and financial resources,
Despite some progress and
Sustainable
including those of women
Growth in
ELT
Globally
Competitive
HEIs
reduction in macro poverty and girls.
levels, the context across the
6 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 7
We believe that these interconnected outcomes and outputs, when achieved, will provide a strong foundation for the
ChaPtEr 1 future. A thriving southern Africa is fundamental for the security and prosperity of all Africans, as well as citizens of
Ireland and the world. Our people-centred vision is one of peaceful, inclusive, environmentally-sustainable societies;
where poverty, in all its forms, is eradicated; where everyone can share in prosperity; where human rights are
OUR VISION FOR 2021 AND BEyOND protected, gender equality realised; and where no-one is left behind. We will build on this vision for 2030 through
successive Mission Strategies that will embed Ireland’s role in SA and the region.
The purpose of this Embassy Strategy is to clearly articulate what we will do, how we will work,
What WE Will dEliVEr To achieve outcome 2, we will deliver four
and what we will achieve to benefit citizens of Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and other
mutually supportive outputs. Recognising the
countries of accreditation over the period 2017-2021 and how we will build towards progress for Across all our work we will bring a more structured strong role and importance of civil society we will
the future1. approach to influencing and political diplomacy. provide support for them to be better able to
We will create more ‘Effective channels for deliver on their mandate. We will work
political engagement and influence in South collaboratively with other partners, donors, and
In 2011 the Government of Ireland launched We have much to offer, and benefit from, through
ensure ‘Civil society’s capacity to promote
africa and regionally’ both as an output in itself, joint mechanisms, particularly in Zimbabwe, to
Ireland and Africa: Our Partnership with a enterprise, trade and investment. Crucially, we
good governance and human rights is
and a means to deliver the other eight outputs.
Changing Continent. The Strategy highlighted understand that our prosperity, security and well-
improved’.
Ireland’s long-term commitment to Africa and being is influenced by global events and
To achieve outcome 1, we will deliver four linked
individual African countries, and the connections interwoven with the rest of the world, including Africa.
outputs. The shifting and increasingly complex
between the different elements of the relationship
renewed ‘Adept, prepared Consular service,
context globally and in the region, requires a Given the extent and debilitating effects of gender
- political, development cooperation, inclusive The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a
well placed to respond to changing contexts’ to
based violence, we will engage with a number of
to “make a distinctive and principled
growth, trade and investment. Six years on, the Changing World provides clear priorities for Ireland
strategic partners and programmes in South
contribution to the collective international
Africa Strategy continues to underpin our
engagement with the Continent and will continue, not only meet its traditional role but to have Africa, Zimbabwe and regionally. This will work to
effort to build a better world”. We believe that
with some updating, to shape our partnership over contingency plans in place to protect Irish citizens influence state and non-state actors to provide
coming years. into the future. better coordinated, more comprehensive and
the Mission can contribute to positive change, but
‘Opposition to Gender Based Violence and
accessible GBV response services to ensure that
we are also realistic. We have initiated an
support for GBV survivors is strengthened’.
Ireland can relate to many facets of southern Building on current good practice of deepening
integrated whole-of-Embassy approach that
Africa. We identify with colonisation, struggle and and cultivating diaspora networks within and
makes best use of our modest human and
across the different countries will lead to an ‘Irish
diaspora informed, supported and linked’.
liberation and have historic experience of famine financial resources to build synergies across
and migration. We understand the scourge of Recognising the particular challenge of neglected
political, development, trade, community and
conflict and the dividends of peace. Ireland has in health and rights of marginalised women and
consular work.
will invest in a small number of ‘Innovative health
recent years seen the positive impact brought The Mission will step up its work to promote children across our countries of engagement, we
The change we want to see
to invest in and to visit. ‘Opportunities for and disability models targeting women and
about by changes in law that recognise the rights Ireland as a good place with which to do business,
expansion of Ireland’s trade, investment, children’. These tactical relationships will
of all citizens, regardless of sex or gender orientation. The Mission has identified two mutually reinforcing
tourism and culture’ in all countries will be
outcomes to be achieved in partnership with
On the economic side we have learned lessons countries of the region. (Fig 1) generate new and improved ideas, technologies
from our financial crises and recovery. realised by fostering and facilitating further and approaches and build evidence on what
linkages to strengthen networks and reduce works most effectively.
fig 1: outcomes by 2021 obstacles and restrictive legislation for Irish
business. Given that the region remains extremely vulnerable
Enhanced
Strengthened to crises and shocks, including climate change,
connectedness for We will respond to the demand for skills and we will invest resources in regional capacity to
enabling environment
Ireland’s citizens,
‘Increased educational linkages, networks and support will produce ‘Policy and practice
for inclusive education, especially for youth, by creating research, monitor and report on the context. Our
diaspora, business,
cooperation’ building on Ireland’s strong focused evidence on regional conflict and
development, gender
trade, people-to-
humanitarian crises’. This will allow us to shape
equality and human
people and other reputation and expertise in these areas. The
rights
linkages Embassy will demonstrably and transparently and inform political responses, scale up
connect the skills requirements of South Africa humanitarian action if required, and keep our HQ-
with Ireland’s strategy on international education. level geographical, thematic and policy units well-
This Strategy is based on ‘Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of Accreditation: Directions Paper informed.
2017-2021, and a number of Embassy-led Context analysis Papers (available separately). The Directions Paper was
1
approved by HQ Recommendations Meeting in December 2016.
8 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 9
miSSion StratEGy loGiC modEl
our PEOPLE our VALuES our PROSPERITy our PLACE IN EuROPE our PLACE IN IRELAND
APPROACHES ACROSS
ALL OUTCOMES &
Goal
ireland’s values and interests are promoted to benefit
citizens of ireland, South africa, Zimbabwe and the southern
OUTPUTS african sub-region
outComES
Strategic and systematic political
Enhanced connectedness for Ireland’s citizens, diaspora, business, trade, people-to-people and other
and public diplomacy. linkages, with South Africa and countries of accreditation.
Strengthened enabling environment for inclusive development, gender equality and human rights
outPutS
Strategy implementation
informed by evidence and learning. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
An adept, Irish diaspora Opportunities Educational Effective Civil society’s Opposition to Innovative Policy and
prepared, informed, for Ireland’s linkages, channels for capacity to Gender health and practice
consular supported trade, networks and political promote Based disability focused
service, well and linked investment, cooperation engagement good Violence and models evidence on
robust oversight value-for-money, placed to
respond to
tourism and
culture
increased and influence
in South
governance
and human
support for
GBV
targeting regional
women and conflict and
and risk management. changing
contexts
expanded Africa and
regionally
rights
improved
survivors
strengthened
children humanitarian
crises
10 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 11
ChaPtEr 2
OUR PEOPLE
SErVinG our PEoPlE aBroad The Embassy and our consular offices also
provide support and assistance to Irish citizens
There are an estimated 35,000 Irish citizens in who find themselves in difficulty or distress.
South Africa, by far the largest Irish community on Examples include issuing emergency travel
the continent. In Zimbabwe there are some 1,000 documents, assisting with medical evacuation and
Irish citizens. Lesotho, Botswana and Mauritius repatriation of remains of Irish citizens, pursuing
have smaller Irish populations. the extradition of persons wanted in Ireland to
face serious charges, and liaising with the police in
Demand for consular services has increased regard to homicide or other serious crimes
significantly over the past three years. Embassy perpetrated against Irish citizens. The Embassy
Pretoria has one of the highest passport has also developed crisis response plans to assist
workloads across the DFAT Mission system. Irish citizens in the event of a major consular
emergency in our countries of accreditation.
Passports Processed ConnECtinG With thE GloBal iriSh family
3400 2012-2016
Ireland has a unique and important relationship
3050 3329 with its diaspora. Many people in the southern
3240 African sub-Region identify strongly with their Irish
2700 2586 2611 heritage or have a connection with Ireland and
2407 Irish culture.
2350
The Irish nation cherishes its special A
2000 affinity with people of Irish ancestry number
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 living abroad who share its cultural of Irish President and Sabina higgins celebrating with the Sa Gaels
identity and heritage”.
article 2, irish Constitution What we will do Embassy teams including documentation of
Substantial increases have also occurred on Visa
lesson learning from experience.
and Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications.
These trends are likely to continue, particularly on Associations are active in the Embassy’s areas of > Provide support and protection to Irish
citizens travelling, living and working in South > Continue to strengthen customer-focused
FBRs where the worsening state of the South accreditation including the Irish South African
Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of consular services, systems and standards on
African economy and uncertainties over “Brexit” Association (ISAA) which has Chapters in Gauteng
accreditation in a context of increasing the basis of evidence, regular monitoring of
mean that more South Africans are seeking to take (Johannesburg/Pretoria), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)
complexity and security risk. targets and customer satisfaction ratings.
advantage of their Irish citizenship entitlements. and Western Cape (Cape Town), the Irish
Association of Mashonaland in Zimbabwe, the
The Embassy also maintains a small consular Business Ireland Southern Africa network (BISA), > Place the welfare of Irish citizens and their
liaison office in Cape Town to serve the large Irish the SA Gaels (a Gaelic Games organisation) and families at the heart of our consular response. > Ensure safer, more secure accommodation at
population there. The Honorary Consul in Harare the Irish Missionary Community. focusing on those most in need. the Embassy and in Cape Town for our staff
> Regularly review and update crisis response and consular customers.
What we will deliver
and his asssitant also provide consular services to
Irish citizens in Zimbabwe as well as those who plans for each country.
wish to visit Ireland for business, study or tourism > Pro-actively liaise with Consular and Passport
purposes. The Honorary Consuls in Gaborone and > Build our evidence and analysis of the Divisions at HQ to implement new strategies
an adept, prepared, consular service, well
Maseru will provide similar services to Irish multiple aspects of insecurity in the region. to enhance consular and passport services.
placed to respond to changing contexts
citizens in Botswana and Lesotho respectively. > Build capacity for crisis response within
12 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 13
ChaPtEr 2 ChaPtEr 3
OUR PEOPLE OUR VALUES
a fairEr World (PoVErty and inEquality) Countries of secondary accreditation are no less
complex. Zimbabwe has experienced political and
While extreme poverty has declined, the southern economic decline. Lesotho, small, mountainous,
African sub-region continues to face significant and completely landlocked by South Africa, is a
disparities in levels of poverty and inequality. In least developed country in which about three-
South Africa this is made worse by the legacy of fourths of the people live in rural areas and engage
apartheid. Across the region unemployment is in subsistence agriculture. Mauritius, by contrast
high, particularly among young people in the 15- is relatively stable, continues to register positive
24 year-group. Additionally there is a mismatch growth and benefits from a strong service and
between skills available and those the economy tourism industry. Botswana, despite continued
requires for growth. economic growth, faces high levels of poverty and
inequality, as well as low human development
Women are more likely to be unemployed than indicators. Unemployment has remained
men. Linked closely to unemployment and income persistent and as a consequence, income
inequality is a skewed spatial development with inequality is among one of the highest in the
poor infrastructure and few work opportunities for world.
irish South african association (Cape town Chapter) celebrating St. Patrick’s day
rural people. As a result, the sub-region is
experiencing massive movement of people to
> Deepen engagement and cultivate Irish > Conduct a mapping in 2017, in conjunction urban centres, particularly in South Africa, in
diaspora networks with those who are Irish, of with the Honorary Consul in Gaborone, to search of a better life.
Irish descent or have a connection to Ireland. better understand the context and needs of
the Irish community in Botswana.
> From a public diplomacy perspective, seek to
build better linkages with media, to increase
our social media presence and public
outreach and to boost the Embassy’s profile
among both the international community and
other stakeholders in countries of
accreditation.
> Continue to work with diaspora groups to
build their capacity to become robust
irish diaspora informed, supported and linked organisations that can provide support and
> Link, in an inclusive way, with people who services and use resources effectively.
wish to maintain a connection with Ireland,
and with each other. > Pilot an initial phase of Alumni Associations in
2017, building on the Kader Asmal Fellowship
> Support a wide range of activity in South and Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme.
Africa and the region designed to build on and
develop two-way diaspora engagement and > Engage in ongoing review, including building
engage with diaspora in order to benefit from evidence from southern Africa, to effectively
their particular insights. implement the Government of Ireland’s
Diaspora Policy. Sonke Gender Justice (Embassy Partner) conducting community mobilisation on gender based violence
14 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 15
ChaPtEr 3
OUR VALUES
In Zimbabwe and South Africa the uncertainties destabilisation. Migration impacts are felt
around the transition of power and further northwards and southwards, generating increased
economic deterioration is leading to growing xenophobia and human rights violations. Crisis
social unrest. This in turn has led to an response has strengthened in the region but
accompanying increase in violations of human remains largely externally driven and insufficiently
rights, a shrinking of the democratic space and evidence-based.
rejection of the principles of good governance.
The Embassy has limited funds to help support
The state of governance in Zimbabwe is becoming responses to these challenges but it will assist
more and more exclusionary and the space for through making available, to key stakeholders and
civil society will continue to shrink as internal players, insightful and timely information to guide
political dynamics subsume the State. This planning and actions. It will also use political and
complex political environment and the public diplomacy to promote, to partner
unpredictable and often opaque nature of policy governments, regional policies over narrow
making, represents a real challenge for the national interests; and to point out inherent
Embassy as we seek ways to influence and contradictions in objectives or policies that might
engage constructively. have a detrimental effect on sustainable
development and thus on current or future
a morE SuStainaBlE World generations.
The countries of engagement are part of a volatile
and fragile region in terms of political, economic PartnEr ProfilE: inStitutE
and environmental interconnectedness. Impacts for SECurity StudiES (iSS)
lGBti rights activist Panti Bliss visits South africa in 2017 with the support of Embassy Pretoria include forced migration, increased GBV, hunger
and epidemics.
In line with the Department’s focus on building a
a morE JuSt World (human riGhtS, their male peers to become infected reflecting more secure and fairer world, the Embassy’s new
The Southern African Development Community strategy will include a partnership with the Institute
GEndEr inEquality) women’s biological, social and economic
(SADC) has identified a range of environmental for Security Studies (ISS). ISS is an African
South Africa has one of the most progressive vulnerability. However, a gap remains with regard
and sustainable development challenges that Research and Policy Institute working to improve
constitutions in the world where a broad range of to the generation and application of evidence of
persist despite progress made in environmental governance, human rights and human security in
human rights are enshrined but challenges in the risks of the intersectionalities of HIV, gender
management by countries of the region. These Africa. With offices in Pretoria, Dakar, Addis
implementation remain. Gender inequality and inequality and human rights violations. Ababa and Nairobi and an extensive network of
include land degradation, deforestation, loss of
GBV remain serious challenges. Countries of the staff based all over Africa, the Institute works
biodiversity, pollution, inadequate access to clean
sub-region are in general deeply patriarchal a morE SECurE World (PolitiCal closely with the African peace and security
water and sanitation services, and poor urban
societies where social norms legitimise male EConomy, SECurity and fraGility) architecture including the African Union, SADC and
conditions. It recognises that the poor, in
dominance over women and girls. One insidious ECOWAS, providing technical assistance and
particular, are victims and unwitting agents of
example of this is the prevalence of gender based Southern Africa is relatively more secure and capacity building in the field of human security.
environmental degradation. The 5 year partnership between the Embassy and
violence (GBV), a violation of women’s human peaceful than other regions of the continent.
ISS is aimed at building civil society’s capacity to
rights, which is endemic and manifests in multiple However, South Africa is seeing disruption and The chronic nature of crisis perpetuates and improve good governance and human rights and
ways. protest increasing, particularly within the student deepens communities’ vulnerabilities, and this is includes the provision of tailored research and
population and in local communities around worsened by climate change as witnessed by the analysis, strategic convening of stakeholders and
Despite progress in treatments the prevalence of service delivery. The economy, political policy advice to the Embassy, other Irish
recent impact of El Niño. This chronic crisis had a
HIV remains a concern. For example, women 14- accountability, corruption and racism continue to Embassies in Africa and the wider Department.
knock-on effect in areas such as security, trade
24 years are four to eight times more likely than dominate political discourse. and economics, as well as further regional
16 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 17
ChaPtEr 3
OUR VALUES
What we will deliver > In Zimbabwe support UN approaches to
PartnErShiP modEl PartnEr ProfilE enhance the protection of women and girls
ZimBaBWE — tranSParEnCy, thE CEntrE for SExualitiES,
Civil society capacity to promote good against sexual and gender-based violence
rESPonSiVEnESS, aidS and GEndEr (CSa&G) at
governance and human rights improved exacerbated by political transition, conflict
aCCountaBility, and CitiZEn thE uniVErSity of PrEtoria
opposition to Gender Based Violence and and humanitarian crisis.
EnGaGEmEnt (traCE) fund
support for GBV survivors strengthened
In response to fragmentation in sectors and
The TRACE programme is a multi-donor innovative health and disability models
challenges in making visible the experience of
What we will do
mechanism which aims to enhance state grassroots practice, all funded partners who work targeting women and children
What we will do
accountability and build democratic space. on social justice, human rights and gender will be
> Expand our efforts to promote good The overall goal of the programme is to empower supported by the CSA&G to strengthen their
governance, democratic processes, rule of citizens to hold the Zimbabwean state to account practice and influence. Fresh ways of critically > Based on our values, identify niche areas for
for its use of resources and its respect for human engaging with and generating evidence, will allow Ireland’s support to health and disability
law and protection of human rights through
rights and democratic principles. This is done partners to better capture and make visible
better linking our development funding with innovation where we can add value and build
through the provision of financial and technical learning from practice. Over the five years of the
strong political and public diplomacy. wider learning for adaptation and scale-up.
support to civil society organisations across a Strategy this initiative will contribute to cross
number of thematic areas and strategic border and South-South cooperation (starting with
> In line with Ireland’s commitment to civil interventions. > In line with our commitment to the neglected
SA and Zimbabwe). Building and promoting
society, strengthen efforts across all of our southern-led knowledge will help shape responses
health and rights of women and children,
work to create and maintain a safe and The programme is a consultative harmonised on complex and interlinked issues such as gender identify targeted areas of unmet need.
enabling environment for civil society actors. approach between donors, the Secretariat, based violence, HIV and human rights in ways that
partners and other actors, and is implemented can qualitatively inform policy dialogue and > Focus attention on critical gaps in health
> In recognition of the growing complexity through a grant making and partnership process. It practical decision-making. system strengthening of maternal, neo-natal
encourages innovation, coalition building and and child health services; sexual and
across all countries of Ireland’s accreditation
collaborative approaches within civil society and
support in-depth and comprehensive reproductive health of adolescents; and GBV
between civil society and the private sector,
analyses on changing context and trends. and HIV intersections.
professional associations, and religious bodies, in > Direct our efforts in both SA and Zimbabwe,
order to achieve collective action.
towards better GBV sector coordination and > Advocate for a focus on prevention and the
> As the strategy evolves, adapt funding
strengthened analysis that can contribute to need to address root causes of poor health
mechanisms to respond to new priorities
improved service delivery. and disability including poverty, inequality and
(including the role of women in peace and
security and Fellowship opportunities on opposition to Gender Based Violence and human rights violations.
peace, security and human rights). support for GBV survivors strengthened > In SA work with a smaller number of strategic
partners who are well positioned to influence
What we will do
> Target vision and preventable blindness (as
and achieve results within the sector including one of the most common disabilities
> Scale up our visibility and resources in
in improved coordination and impact. experienced in South Africa) with a particular
Zimbabwe; promote a more democratic and Support partners and programmes in SA,
rule of law based governance structure (also Zimbabwe and the region to use analysis and focus on children and young people.
beneficial for the Irish community and more > Across all of the countries of accreditation,
evidence to translate into application of best
supportive of future economic investment). including SA, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, engage > Promote increased incorporation of conflict-
practice on what works to tackle GBV.
with EU Steering Committees on Gender. sensitive and longer-term development
approaches to achieve health outcomes in
> Identify opportunities which new protracted crisis.
accreditations will bring to engage with
regional institutions on gender equality and
GBV.
18 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 19
ChaPtEr 3 ChaPtEr 4
OUR VALUES OUR PROSPERITy
> Support the capacity of regional structures on dEEPEninG our EnGaGEmEnt With Enterprise Ireland (EI) opened a regional office in
PartnErShiP modEl preparedness, early warning and mitigation Priority markEtS Johannesburg in February 2012 and currently has
thE hEalth dEVEloPmEnt through support to assess, track and report in excess of 300 Irish clients exporting to Africa,
fund (hdf) in ZimBaBWE on current and evolving conflict, climate South Africa has the largest economy in the Sub- about 200 of which export to South Africa.
change, and humanitarian crises. Saharan region. It has an important role in building The Johannesburg office covers all of Sub-
Saharan Africa. EI has also established a local
the New Deal Principles for Engagement in
The HDF in Zimbabwe is a model consistent with economic stability in the region, including through
> its membership of BRICS and the Southern presence in Nigeria (Lagos) and Kenya (Nairobi).
Fragile States and the Stockholm Declaration
Position the Mission in regional dialogue,
on Addressing Fragility and Building Peace in a
highlighting obligations to tract progress African Development Community (SADC). Ornua (formerly the Irish Dairy Board) established
Changing World.
towards the Sustainable Development Goals, a packing, storage and delivery base in Port
to address stresses and shocks, to protect Irish companies currently provide direct Elizabeth in 2013 to service markets in South
Zimbabwe had a highly effective health system in the most vulnerable, and to leave no one employment to some 13,000 local workers in Africa, Nigeria, DRC and elsewhere in Africa.
the 1980s and 1990s but recent political and behind. South Africa.2 Exports in goods from Ireland to The IDA makes regular visits to explore regional
economic challenges have undermined this South Africa totalled €229m in 2016. Imports of opportunities for inward investment.
system, causing it to deteriorate to a near-collapse goods from South Africa in the same period were
> Support the UN system (through OCHA) to
state. The Health Transition Fund (HTF) established
enhance the evolving and exceptional €93m. The most recent figures available from 2015 The Embassy has established a Local Market
in 2011, and its successor the Health Development
potential of South Africa to be a humanitarian show that exports of services to South Africa Access Team which is chaired by the Ambassador.
Fund (HDF) 2016–2020, are Multi-donor pooled
funds. Managed by the UN (UNICEF and UNFPA) hub for the region. totalled €944m with imports of services from The Embassy Team works closely with the State
the HDF uses development aid in more innovative South Africa of €206m. Agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland, to
ways to better respond to protracted health crises, > In line with our new accreditation to SADC,
fund health systems and scale-up interventions in identify opportunities to enhance coordination
an otherwise politically and fiscally risky and cooperation and strengthen oversight and
environment. Donors include Irish Aid, DfID, EU, response capacity of the SADC humanitarian
Sweden and GAVI (Global Alliance for response (promoted through OCHA).
Vaccinations). This innovative process is
underpinned by a strong analysis of risk, robust risk
> Raise the profile and leverage support for
mitigation and a sense of solidarity and trust
among partners. better evidence at EU, Heads of Mission and
Cooperation meetings and other fora. The
Institute of Security Studies assistance in
providing timely evidence to the Mission and
Policy and practice focused evidence on its partners will help in this regard.
regional conflict and humanitarian crises
What we will do
> Support analysis that identifies and addresses
the needs of internally displaced persons
> In line with Ireland’s commitment to the World (IDPs) and refugees which can enhance the
Humanitarian Summit outcomes advocate for self-reliance of refugees, IDPs and host
a long-term view among all partners on communities to deal with the challenges.
prevention and addressing root causes,
increasing political diplomacy for prevention
and conflict resolution, and bringing
humanitarian, development and peacebuilding
efforts together. ambassador macGabhann at the opening of Shanahan Engineering’s new offices in Johannesburg.
2
QK Meats, Kerry Foods, Glanbia, ESB International and Mainstream Renewable Power are among the most prominent Irish
companies who are currently operating in the South African Market.20 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 21
ChaPtEr 4
OUR PROSPERITy
further Ireland’s economic objectives and to assist What we will deliver > Deliver a more responsive, differentiated
EI to achieve its business objectives in the Region. opportunities for ireland’s trade, investment, Fellowship programme for South Africa,
It also supports individual Irish companies who are tourism and culture expanded Zimbabwe, Lesotho and the region.
What we will do
already established in the Southern African market
or who are trying to enter that market. > Provide support for the development of new
> Increase dialogue with other Irish Missions in Alumni Associations.
Embassy Pretoria was instrumental in the Africa, including with Commercial Attaches,
establishment of Business Ireland Southern Africa where these exist; with the new Africa Unit, > Strengthen existing, as well as develop new,
(BISA), a business network for promoting and and with the Trade and Economic Division. mutually beneficial educational linkages,
assisting business interests and relationships networks and cooperation which have the
between South Africa and Ireland, as well as in the > Diversify Ireland’s trade profile in the wake of potential to link in with Irish business in South
region more broadly. There are chapters in the British referendum. Partners such as the Africa and the region.
Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town in South IDA have identified as a key target South
Africa and in Harare, Zimbabwe. In 2016 a new African investors seeking to exit an uncertain > Strengthen linkages between local technical
chapter was established in Maputo. The Embassy South African economy; and vocational training colleges in creating
is also assisting BISA in exploring the possibility of opportunities for employment for young
establishing a BISA Chapter in Mauritius. > Build relationships with political and private people, the Department of Higher Education
sectors actors from all sides, to attract and Training in South Africa and where
makinG thE moSt of our ComPEtitiVE business and investment in Ireland and to possible, educational institutions in Ireland.
adVantaGE promote Ireland as a place to do business, to
study or to visit. This will be achieved through PartnEr ProfilE
The Embassy encourages South African investors the ongoing relationship with DIRCO but will intErnational youth
to look on Ireland as the gateway to an EU market also include working with the Department of foundation (iyf)
of 500 million consumers. Regional awareness is Agriculture on regulatory issues for food
raised on the fact that global firms continue to market access and the Department of Home
make Ireland their choice to set up operations to Affairs on trade-related issues such as visa policy. This partnership evolved from findings of a youth
reach the European market and there has been Labour Marker Survey (that showed young people,
notable success to-date. > In Mauritius develop institutional linkages both men and women, on artisan/trade training
between economic and regulatory agencies pathways lacked the attitudes, behaviours and
The uncertainties arising from the UK’s decision to work-readiness skills necessary to access and
which has been proposed by the Mauritius
exit the EU, together with the poor economic succeed in apprenticeships and employment).
authorities.
The Embassy supported a pilot in 2015/16 to
outlook in this Region, has led to leading Southern
deliver the iyf Passport to Success curriculum in
African companies looking elsewhere for Educational linkages, networks and the TVET (Technical Vocational Education &
investment opportunities. To this end, the cooperation increased Training) system at the College of Cape Town. The
Embassy is actively engaging with and assisting
What we will do
the nelson mandela Statue in Johannesburg, South africa,
pilot was a huge success. In 2017 the Embassy
joins tourism ireland’s Global Greening, to celebrate
IDA in making connections and building a platform provided support for a ‘Planning for Scale and
St Patrick’s day 2016.
on which to engage with potential investors. > Work with Enterprise Ireland and with Sustainability’ phase. This will translate into a 5-
individual institutes of Higher Education to year programme of support over the timeframe of
attract students from South Africa and other the Strategy that will ensure Colleges, in addition
to providing technical courses, also build the ‘soft’
countries of accreditation to study and
skills required by disadvantaged young people to
research in Ireland.
participate effectively in the workplace.22 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 23
ChaPtEr 5
OUR PLACE IN EUROPE
a StronG EuroPEan VoiCE in thE World through the HoMs meetings and in Zimbabwe What we will deliver
through EU Development and Political Counsellor
The EU remains fundamental to our interests, to meetings. Visible and influential engagement in the Eu
our security and prosperity, and to the well–being in South africa and other countries of
of the Irish people. The Africa Strategy states that The Embassy works closely with the Africa Unit accreditation
What we will do
‘Ireland will continue to use its position within the and Ireland’s delegate to the Africa Working Party
EU to support a focus on the needs of the poorest (COAFR) to ensure Ireland’s views are inputting
and most vulnerable, especially in sub-Saharan into all discussions of relevance to us. The
Africa. We are committed to playing a more active Embassy reports on political developments, most > Promote good governance, support for
role in regard to EU policy on Africa in the future’. often in South Africa and Zimbabwe and democratic processes, the rule of law, and the
occasionally on developments in DRC. The aim is protection of human rights in all political
The European Union is of fundamental importance to keep both HQ and our delegate to COAFR dialogue and EU fora.
for Ireland in all areas of our membership. The informed and to ensure the views of the Embassy
Embassy engages across the broad agenda of EU are communicated back to HQ in advance on > Respond to requests for input to the Desk,
decision-making at country level to safeguard and important discussions on the COAFR agenda. Perm Rep Brussels (COAFR and PSC)
promote the interests of Ireland and to shape the Reporting and political analysis on South Africa ensuring that positions developed and
EU and its global engagement. and Zimbabwe is done in real time. priorities are informed by local and country ambassadors liam macGabhann (ireland) and Phillippe van
damme (European delegation, Zimbabwe) on the occasion of the
level perspectives. signing of the agreemnt for co-location of irish aid at the Eu
ContriButinG to Eu ExtErnal PoliCiES at The main areas of EU support in the region are delegation office in harare, accompanied by Eu and irish aid staff
Country lEVEl trade and regional integration and support for > Actively engage in the development of EU
regional political cooperation and capacity strategies for South Africa and other countries
The EU relationship with South Africa is at the building for the SADC Secretariat. Priorities of accreditation. > Ensure direct engagement by the
level of a “Strategic Partnership”- one of only 10 identified for Africa-Europe partnership in Ambassador, with other HoMs, to influence
such relationships the EU maintains with third upcoming years resonate well with those of political reports which are sent back to
> Take the lead, where appropriate, in drafting
countries, and as such is the prism through which Ireland i.e. more resilient states and societies and Brussels.
sections of EU policy, in line with our values
Ireland can seek to exert most influence on and on creation of more and better jobs, especially for
and priorities.
behalf of South Africa. Embassy Pretoria youth. Embassy Pretoria will work to ensure that > Promote, with other Member States, the
participates in a number of EU meetings at HoM women’s and girls’ rights are not lost but are a positive value of EU and SADC economic
and counsellor level (Political, Cultural, major focus in these endeavours and that growth agreements.
Development, Economic, Trade and Consular) in policies prioritise cohesive inclusive economies
South Africa. Engagement in Lesotho is mainly and societies, rather than short term gains.24 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 25
EmBaSSy StruCturES and funCtionS
ChaPtEr 6 local market team
Head of Mission (Chair)
Systems and operations team
Operations Manager (Chair)
OUR INFLUENCE Trade Diplomat
Enterprise Ireland Representative
Administration Diplomat
Head of finance
Representatives from other State Agencies Systems and Audit Advisor
Builds Bi-lateral trade relations develops and disseminates processes and
monitors planning, implementation and systems for ensuring results, value for
achievements of Embassy’s trade money and staff performance; monitors
a SErViCE rESPonSiVE to national, > The Embassy will use political engagement Promotion Work
Senior management team
and tracks overall budget expenditure;
HoM (Chair)
rEGional, and GloBal ChanGES and with selected partners, including the EU, to All Diplomatic staff
Supports staff welfare
ChallEnGES increase visibility for, and to promote, Ireland’s
values and interests consistently and decision-making forum;
Consular team development Co-operation team
defines and guides overall
The span of this Strategy 2017-2021 will be a appropriately across all of the Embassy’s work. Consular Diplomat (Chair)
Policy & Strategy
Development Diplomat (Chair)
Consular Officers Programme Managers/Officers
period prone to major global challenges which, > Strengthen Ireland’s political engagement Operations Manager
Supervises Embassy Work
Systems and Audit Advisor
while unpredictable, will be certain to impact at with, and in, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Performance
Systems and Audit Advisor & Finance Manager Head of Finance
national and local levels across southern Africa. Lesotho, Botswana and Mauritius; recognising monitors quantity and quality of consular manages and monitors planning,
risk sub-committee
workload; develops ways to improve implementation and achievements of
The threat of a less cooperative, more inward- that different approaches to engagement will efficiency and effectiveness of customer
oversees implementation
Embassy’s development Cooperation
looking world also creates the need to address be required in each area in accordance with of risk policy; monitors,
services; identifies opportunities to better Programme
reviews and reports on
global risks (economic, environmental, the specific context. capture customer satisfaction
Embassy risk register tracks and monitors the development budget
geopolitical, societal and technological) and the > Scope opportunities and challenges in (including security)
Political sub-committee
interconnections between them. engaging directly with SADC and other
Whole of Embassy team monitors progress on Public diplomacy and Communications team
regional bodies and adapt strategy Head of Mission (Chair) bi-lateral political Communications Lead (Chair)
As we commence this new Strategy top global accordingly. All staff – quorum requires one member of relationships Representative of each of the teams
each Embassy Team to report; develops ways to promote a positive
risks include: > Apply an increasingly regional lens in our
regularly updates on progress indicators Embassy image (delivering ireland’s
dialogue and interventions such that and targets foreign Policy);
1. Rising income and wealth disparity
opportunities for increased regional security, identifies methods to better communicate
2. Changing climate and connect externally (including with the
economic integration and environmental
3. Increasing polarisation in societies irish diaspora)
management are recognised and promoted.
4. Rising cyber dependency
> Build support for Ireland’s candidacy to the
How we will work
The situation in Africa is further complicated with UN Security Council in 2020. Awareness will
be fostered amongst countries of effectiveness of customer services.
3 The development Cooperation team
43% of the population under age 15. This ‘youth
accreditation, about Ireland’s support for > In close collaboration with the Africa Unit,
bulge’ has the potential to evolve into a workforce
global, regional and national security DCD Policy Unit and wider divisions of the plans, implements, and monitors Ireland’s
that helps drive Africa’s growth, or alternatively
frameworks, of the contribution Ireland has Department including Consular, Trade, development cooperation in line with
into large groups of dissatisfied and disaffected
made to the UN in areas such as Finance, and Evaluation and Audit. Ireland’s international development policy
youth.
peacekeeping, disarmament, development > Through active implementation of the and evolving best practice.
Response by Ireland to these very significant and human rights and of our current policy Performance Management Development 3 The Public diplomacy and Communication
positions at multilateral level. System (PMDS) paying close attention to staff team develops ways to promote a positive
challenges will require support for strategies that
> Work on building our knowledge of the training. image of the Embassy and its work and
can promote inclusive development, equitable
influencing environment in order to better > Structured around six internal teams and a communicates externally including with the
growth and realisation of rights. It will also require
plan, target and execute our work in this area. whole-of-Embassy reporting arrangement: substantial Irish diaspora.
resolve to seek ways to influence and engage
3 The Senior management team, led by the 3 The local market team, led by the
constructively at all levels at a time when the
space for political influence and policy dialogue is a Professional and Capable Workforce in a Ambassador, is the key decision-making Ambassador and including external
narrowing. Positive Working Environment forum that defines and guides overall representation from Enterprise Ireland, is
What we will deliver
policy and strategy. responsible for promoting and building
3 The Systems and operations team
We recognize that managing people and
processes is as important as defining strategy. bilateral trade relations.
Harnessing our collective human resources to
ensures that the practical day-to-day core 3 The whole-of-Embassy team provides
Effective channels for political engagement functions of the Embassy are developed regular updates on progress and results.
deliver on outcomes and outputs is essential given
and influence in South africa and regionally and effectively delivered. Emphasis will be given to tracking of
the breadth of work across all five themes of our
3 The Consular team monitors the quality
What we will do
Foreign Policy. The aim is to better deploy results in line with the Performance
individual capabilities and motivate the entire team and quantity of the consular workload and Measurement Framework
to work cooperatively to deliver results. develops ways to improve efficiency and26 Ireland in South Africa and the Southern African Sub-Region Embassy Pretoria Strategy 2017-2021 27
ChaPtEr 6
OUR INFLUENCE
Embassy organogram
The Ambassador, as sub-Accounting Officer, has primary responsible for whole-of-Embassy lead, financial
oversight and risk management. The Ambassador is supported by four additional diplomatic staff and 22
local staff across 3 locations (see below).
an oPEn and aCCountaBlE miSSion monitoring and review exercises, including
dEliVErinG BESt PraCtiCE in GoVErnanCE systematic annual reviews (with HQ Units input).
ambassador
Sub-Accounting
Pa to > Develop a succinct and realistic Performance
Officer ambassador Budget and risk management Measurement Framework commensurately
How we will work
Risk Officer
aligning with all five areas of the Global Island
Statement of Strategy (no later than 6 months
Consular,
Political, trade and Economic, development > Strictly adhere to Departmental Grant
administration, risk management, Cooperation after final approval of the Strategy).
Community and Cultural,
Strategy Diplomatic Post
Management Guidelines, Financial Guidelines
diaspora Public diplomacy > Strengthen the focus on results, delivery and
Diplomatic Post Diplomatic Post Co-ordination and Risk Management Strategy.
Diplomatic Post effectiveness in ways that are consistent with
> Conduct Annual Audits.
the context analysis and evidence on how
> Monitor, review and report on risks on a
development, and societal change, take place.
Programme regular basis to identify emerging risks and
Consular Supervisor Systems and head of finance Systems and > Embed a learning and adaptation approach
operation manager Financial Oversight audit advisor
manager adapt measures to mitigate impact.
Admin, Human Resources,
Zimbabwe that prioritises building evidence on what is
Systems Audit, > Adopt a strategic partnership approach that
Training and Development Financial Risk Accountability, working well and what needs to be done
Risk, allows for adaptability, experimentation, and
Quality Programme differently.
Assurance manager
learning with an emphasis on stronger
Consular officer admin officer > Build incrementally towards a greater regional
financial Health and monitoring, dialogue, and action to scale
administrator HIV/Aids focus in the context of contributing to regional
Zimbabwe back, where there are early signs of failure
problem solving.
(only possible if no. of partnerships is limited).
> Conduct Annual Reviews to identify progress
Programme > Closely monitor Embassy structures and
Consular officer driver finance officer manager and any course correction and a Mid-term
Gender and functions and take change action if, and
Human Rights Review in 2019 that assesses all aspects of
where, required.
the whole-of-Embassy approach and has a
> In line with an adaptive programming
focus on decisions and potential expansion of
Programme approach, conduct more regular planning,
Consular officer driver manager Ireland’s engagement in Zimbabwe and the region.
Education and
Skills
Programme
Consular officer office assistant manager
Regional
Programme
Consular officer officer
CapetownYou can also read
