+
 
March 22, 2008 
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International 
Development. It was prepared by Rich Mason.
USAID COMMUNITY STABILIZATION 
PROGRAM (CSP) COUNERINSURGENCY 
(COIN): REPORT ON EMPLOYMENT 
GENERATION AND YOUTH PROJECTS IN 
NINEWA 
USAID COMMUNITY STABILIZATION 
PROGRAM (CSP) COUNTRINSURGENCEY 
(COIN): REPORT ON EMPLOYMENT 
GENERATION AND YOUTH PROJECTS IN 
NINEWA 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II (MEPP II) 
8614 Westwood Center Drive 
Suite 400 
Vienna, VA 22182 
Contracted under 267-C-00-05-00508-00 
DISCLAIMER 
The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views 
of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States 
Government.
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) i 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Table of Contents 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 3
BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................................. 3
METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................................... 4
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION/VOCATIONAL TRAINING.........................................................4
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................4
SURVEY SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Project Accomplishments and Challenges ..............................................................................................4
Participant Interviews...............................................................................................................................5
RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................................................................................ 7
YOUTH PROJECTS .....................................................................................................................8
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................8
SURVEY SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Project Accomplishments and Challenges ..............................................................................................8
Participant Interviews...............................................................................................................................9
RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................................................... 11
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................11
ANNEX A: USAID RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE CSP EGY MOSUL 
REPORT OF 2 OCTOBER 2007 ................................................................................................12
ANNEX B: MEPP II BACKGROUND ........................................................................................15
ANNEX C: EGY SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES.........................................................................17
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) ii 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
List of Acronyms 
AC Advisory Committee
AoR Area of Responsibility (of IPs) 
CA Cooperative Agreement 
CIES Community Infrastructure and Essential Services 
CSP Community Stabilization Program 
EGY Employment Generation and Youth 
IBTCI International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
IP Implementing Partner 
IR Intermediate Result 
IRD International Relief and Development 
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation 
MEPP II Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II 
MOLSA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs 
N/D No Data 
PMP Performance Management Plan 
PC Provincial Council 
PRT Provincial Reconstruction Team 
RFA Request for Application 
SO Strategic Objective 
SOW Scope of Work 
TA Technical Assistance 
US United States 
USAID United States Agency for International Development 
USG United States Government 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) 1 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The International Relief and Development (IRD) Employment Generation and Youth (EGY) 
component of the Community Stabilization Program (CSP) implements projects to improve 
job skills, create employment and provide other opportunities for youth to participate in non￾formal educational activities. International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI) 
implements the USAID-funded Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II 
(MEPP II), which has been tasked to monitor USAID projects. 
Monitoring of EGY projects in Ninewa began on June 16 of 2007. This was the first round of 
monitoring activities to be conducted by IBTCI of EGY activities. For this initial monitoring of 
the EGY activities all three of the identified projects were monitored. The instrument used by 
the field monitors, initially developed by IRD for internal monitoring of EGY projects, was 
augmented by IBTCI to include several questions related to project impact. The monitoring 
instruments (Annex C) were utilized to solicit information on project accomplishments, 
obstacles to implementation and program participant perceptions of the projects’ utility and 
potential areas for improvement. 
Findings of the monitoring visits include:
¾ Two youth activity projects and one vocational training project were monitored. 
¾ More than 520 participants have benefited from vocational training as a result of the 
project and sufficient training records were kept to track training figures and 
participants with accuracy. 
¾ The Vocational Training Center (VTC) Course Supervisor, as well as multiple training 
participants, identified the short duration of vocational training courses as a limiting 
factor to the overall success of the program. 
¾ All of the vocational training participants felt that the training had made a difference in 
their lives and would recommend it to others. 
¾ A total of 8,125 youth were reportedly reached by the two projects, 7,000 for a soccer 
tournament in Mosul and 1,125 for a similar project in Tala’far. 
¾ A total of 282 youth were employed as part of the youth projects. 
¾ Eight of the 12 youth interviewed about the youth activities rated the activities as 
“good” and four rated them as “fair”. Five of the youth project participants interviewed 
rated their participation in the projects as “good”, six as “fair” and one as “poor”. 
¾ Youth participants highlighted the projects’ success in improving relations among 
athletes and the level of sport in the province. In Tala’far, security emerged as a 
significant concern for program participants. 
The analysis of this survey has led the MEPP II team to make several recommendations for 
EGY activities: 
1. IRD should consider reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is adequate to achieve 
the desired skill level. 
2. Reassess the sufficiency of the VTC’s physical location for housing a valuable and 
growing project. This may entail renting additional space in the area, liaising with a 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) 2 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
local university or partnering with the Community Infrastructure and Essential 
Services (CIES) component of the Community Stabilization Program (CSP) to 
provide funding for the renovation or construction of an additional facility. 
3. IRD should coordinate with the military liaison at the PRT to keep them informed 
about their activities and explore options for limiting US military operations in the 
area. 
4. Explore possible security improvements with local police and Iraqi Army units if 
appropriate. 
5. Consider providing additional resources or leveraging local funds to support 
infrastructure improvement or purchase of equipment that may improve project 
performance. This might include renovation of soccer fields or provision of other 
equipment or supplies.
6. Modify the monitoring instrument to improve the clarity of responses to the questions 
about current and future employment. 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
MONITORING EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND 
YOUTH ACTIVITIES FROM THE COMMUNITY 
STABILIZATION PROGRAM IN NINEWA1
Introduction 
The International Relief and Development (IRD) Employment Generation and Youth (EGY) 
component of the Community Stabilization Program (CSP) funds projects designed to: 
improve the job skills of participants through vocational training, increase the availability of 
employment, and provide non formal educational opportunities for youth through a 
comprehensive array of interventions. These include the support of vocational training 
projects in government Vocational Training Centers (VTC), the sponsorship of Youth Forums 
to increase youth activism, the promotion of theatrical productions and other artistic 
endeavors by and for youth and the support of sporting events. All of these activities are 
intended to provide opportunities to youth as an alternative to being caught up in the cycle of 
conflict and sectarianism that currently challenges Iraq. 
Background 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI) implements the USAID funded 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II (MEPP II). Under MEPP II, IBTCI 
has been tasked to provide field monitors to assist USAID to monitor projects it cannot 
otherwise reach. IBTCI entered into a subcontract agreement with an independent entity to 
supply full-time field monitors and regional field monitor team leaders. This agreement was 
approved in March 2006. 
In November 2006, the Strategic Objective (SO) 7 team requested that IBTCI begin on-going 
monitoring of the CSP. The history of previous monitoring as well as IRD’s program may be 
found in Annex A. Monitoring results from the EGY in Mosul are the subject of this report. 
For this round of monitoring the IBTCI monitors met with IRD mobilizers on June 14 in Erbil. 
The purpose of the meeting was to: confirm a specific list of projects that were to be 
monitored; confirm what was to be determined about the projects; and to establish the lines 
of communication that will allow the field monitors to safely access the projects. IBTCI and 
IRD agreed that the monitors would follow the same procedures used for the initial 
monitoring in Baghdad. This procedure established an initial IRD point of contact (POC), as 
well as a POC from IBTCI. 
Monitoring of EGY projects in Ninewa began on June 16, 2007. This was the first round of 
monitoring activities to be conducted by IBTCI of EGY activities. All three identified EGY 
projects were selected including one vocational training project and two soccer tournament 
projects. Keeping to the schedule meant that field coordination with project managers and 
other stakeholders in the project development process needed to be flawless and that the 
visited areas were permissive at the time of the proposed visits. To achieve this, the sub￾contracted field monitors remained in contact with the IRD staff as well as with IBTCI. 
 
1
 Names of places and some locations have been taken out for security reasons. 
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. 
Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) 4 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Methodology 
The data collection instruments used by the field monitors were initially developed by IRD for 
their internal monitoring of EGY projects. IBTCI augmented these instruments to include 
questions related to project impact. The instruments were divided into two main parts 
consisting of an interview instrument with project implementers or managers and a related 
interview with project beneficiaries. 
Project managers were asked to provide monitors with project records detailing attendance 
figures and to give their perceptions on aspects of the project including the curriculum 
development process, the adequacy of the project, and perceived obstacles to project 
implementation. 
Project participants were asked similar questions for the vocational training projects. Youth 
program participants were asked to provide their general impressions about the project and 
their participation. IRD was tasked with working with project managers to ensure that a 
group of six participants were available on the day of the interview at the project office site. 
As a result of the non-random nature of the participant selection process and the relatively 
small number of interviewees, respondent data should be considered as anecdotal. 
Employment Generation/Vocational Training 
Project Identification 
Table 1: Monitored Projects 
Project Title IRD 
# Project Type Province Community/Neighborhood 
 
 
MO￾EGY￾0012 
Vocational Ninewa 
The vocational training for unemployed youth project in Mosul was on-going but temporarily 
suspended at the time of the monitoring. Beneficiaries and managers of the projects were 
interviewed at the project site, which was at the 
 . 
Findings from the monitors’ site visit and interviews are summarized in the tables below. The 
tables are summaries of the questions asked in the field visit instruments shown in Annex C. 
Survey Summary
Project Accomplishments and Challenges 
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According to project records provided by the project coordinator and verified by the monitors, 
a total of 524 trainees had entered the project at the time of monitoring. 
Monitors verified that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA) kept training records 
of project participants, including the names and addresses of students in the program. 
It was reported that the curriculum for the vocational training project was originally provided 
by MOLSA without the participation of the Course Supervisor who was interviewed. 
When asked if the vocational training program is adequate, the Course Supervisor 
responded “yes”. He noted that he would like for the program to expand with more 
workshops, staff and students. His comments are listed below in Table 2. 
Table 2. Comments of Project Manager on the Training Program 
Project Respondent Adequacy of Training Program 
MO-EGY-012 Program is adequate but it would be better if we could
further increasing the number of workshops, staff and 
students. 
The VTC Course Supervisor was asked to detail any obstacles facing the project. His 
comments are listed in Table 3 below. 
Table 3. Comments of VTC Course Supervisor on Obstacles Facing the Project 
Project Respondent Obstacles Facing the Project 
MO-EGY-012 1. The security situation deterioration since the area 
where the institute is located is an unstable one. 
2. The Institute is the only one in Mosul currently and this 
makes it really crowded. 
The monitor’s comments corroborated the security concerns of the Course Supervisor and 
are detailed in Table 4 below. 
Table 4. Comments of Monitor on the Project 
Project Respondent Comments 
MO-EGY-012 Monitor The interview took place under siege by Americans who 
practiced violent attacks against the staff of the institute 
and they arrested some teachers and students, in addition 
to several armed clashes in that area. 
Participant Interviews 
A total of six current program participants were interviewed about their perceptions with the 
project. This included perceived and actual benefits, as well as project limitations and 
recommendations for improvement. 
Participants were first asked how they had learned about the vocational training. All six 
respondents reported that they had learned about the courses from the Provincial 
Employment Center. This indicates a good level of coordination between government 
offices about the program. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Table 5. Participant Perceptions of the Training Received 
Response Has the vocational 
training made a 
difference in your 
life? 
Was the training 
adequate? 
Would you advise 
others to join such 
training? 
Yes 6 2 6 
No 0 4 0 
Total 6 6 6 
All of the respondents reported that the training had made a difference in their lives with the 
majority commenting on the useful information they had learned. Trainee comments on why 
the training had made a difference in their lives is found in Table 6 below. 
Table 6. Comments of Participants on Why the Training Had Made a Difference in 
Their Lives 
Project Respondent Comments 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 1 Enabled me to learn a profession through which I can 
make a living. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 2 Now I am qualified to work at any office. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 3 Now we have hope that we shall get jobs. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 4 Gained additional experience to practice in my work. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 5 I gained experience for work. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 6 I learned a profession so I can make use of spare time. 
Four of the six interviewees found their courses to be inadequate due to the short duration of 
the training (Table 7). 
Table 7. Comments of Participants on the Adequacy of the Training 
Project Respondent Comments 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 1 The period planned for the course is not enough. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 2 The period planned for the course is not enough. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 3 None. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 4 The period planned for the course is not enough. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 5 The period planned for the course is not enough. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 6 None. 
The respondents for the vocational training interviews were in the midst of their training 
courses when the surveys were completed. As a result, all of the respondents indicated 
they were either “students” or “trainees”. Participants were asked what they thought their 
employment would be after the training. It is not clear if their responses were based on fact, 
such as job placement with the apprenticeship program or another project, or if this is the 
respondents’ goal. Responses are included in Table 8. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Table 8. Participant Employment Status 
Project Respondent What is your 
employment 
status now? 
What is your employment status after 
the vocational training? 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 1 Student Will have experience and be qualified to 
work in a temporary contract in 
government offices. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 2 Student Will have a profession and be qualified to 
work. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 3 Student Will have experience and be qualified to 
work in a temporary contract in 
government offices. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 4 Student Will be prepared to work in a temporary 
contract. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 5 Trainee A craftsman having a profession. 
MO-EGY-012 Participant 6 Student A craftsman qualified to work. 
All six interviewees had received their toolkits at the time of the monitoring (Table 9). Of the 
six respondents, five reported that the toolkits covered their needs for work in their trained 
vocation. The same five reported that they had used the toolkits to generate income. This is 
an impressive result demonstrating the value and appropriateness of the toolkits in helping 
the participants utilize their new knowledge and skills. 
Table 9. Participants Experience with Toolkits 
Response Have you received 
the toolkit? 
Does this toolkit 
cover your work 
needs? 
Have you ever used 
this toolkit to source 
income for your 
living? 
Yes 6 5 5 
No 0 1 1 
Total 6 6 6 
Recommendations 
The analysis of this survey has led the MEPP II team to make several recommendations for 
the Vocational Training component of EGY activities: 
1. IRD should consider reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is adequate to achieve 
the desired skill level. 
2. Reassess the sufficiency of the VTC’s physical location for housing a valuable and 
growing project. This may entail renting additional space in the area, liaising with a 
local university or partnering with the Community Infrastructure and Essential 
Services (CIES) component of the Community Stabilization Program (CSP) to 
provide funding for the renovation or construction of an additional facility. 
3. IRD should coordinate with the military liaison at the PRT to keep them informed 
about their activities and explore options for limiting US military operations in the 
area. 
4. Explore possible security improvements with local police and Iraqi Army units if 
appropriate.
5. Modify the monitoring instrument to improve the clarity of responses to the questions 
about current and future employment.
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Youth Projects 
Project Identification 
Table 10. Monitored Projects 
Project Title IRD 
# 
Project 
Type Province Community/ Neighborhood 
 local football 
championship 
MO-EGY￾003a Youth Ninewa Province-wide 
Training and championship 
program of 
local football teams 
MO-EGY￾009 Youth Ninewa Province-wide 
Both of the youth programs monitored were reportedly on-going. However, the project in 
 was temporarily suspended at the time of the visit. 
Findings from the monitors’ site visits and interviews are summarized in the tables below. 
The tables are summaries of the questions asked in the field visit instruments shown in 
Annex C. 
Survey Summary 
Project Accomplishments and Challenges 
A total of 8,125 youth reportedly participated in the activity in both projects with a total of 282 
youths receiving employment. The project breakdown is detailed in Table 11 below. 
Table 11. Participation and Employment Statistics 
Project Number of Youth 
Participants 
Number of Youth 
Gaining 
Employment 
 Football 
Championship 1,125 82 
Football Cup 
Championship 
7,000 200 
Total 8,125 282 
Monitors found that both projects keep records of participants. The numbers provided for 
MO-EGY-009 were an estimate provided by the President of the Supervising Committee and 
could not be verified completely at the time of the site visit by the monitors. According to the 
respondent, all records will be provided to IRD on CDs at the end of the project. 
Project managers identified several obstacles for their projects. In , sectarian 
conflicts prevented the free travel of teams to participate in the activity. Respondents’ full 
comments are detailed below in Table 12. 
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Table 12. Comments of Project Managers on Obstacles Facing the Project 
Project Respondent Obstacles Facing the Project 
MO-EGY-003a Project 
Supervisor 
1. Insecurity 
2. Sectarian conflict 
3. Teams in the center of the governorate can not have 
matches with other teams in other districts due to 
sectarian conflicts. 
MO-EGY-009 President of 
the 
Supervising 
Committee 
There are no obstacles. 
The monitors’ comments are presented in Table 13 below. Monitors highlighted the actual or 
potential barrier of checkpoints impeding the free circulation of teams. 
Table 13. Comments of Monitors on the Project 
Project Respondent Obstacles Facing the Project 
MO-EGY-003a Monitor 1. The idea of the project is good but sectarian conflicts 
in Tala’far district prevent teams in the district center 
from playing matches against other teams in the 
district. 
2. There are many checkpoints on the way towards the 
district, impeding team travel. 
MO-EGY-009 Monitor The activities of all participating teams should be within 
the neighborhood of each team or in a nearby yard inside 
the neighborhood so as not to hinder participation in the 
championship if roads are blocked. 
Based on these comments and the actual suspension of the project at the time of the 
monitoring visit, it appears security concerns and sectarian conflicts have hampered project 
implementation in . The Football Cup project has been more successful. 
Participant Interviews 
Program participants were interviewed about their experience with the project, including 
perceived and actual benefits, as well as project limitations and recommendations for 
improvement. 
For both MO-EGY-003a and MO-EGY-009, four of the six participants interviewed by the 
monitors rated the activities as “good” and two as “fair” (Table 14). 
Table 14. Participants’ General Evaluation of the Activity 
What is the youth’s general evaluation about the 
activity? 
Project Good Fair Poor Total 
MO-EGY-003a 4 2 0 6 
MO-EGY-009 4 2 0 6 
Total 8 4 0 12 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Participants’ comments about their evaluation of this activity indicated that several of them 
appreciated the project goal of encouraging interaction among athletes from around the 
district (Table 15). For project MO-EGY-009, respondents also identified reasons for 
dissatisfaction including substandard equipment and fields for play. 
Table 15. Participant Comments Regarding the General Evaluation of the Activity 
Project Respondent Comments about respondents’ general 
evaluation of the activity? (rating) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 1 Project is improving relations among athletes in 
both the center of the governorate and the district. 
(Good) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 2 The project is a good idea for improving the level of 
competition in the governorate. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 3 The project is improving competition. (Good) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 4 The project is creating high spirits for athletes. 
(Fair) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 5 n/d (Good) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 6 n/d (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 1 The project is activating and developing athletes’ 
abilities. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 2 The project is developing sports activities. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 3 The project suffers from the unavailability of full 
equipment and good fields. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 4 The Stadiums are not good. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 5 The project is developing the abilities of players 
and teams. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 6 The project is good because we are more in touch 
with other teams. (Good) 
For MO-EGY-003a, the Football Championship, four respondents rated their 
participation as “fair” while one rated it as “good” and one as “poor” (Table 16) For MO-EGY￾009, four respondents rated their participation/input into the project as “good” and two as 
“fair”. 
Table 16. Participants’ General Evaluation of Their Participation/Input in the Activity 
What is your general evaluation about your 
participation/input in this activity? 
Project Good Fair Poor Total 
MO-EGY-003a 1 4 1 6 
MO-EGY-009 4 2 0 6 
Total 5 6 1 12 
For the MO-EGY-003a project, four of the respondents who rated their participation as “fair” 
or “poor” singled out sectarian conflict and poor security in their comments (Table 17). In the 
comments for MO-EGY-009 to this question, most responses were positive with only one 
respondent who rated his participation as “fair” highlighting a lack of “material support” for 
the players. 
Table 17. Participant Comments Regarding Their Participation/Input in the Activity 
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Project Respondent Comments about respondents’ general 
evaluation of the activity (rating) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 1 Project has been impacted by the cut of 
communication among the teams in the governorate 
due to sectarian conflicts. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 2 Sectarian conflict has had a negative effect upon 
sports in the area and the project. (Poor) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 3 Bad security situation between the center of the 
governorate and the district has limited the project. 
(Fair) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 4 Inability to get in to all areas within the district safely 
has limited the project. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 5 The project has improved relations among the 
athletes and raised the level of sport in the 
governorate. (Good) 
MO-EGY-003a Participant 6 I have benefited from the interrelation among 
athletes. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 1 Project has gathered all youth groups within a unified 
championship. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 2 Project has encouraged new talents. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 3 The project helps the player to reach their best level. 
(Fair) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 4 There is no emotional or financial support of the 
players. (Fair) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 5 Project is creating a good athletic generation. (Good) 
MO-EGY-009 Participant 6 Project is preparing the youth for more 
championships. (Good) 
Recommendations 
The analysis of this survey has led the MEPP II team to make two recommendations for the 
Youth activities of the EGY program: 
1. Consider providing additional resources or leveraging local funds to support 
infrastructure improvement or purchase of equipment that may improve project 
performance. This might include renovation of soccer fields or provision of other 
equipment or supplies. 
Conclusion 
While this program is just starting in Ninewa, it is clear that for these projects, the EGY has 
delivered promised activities designed to meet project objectives. The MEPP II project will 
redesign and augment these and other monitoring instruments for CSP monitoring 
assessments in order to document additional progress against the specific goals of 
individual projects as well as the overall goals of IRD/CSP as detailed in the Intermediate 
Results and Strategic Objectives of the project’s PMP. 
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Annex A: USAID Response to Recommendations in the CSP EGY Mosul Report of 2 October 2007 
Note: IRD sent its responses (incorporated below) in an email sent 27 February 2008
Recommendations: IRD Response: USAID Response and 
Action 
Timeline: Follow-Up: 
1 IRD should consider reviewing 
the curriculum to ensure that it is 
adequate to achieve the desired 
skill level. 
This is a noble recommendation as 
we wish to graduate students with 
the best possible training. However 
the content of the curriculum and 
length of training is mandated by 
MoLSA in Baghdad. To this end 
CSP can only implement the 
curriculum which it is provided. It 
should be noted that recently, 
MoLSA has re-evaluated the length 
of the curriculum and has extended 
the course program by two months. 
We believe this is a positive step.
Many votech courses are now 
being extended from two to 
four months. No further action 
needed. 
None No follow-up needed. 
2 Reassess the sufficiency of the 
VTC’s physical location for 
housing a valuable and growing 
project. This may entail renting 
additional space in the area, 
liaising with a local university or 
partnering with the Community 
Infrastructure and Essential 
Services (CIES) component of 
the Community Stabilization 
Program (CSP) to provide 
funding for the renovation or 
construction of an additional 
facility.
CSP Mosul is devoted to the Al 
Resaila neighborhood. We made a 
commitment to the community that 
we would be there for the long-term 
to help better the area. Since the site 
visit of IBTCI we have made 
additions to the facility to include 
improving the infrastructure. 
No action needed. None No follow-up needed. 
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Recommendations: IRD Response: USAID Response and 
Action 
Timeline: Follow-Up: 
3 IRD should coordinate with the 
military liaison at the PRT to keep 
them informed about their 
activities and explore options for 
limiting US military operations in 
the area. 
It is unfortunate to note that the site 
visit coincided with an US military 
movement which caused many 
problems at the VTC. CSP concerns 
for the safety and wellbeing of 
students and staff was raised 
immediately to the US military and 
the PRT TL. Since that incident, 
coordination has improved a 
hundred fold.
No action needed. None No follow-up needed 
4 Explore possible security 
improvements with local police 
and Iraqi Army units if 
appropriate. 
On the surface this looks like an 
option to improve security. However 
the reality of the situation is quite 
different. The local police and Iraqi 
Army are not welcomed in the Al 
Resaila neighborhood. Whenever a 
uniformed presence is in the area, 
trouble happens. The security of the 
students and staff is maintained by 
the local militia. Whenever it 
appears that trouble is due to 
happen, the director of the VTC will 
be notified and told to keep the 
school closed for a period of time. 
Talks with the militia has revealed 
that the VTC is a welcomed addition 
to the neighborhood and it’s gained 
an acceptance.
No action needed. None No follow-up needed. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Recommendations: IRD Response: USAID Response and 
Action 
Timeline: Follow-Up: 
5 Consider providing additional 
resources or leveraging local 
funds to support infrastructure 
improvement or purchase of 
equipment that may improve 
project performance. This might 
include renovation of soccer fields 
or provision of other equipment or 
supplies.
This is exactly what CSP Mosul 
intends to do. To date we have 57 
recreational facility projects either 
funded or completed. The staff of 
IBTCI should be commended for 
recognizing the importance of this 
aspect of returning a sense of 
stability to Iraq. The CSP Mosul 
EGY staff is constantly upgrading 
the level of project performance.
No action needed. None No follow-up needed. 
6 Modify the monitoring instrument 
to improve the clarity of responses 
to the questions about current and 
future employment. 
Monitoring and Evaluation unit has 
taken note of the recommendation 
and will explore modifying the form 
accordingly.
During the M & E revision 
process, USAID will consider 
conducting an in-depth analysis 
through a special research 
activity to better track the 
efficacy of the votech activities, 
including the apprenticeship 
program and job placement. 
USAID and IRD agreed 
during the M & E 
revision process in 
March ’08 to conduct a 
special research activity 
to take a closer look at 
the apprenticeship 
program. 
USAID will draft a 
statement of work to 
capture this research 
activity and propose it to 
IBTCI for 
implementation. The 
SOW is expected to be 
drafted some time in 
April ’08. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Annex B: MEPP II Background 
Background of the CSP and the MEPP II monitoring effort: 
The United States is committed to the future success of Iraq. Within USAID/Iraq’s Transition 
Strategic Plan 2006-2008, the first of four strategies delineated is “Focused Stabilization: 
Reduce the incentives for participation in violent conflict.” This is the primary objective of the 
renamed Community Stabilization Program (CSP). To help plan and manage the process of 
assessing and reporting progress towards achieving its strategic objectives (SO), 
USAID/Iraq (hereinafter the “Mission”) made final its Performance Management Plan (PMP) 
in August 2006. In the PMP document, consistent with earlier Mission objectives, the 
strategy to reduce the incentives for participation in violent conflict is identified as Strategic 
Objective 7 (SO 7). 
The CSP is seen as a key element to transition Iraq to a stable, democratic and prosperous 
country. Towards this end, Request for Application (RFA) number 267-06-001 was issued on 
2 January 2006 seeking applicants to implement the “Focused Stabilization in Strategic 
Cities Initiative” (FSSCI). International Relief and Development (IRD) was awarded the 
Cooperative Agreement (267-A-00-06-00503-00) on 29 May 2006. As defined in the 
Cooperative Agreement “Program Description”, the purpose of FSSCI (now the CSP) is to 
“complement military security efforts, and civilian local government development, with 
economic and social stabilization efforts. The objectives of CSP are to: 1) create jobs and 
develop employable skills with a focus on unemployed youth; 2) revitalize community 
infrastructure and essential services; 3) support established businesses and develop new 
sustainable businesses; and 4) help mitigate conflict in selected communities.” These four 
objectives were later modified (see Modification 03 below) to: 1) Public works programs and 
employment generation; 2) vocational training and apprenticeship programs; 3) Micro, 
Small-Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development program; and 4) Youth Programs (conflict 
mitigation). 
By carrying out these activities, the CSP implementing partner should achieve measurable 
progress towards the Mission’s SO 7. The Mission PMP and the CSP PMP identify the 
measurable indicators that will evidence the achievement of the SO. The Intermediate 
Result (IR) in the Mission PMP is to show the “number of insurgent incidents decreased.” 
While the CSP program was started in Baghdad with primarily Community Infrastructure and 
Essential Services (CIES) projects, it has now expanded both geographically as well as 
sectorally to address the four key objectives stated in the Scope of Work. IRD is focusing on 
neighborhoods and districts in cities and peri-urban areas identified by the USG and GOI as 
areas with the greatest need. 
On 19 November 2006, IBTCI was notified by the CTO about “ideas for field surveys.” 
Among these ideas was the use of IBTCI monitors to confirm and validate projects that had 
been initiated through IRD by the CSP program. That initial monitoring proved successful, 
and has led to this follow-on effort that continues to monitor the rapidly expanding number of 
CSP projects. The specific assignment was to use the field monitors to examine CIES 
projects to: 
a) Confirm location and status of on-going projects and activities, and provide the 
required evidence of their existence; 
b) Assess that progress is in fact being accomplished in a satisfactory manner in terms 
of the implementation of projects and/or activities; 
c) Identify any problems or obstacles encountered during implementation, and provide 
recommendations for improvement; 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
d) Assess the quality of projects, activities or services to be provided in relation to 
required specifications and standards; 
e) Assess community participation and/or level of customer satisfaction of projects and 
activities, as well as services provided (i.e. training); 
f) Assess if projects are being used for their intended purpose when completed, and of 
their continuation after the conclusion of program support; and 
g) Assess participation and coordination of CSP with local governments, communities, 
and with other U.S. government agencies. 
The first report submitted by IBTCI in December 2006 covered only the CIES projects being 
implemented in Baghdad. Since that time, other sectors as well as geographical locations 
have been added and as a result, IBTCI has undertaken to enlarge the scope of the 
monitoring to include Business Development and Economic Growth for Youth Projects. 
Monitoring is on-going in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Mosul and is set to begin in Anbar. 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Annex C: EGY Survey Questionnaires 
Youth Activity Projects
Monitoring Form 
1- Project Code: 
2- Project Title: 
3- Governorate: 
4- District; 
5- Sub-district (s) involved; 
6- Mahalla (s) involved; 
7- Title & name of respondent; 
8- Name of Project implementer: 
9- Nature of Youth Activity; 
10-Project Start date; / / 
11-Project Duration / days; 
12-Monitoring Visit date; / / 
13-Number of youth participating in Activity; 
14-Number of youth gaining employment in the project; 
15-Number of youth interviewed; 
16- Does the project implementer keep any records? Yes……….., No………… 
Please specify kind of records (attach copies if possible)
17- What kind of obstacles is facing the project? 
a. 
b. 
c. 
18- monitor comments: 
Monitor name; Mobilizer name; 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
 
Youth interviews
19- Number of youth interviewed;....... 
Title & name of 1st interviewed;…………………… 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
Title & name of 2nd interviewed;…………………… 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
Title & name of 3rd interviewed;………………….. 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
Title & name of 4th interviewed;…………………. 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
Title & name of 5th interviewed;………………… 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
Title & name of 6th interviewed;………………. 
¾ What is your ’ General evaluation about: the activity? 
 Good……………., Fair………….., Poor ………...(if poor describe why) 
¾ What is your ‘General evaluation about your participation/input in this activity? 
 Good ……………, Fair………….., Poor…………(if poor, describe why) 
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Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Vocational Training Projects 
Monitoring Instrument 
1- Project Code: 
2- Project Title: 
3- Governorate: 
4- District; : 
5- Sub-district and/or Neighborhood: 
6- Mahalla; 
7- Type of Project; Vocational training.
8 –Name of Project implementer: 
9- Nature of vocational training;
10- Project Start date; 
11- Project end date 
12- Name of visited training center.
13- Monitoring Visit date; 
Training Centre Respondent Questions
Title & name of respondent;............................................................. 
14- Number of present trainees; ........ 
a. Who developed the curriculum for this V/training?........................... 
b. Did you participate in the curriculum developing?....Yes......, No...... 
c. Do you think this v/training program is adequate?...Yes......, No...... (if not what can 
help),
 ........................................................................................................... 
15- Does MOLSA keep training records? Yes……….., No………… 
Please specify kind of records (attach copies if possible) 
16- What kind of obstacles is facing the project? 
a. 
b. 
c. 
17- Monitor comments: 
Monitor name; Mobilizer name; 
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Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) 20 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Trainees Interviews
18- Number of Trainees interviewed; .......
Title & name of 1st interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits?...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No....... 
Title & name of 2nd interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No....... 
Title & name of 3rd interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No....... 
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Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Project, Phase II (MEPP II) 21 
Monitoring Employment Generation and Youth Projects from the Community Stabilization Program - Mosul 
Title & name of 4th interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No....... 
Title & name of 5th interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No....... 
Title & name of 6th interviewed;............................................................................. 
¾ How did you know about this v/training?................................................... 
¾ Why you have joined V/training?............................................................... 
¾ Has the v/training made a difference in your life?...Yes.....(explain), No.....(explain) 
 ................................................................................................................... 
¾ Was the training you received adequate?.....yes......, no.....(what additional can help)? 
 .................................................................................................................... 
¾ Would you advise others to join such v/training?.....Yes..............., No.....(explain) 
 .......................................................................................................................................... 
¾ What is your employment status; 
 Now;........................., After the V/training;.................... 
Did the trainees receive toolkits? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Does this toolkit covers your work need? ...Yes........, No....... 
¾ Did you ever used this toolkit to source income for your living? ...Yes........, No.......