PMM Handbook 2016 PDF

Council of Europe
PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY
Handbook
2016
Council of Europe
PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY
Handbook
2016
Council of Europe
When I meet Foreign Ministers I often ask them what
they expect from the Council of Europe. The answers are
surprisingly similar. The Council of Europe should help
its members develop concrete solutions to everyday
challenges, working together to boost democracy, human
rights and the rule of law. In this way we help strengthen
democratic security across the continent.
To help ensure that we are a strong and effective partner,
I launched the reform of our external presence and today
our field offices are making an increased impact on the
ground. It is also an imperative for my second mandate as
Secretary General to continue to strengthen and expand
our technical co-operation with member states and others.
We will continue to increase our operational capacity and
decentralise our operations out into the field.
The upgraded project management methodology is a
necessary tool in this process. We are creating stronger
links between co-operation programmes and the overall
strategy and values of the Organisation. There will be closer
ties between our European standards, the monitoring
of these standards and co-operation programmes. The
Council of Europe will also from now on take a distinct
human rights approach to project management, with
a more systematic way of dealing with dimensions like
diversity, inclusive participation and gender mainstreaming.
This is essential for the Council of Europe to fulfil its role
as a leading organisation for the rule of law and the
enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms
for all. I am convinced that this approach, together with
other specific advantages of our co-operation programmes,
such as the democratic dimension often provided by the
Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress [of Local and
Regional Authorities in Europe], means that the Council
of Europe will stand apart as a co-operation partner in
the years to come.
Thorbjørn Jagland
Secretary General of the
Council of Europe
All requests concerning the
reproduction or translation of all
or part of this document should
be addressed to the Directorate of
Communication (F-67075 Strasbourg
Cedex or [email protected]). Acknowledgements:
© Council of Europe, March 2016 bürografik

Printed by Valblor ICF Consulting Services Ltd
INTRODUCTION 10
INTRODUCTION TO CO-OPERATION PROGRAMMES AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE 11
PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK 12
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 12
LEGEND 12
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PMM 14
INITIATING A PROJECT 16
INITIATE A PROJECT MANAGEMENT CYCLE 18
ANALYSE THE SITUATION 20
SET OBJECTIVES 22
FORMULATE IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES 24
IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE STAKEHOLDERS 26
CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 28
DEVELOP THE LOGFRAME 30
ESTIMATE THE COSTS OF THE PROJECT AND MOBILISE FINANCIAL RESOURCES 32
DESIGN THE PROJECT TEAM 34
IDENTIFY RISKS 36
REVIEW THE PROJECT PROPOSAL AND COMPLETE THE INITIATING PHASE 38
PLANNING A PROJECT 40
REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND PLAN PROJECT MONITORING 42
MAKE PROJECT BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 44
PLAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 46
DRAFT A WORK PLAN 48
PLAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 50
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM 52
ASSESS RISKS 54
SIGN OFF THE PLANNING PHASE AND DONOR AGREEMENTS 56
IMPLEMENTING A PROJECT 58
LAUNCH THE PROJECT WITH A PROJECT BOARD MEETING 60
MANAGE FINANCES AND FINANCIAL MONITORING 62
RUN AND MONITOR ACTIVITIES 64
COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS 68
COMMUNICATE ON THE PROJECT 70
MAKE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS AND SETTLE EXPENDITURE 72
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TEAM 74
MANAGE RISKS 76
MONITOR AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL INFORMATION 78
UPDATE/FURTHER DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN 80
DRAFT PROGRESS REPORTS 82
WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL 84
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT 86
CLOSING A PROJECT 88
DOCUMENT AND SHARE LESSONS LEARNED 90
COMMUNICATE PROJECT FINDINGS 92
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL AND FINANCIAL MATTERS 94
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT 96
GLOSSARY 98
TEMPLATES 102
8 Council of Europe Project Management Methodology 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS BY MANAGEMENT PROCESS
PROCESS PROJECT MANAGEMENT ACTION PAGE PHASE
INITIATE A PROJECT MANAGEMENT CYCLE 18 Initiating a project
REVIEW THE PROJECT PROPOSAL AND COMPLETE THE INITIATING PHASE 38 Initiating a project
MAKE PROJECT BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 44 Planning a project

GOVERNANCE &
QUALITY SIGN OFF THE PLANNING PHASE AND DONOR AGREEMENTS 56 Planning a project
ASSURANCE LAUNCH THE PROJECT WITH A PROJECT BOARD MEETING 60 Implementing a project
WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL 84 Implementing a project
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT 96 Closing a project
ANALYSE THE SITUATION 20 Initiating a project
SET OBJECTIVES 22 Initiating a project
FORMULATE IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES 24 Initiating a project

LOGFRAME
CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 28 Initiating a project
MANAGEMENT
DEVELOP THE LOGFRAME 30 Initiating a project
REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND PLAN PROJECT MONITORING 42 Planning a project
COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS 68 Implementing a project
IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE STAKEHOLDERS 26 Initiating a project
CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 28 Initiating a project
MAKE PROJECT BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 44 Planning a project
STAKEHOLDER PLAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 46 Planning a project

MANAGEMENT LAUNCH THE PROJECT WITH A PROJECT BOARD MEETING 60 Implementing a project
COMMUNICATE ON THE PROJECT 70 Implementing a project
COMMUNICATE PROJECT FINDINGS 92 Closing a project
REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND PLAN PROJECT MONITORING 42 Planning a project
DRAFT A WORK PLAN 48 Planning a project
RUN AND MONITOR ACTIVITIES 64 Implementing a project
COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS 68 Implementing a project

MONITORING,
REPORTING, UPDATE/FURTHER DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN 80 Implementing a project
EVALUATION DRAFT PROGRESS REPORTS 82 Implementing a project
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT 86 Implementing a project
DOCUMENT AND SHARE LESSONS LEARNED 90 Closing a project
ESTIMATE THE COSTS OF THE PROJECT AND MOBILISE FINANCIAL RESOURCES 32 Initiating a project
PLAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 50 Planning a project
FINANCIAL MANAGE FINANCES AND FINANCIAL MONITORING 62 Implementing a project
MANAGEMENT MAKE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS AND SETTLE EXPENDITURE 72 Implementing a project
MONITOR AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL INFORMATION 78 Implementing a project
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL AND FINANCIAL MATTERS 94 Closing a project
DESIGN THE PROJECT TEAM 34 Initiating a project

TEAM
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM 52 Planning a project
MANAGEMENT
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TEAM 74 Implementing a project
IDENTIFY RISKS 36 Initiating a project

1 RISK ASSESS RISKS 54 Planning a project
MANAGEMENT
MANAGE RISKS 76 Implementing a project
INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 9

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This 2016 handbook for the Council of Europe Project Management Methodology
(PMM) has been produced by the Office of the Directorate General of Programmes
(ODGP) in a collaborative process with project management staff. Any suggestions
and/or questions relating to the application and interpretation of this handbook
should be addressed to ODGP at: [email protected].
A second unique advantage is the strategic triangle of stan-

INTRODUCTION TO dard-setting, monitoring of member states’ commitments
CO-OPERATION PROGRAMMES in implementing the standards and, thirdly, corresponding
AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE co-operation programmes (see Figure 1).
The Council of Europe has been carrying out co-operation

programmes since the late 1980s, often in partnership
with the European Union. These activities usually accom- STANDARD
SETTING
panied the process of accession to the Council of Europe Defining the objectives
but have also helped remedy shortcomings on a much
broader basis, in member states and beyond. They have
played an important part in ensuring that European stan-
dards are reached and applied in the areas of Council of
Europe action.
The overall priorities are defined by the Organisation’s bien-
nial Programme and Budget approved by the Committee TECHNICAL
MONITORING
CO-OPERATION
of Ministers. This is the framework for all the actions of the Bridging the gaps
Identifying the gaps
Council of Europe. On this basis, strategic co-operation

frameworks are developed with the beneficiaries, often
in the form of national action plans.
The added value of the Council of Europe is in several Figure 1 – Main areas of action of the Council of Europe
distinct advantages of its co-operation programmes. A
first advantage is composed of the commitment and the
values that the Organisation represents. The Council of A third distinct advantage is the Council of Europe’s ability
Europe Statute lays the foundation for a sincere and effec- to tackle issues from many different and complementary
tive collaboration to achieve greater unity, protecting and angles, including intergovernmental co-operation, the
promoting common heritage and facilitating economic parliamentary dimension, local and regional authorities,
and social progress, based on the principles of the rule of and through the Human Rights Commissioner. This is an
law and the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental important advantage for achieving sustainable results.
freedoms by all.

communicate smoothly with those organisations, but this
PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK should not lead to alternate terms being used internally.
A series of templates complements this handbook; the
templates are referred to specifically in strategy and key
This handbook provides step-by-step instructions and
step sections. They provide a structured approach to
guidance for the project team on how to conduct each
creating project documents fully in accordance with
phase of the project management cycle through to
the Council of Europe PMM. References and links are
final evaluation. It provides practical guidance on how
made to operational guidelines and instructions to avoid
co-operation programme results can be achieved in
duplicating those in the handbook.
accordance with best practice and from a human rights’
perspective. It is based on the Organisation’s mandate and An interactive website with additional tools and guidance
the need to address shortcomings in a transparent and accompaines this handbook: www.coe.int/pmm.
responsible manner. It aims to contribute to the continuous
improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the LEGEND
Council of Europe’s action.
The Council of Europe Project Management Methodology • Key terms are highlighted in bold;
brings together different frameworks and tools into an • Templates are in bold and listed in the Templates/
overall project management cycle and further integrates references sections they are mentioned in;
co-operation programmes of the Council of Europe into • Text boxes introduce:
the framework of the Organisation.
- theoretical background (Basis);
The PMM enables the Council of Europe to: - key terms (Definitions); and
• demonstrate its comparative advantage and strengthen - good practice (Good practice).
the systematic use of standard-setting instruments and
monitoring results for co-operation programmes;
• enable a standardised approach to the delivery of
co-operation programmes;
• systematise the measurement of results and emphasise
transparency, accountability, communication and a
human rights approach;
• support the management of the co-operation
programmes with corresponding tools.
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook is structured according to the project

management cycle (see Figure 2), comprising:
• five main phases, from initiation to final evaluation;
• seven key management processes applied throughout
the phases.
A project life-cycle comprises interrelated phases marking
the evolution of a project. There are five distinct phases of
co-operation project at the Council of Europe: Initiation,
Planning, Implementation, Closure and Final Evaluation.
A classification of seven main management processes
has also been developed. These processes apply across
the phases of the project management cycle:
• governance and quality assurance;
• logframe management;
• stakeholder engagement;
• monitoring, reporting, evaluation;
• financial management;
• team management;
• risk management.
This handbook uses terminology agreed for the Council
of Europe for practical purposes, see “Definitions” boxes
throughout and the glossary. Any variations from other
organisations’ terms should be acknowledged in order to

Figure 2 – Council of Europe Project Management Methodology
5 PHASES INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING FINAL

7 PROCESSES EVALUATION
1 2 3 4 5
Project board terms of
INITIATING
A GOVERNANCE Project board meetings
reference
Supervision of initiation of Supervision of closure of the
& QUALITY project management cycle project management cycle
ASSURANCE Quality control Quality control
B Problem and needs analysis

LOGFRAME Implementation options Logframe completion Data collection
Use of indicators Final report approval
MANAGEMENT Logframe development
PLANNING
C
STAKEHOLDER Stakeholder identification and Stakeholder engagement Final dissemination
Stakeholder engagement Lessons learned workshop
MANAGEMENT invitation plan activities
Communications
Activity management
D MONITORING, Activity and results monitoring Activity monitoring
REPORTING, Project proposal draft plan Activity reporting Lessons learned FINAL EVALUATION
Work plan (separate guidance)
EVALUATION Inception and progress reports
Description of activities Final report drafting
IMPLEMENTING
E Financial monitoring plan Compliance
FINANCIAL Project design support Financial monitoring
MANAGEMENT Overall project budget Budget management
Financial reporting
Activity-type budget
CLOSING
TEAM Financial and
Team design Team plan Team support contractual closure
MANAGEMENT
G
RISK Early risk assessment Risk assessment Risk management
MANAGEMENT
13
RESULTS-BASED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PMM
Results-based project management focuses on results
(outcomes and impact) and good financial, human
HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
resource and risk management emphasising outcomes
The Council of Europe is the leading human rights rather than inputs and outputs.
organisation in Europe, with considerable opportunity
This requires a mind-set and attitude that orients day-
to draw on elements of its acquis in project management.
to-day practices. The focus is on driving change, not
This means incorporating cross-cutting dimensions such as
on mechanical completion of work plans and activities.
gender mainstreaming (see link to existing guidance) and
An activity, however well implemented in terms of
civil society participation (see link to existing guidance),
environment, setting, numbers of participants, has not
providing the foundation for equality and diversity.
achieved its goal if there is no change in the local situation
In practical terms, the human rights approach concerns all after the activity. This draws attention to targeting the right
the stakeholders in a project, both highest-level decision people, to optimising the delivery of the key messages,
makers and end beneficiaries. Management procedures to stimulating reactions and responses that reverberate
should encourage and enhance participation, tackle after the event.
discrimination and enable inclusion. A project has limited
The Programme and Budget methodology of the Council
resources and therefore should target the areas in which
of Europe uses results-based budgeting strategically to
it can make the most change and where there are cases
support daily results-based management. This PMM
of flagrant inequality or discrimination. Actors in projects
follows the same logic.
are grouped according to their relationship with the state.
Those that represent the state and its responsibility to The Council of Europe strives to create change through
protect and promote human rights should be grouped three levels of expected outcomes: immediate outcomes,
together as duty-bearers, and those that are entitled to intermediate outcomes and the long-term outcome or
those rights as rights-holders. impact (see Figure 3).
The human rights approach should target objectives and The immediate outcomes are changes resulting from
activities at the project initiation and planning phases: outputs such as new knowledge, awareness and access
project design reflects different target groups’ needs to resources on the part of the beneficiaries.
and activities’ varying consequences on those groups.
The second level is the intermediate or mid-term outcomes.
In the implementation and final evaluation phases
This usually refers to changes in the behaviour or practices
measures should be taken to support under-represented
of individuals and groups and eventually in the capacity
participation and to disaggregate data to promote and
of organisations and institutions. The Council of Europe
measure equality and diversity.
has considerable control over the immediate outcomes
and reasonable influence over the intermediate outcomes.
In the areas where the Council of Europe is active, impact
is often unpredictable and visible only after some time.
The Council of Europe ensures a long-term approach to
its co-operation, through the interaction of its strategic
triangle of standards, monitoring and co-operation
programmes.

FIELD PRESENCE Decisions on whether to carry out evaluation and the form
it should take are within the remit of the project team and
Member states and others are requesting more and better
the project board. There may be contractual conditions
targeted support from the Council of Europe in the field.
or requirements to carry out an evaluation.
Co-operation programmes achieve this through greater
availability and more regular contact with public authorities It is important to consider evaluation early on because
directly in the field. The benefits are responsiveness and there are project procedures that are fundamental to the
client orientation based on a closer and more frequent reliability, quality and usefulness of an evaluation, such as
interaction and awareness of the specific needs and the baseline assessment, the design of indicators and the
situation in a country. Decentralisation is consequently identification of data sources. The same applies for audits of
a clearly stated policy of the Secretary General since 2010. projects. Audit trails that justify financial transactions from
The updated PMM actively puts this policy into practice. the first request to final payment, should be established
from the beginning to prove compliance to financial and
COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY
contractual rules and regulations.
Communication is a powerful tool to enhance results
The added value of the Council of Europe and the human
and impact. It should directly contribute to the project
rights approach should ideally be assessed in all project
objectives. The communications team in central
monitoring and evaluation.
programme co-ordination and the communications
directorate are responsible for the visibility standards of
communication and should be consulted on these aspects
of the project (see link to existing guidance).
A communication and visibility strategy links directly to
the target groups and beneficiaries. It requires dedicated
resources and is usually reflected in a specific budget line
for visibility. Communication can be time consuming and OUTPUT
Research recommendations
needs to be assessed and balanced in accordance with the on minority languages
cost–benefit relationship. Certain forms of communication, in legal proceedings
such as social media in particular, are becoming more
important, and even contractually stipulated in some
instances. Special care needs to be taken, starting
with planning, as these forms of communication tend
to require a large input of time in relation to the gains
they offer, especially among direct beneficiaries. For this IMMEDIATE
Justice procedure adapted
reason the project team and project board should decide OUTCOME
to allow for minority languages
against over-ambitious communication plans, or focus in hearings
on communication during specific periods rather than
throughout a project.
The communication strategy should be focused on precise
target audiences and communication objectives with
clear, measurable and results-oriented indicators. Demand
INTERMEDIATE
is increasing for the evaluation of communication in OUTCOME Minority language
projects. In line with results-based project management interpreting
in justice system
it is important to communicate results rather than events.
A newsworthy approach should be followed to gather
testimonials and evidence directly from beneficiaries,
complementing the professionalisation of project
communication with high-quality images and reporting.
EVALUATION
The evaluation of projects is a fundamental element IMPACT Minority protection

of project management and needs to be considered in justice system
is reinforced
throughout all the phases of the project management
cycle. The key stakeholders in a project should keep
evaluation in mind as they initiate, plan, implement and
Figure 3 – Results-based project management
report on a project. It should be objective and independent
from the project management and there is separate
Evaluation Guidance provided by the internal audit and
evaluation directorate. Its focus is mostly on strategic
evaluation, whereas project evaluation is the responsibility
of individual projects and programmes.

INITIATING
A PROJECT
INITIATING A PROJECT
KEY PRODUCTS KEY TOOLS

Draft logframe Stakeholder register
Draft budget Financial plan
Project proposal Team plan
Risk register
The project cycle begins with COUNCIL OF EUROPE PRINCIPLES FOR

an idea for a project which the STRATEGY AND VALUES PROJECT DESIGN
Council of Europe and partners
agree is worth pursuing. This A project derives from the Council 1 Guided: based on human
idea needs to be conceptualised of Europe’s strategic planning in the rights principles;
and aligned to the priorities of biennial Programme and Budget.
all concerned. Initiating a project This phase integrates the project into 2 Focused: link to the Council of Europe
the Council of Europe programme programme of activities/strategy;
should follow a systematic
approach to develop the main by linking it to other technical co- 3 Competitive: make use of the
areas into a project proposal. operation, monitoring of conventions comparative advantage of
and standard setting. This emphasises the Council of Europe;
results-based management and
compliance with regulations, an 4 Targeted: orient towards
optimal use of resources, efficiency, beneficiaries’ needs;
and integrating as many human 5 Diverse: consider men and women
rights elements as possible. of various ages, ethnicities, religions,
and LGBTI among others;
RESULTS-BASED HUMAN RIGHTS 6 Inclusive: involve the target groups,
MANAGEMENT APPROACH beneficiaries of the project and as
much as possible other stakeholders;
Initiating a project uses results- All projects should adopt the human
7 Democratic: make decisions in
based management to systematically rights approach and ensure equality a democratic way, if possible
develop a results chain that is the and diversity in line with cross- through consensus, after hearing
most appropriate to the current cutting issues. Project design should all opinions about the relevance
situations in countries and regions. maximise results according to rights- of the proposed project;
Analyses and needs assessments holders and duty-bearers. Cross-
ensure that the project focuses on cutting issues are brought to the fore 8 Transparent: communicate the
the key issues in a country or region through needs assessments, objective decisions, orientations and actions
and that project design enables the setting, stakeholder analysis, team of the initiating group to all relevant
greatest possible improvements in design and risk identification. parties (hierarchy in the Council of
human rights, democracy and the Meaningful participation early on Europe, permanent representations,
rule of law. Baseline measures should avoids misdirection, resistance among committees, relevant colleagues,
be recorded to prove the effects of key players, missed opportunities and Council of Europe offices, etc.);
projects. potential advantages, and lost causes.
9 Constructive: seek to formulate
The ownership and sustainability of constructive proposals for change,
change can be placed firmly in the specifying responsibilities,
hands of the most important players legal basis and resources.
in the project.

INITIATE A PROJECT
INITIATING
MANAGEMENT CYCLE
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE
ANALYSE THE SITUATION AIM STRATEGY

SET OBJECTIVES COUNCIL OF EUROPE
To begin a project cycle with a
STRATEGY AND VALUES
FORMULATE clear project concept agreed
IMPLEMENTATION
MODALITIES between representatives of A project is usually initiated with an informal
IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE
beneficiary governments and discussion between representatives of the
STAKEHOLDERS the Council of Europe, which is Council of Europe and representatives of
CARRY OUT NEEDS firmly linked to Council of Europe one or more beneficiary governments. The
ASSESSMENT WITH programmes and strategies. informal discussion should be immediately
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION
followed up by the key idea in writing and
the informing of the decision makers of all
DEVELOP THE LOGFRAME GUIDING PRINCIPLES the organisations involved.
ESTIMATE THE COSTS ■ Council of Europe
OF THE PROJECT AND The idea is presented as a concept note
MOBILISE FINANCIAL strategy and values
that makes clear connections to Council
RESOURCES ■ Human rights approach
of Europe strategy and values. All relevant
DESIGN THE ■ Results-based management
PROJECT TEAM standards, monitoring mechanisms,
IDENTIFY RISKS KEY PLAYERS advisory/opinion bodies and political
bodies of the Council of Europe should
REVIEW THE PROJECT ■ Representatives of the Council
be linked to the project idea, in addition
PROPOSAL AND of Europe and beneficiary
COMPLETE THE to all relevant thematic programmes,
INITIATING PHASE government authorities
action plans, framework programmes and
■ Central programme co-ordination
country strategies agreed with member
■ Council of Europe offices
states and others. All projects should be
KEY REFERENCES firmly rooted in Council of Europe work
and agreed programmes with beneficiary
■ Council of Europe
governments and donors.
Programme and Budget
■ Council of Europe reports
and recommendations

BASIS
Co-operation programmes are an integral part of the Council

of Europe’s work because they build the capacity of member
states and others, and in doing so provide vital information
on how standards gradually lead to impact and what local
or regional factors are important to improve monitoring An early consultation is often the main determinant of the
results. The relationship between standards, monitoring success of a project in terms of efficiency, effectiveness
and co-operation programmes is referred to as the Council and impact. As soon as there is a project idea it should
be researched as thoroughly as possible with as wide and
of Europe’s strategic triangle. diverse a group as possible.
RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
Each new project idea provides an opportunity to extend Connecting project concept notes to Council of Europe
Council of Europe research and analysis in key areas. actions and member states’ or others’ interests ensures the
Further analysis not only generates projects within relevance and the coherence of the project: two results-
programmes, but it also provides detailed information based criteria deriving from evaluation that determine
that supports Council of Europe standards and monitoring. positive change through projects. Relevance and coherence
This exchange of information is the first example of the ensure that the project contributes to improvements in
dynamic interaction between standards, monitoring and human rights, the rule of law and democracy, and therefore
co-operation that combines into the Council of Europe drives Council of Europe values.
strategic triangle.
HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH
KEY STEPS
As soon as there is a first draft of the concept note there
should be as broad a consultation as possible. Ideally this 1 Formalise a project concept and share it with all
includes all the actors in a specific area in a country and/ relevant colleagues at headquarters and in relevant
or region, starting with the beneficiaries and potential Council of Europe offices.
project partners. Every attempt should be made to
determine different perspectives of the project idea,
taking into consideration gender, rights-holders and DEFINITIONS
their relationships with duty-bearers, and vulnerable
groups. If at all possible, different groups should have Concept note: a one or two-page description of the main idea of the
the opportunity to present their interests and issues in project and its alignment to Council of Europe and beneficiary governments’
the consultation. Anyone that has an interest in and/or is programmes. It often becomes the introduction of a project proposal.
affected by a concept is a potential future stakeholder
Strategic triangle: the mutually beneficial interaction between the
in the project. Stakeholders are not an elite group of
Council of Europe’s standards, monitoring and co-operation programmes.
decision makers.
Stakeholder: an individual, group or organisation that
There are different ways to consult with regional and
has an interest in and/or is affected by the project.
national partners:
• long-distance video conferencing, via dedicated IT Duty-bearer: an individual, group, organisation or
services if they exist; authority that provides and fulfils a human right.
• extra meetings during visits, conferences, project board, Rights-holder: an individual, group or organisation
steering committee meetings; that is entitled to a human right.
• contact meetings in Council of Europe offices that
establish more general programme and action plans Efficiency: the extent to which best value
which can be used to quickly define specific project resources achieve maximum results.
ideas. Effectiveness: the extent to which defined objectives are achieved.
Consultation should also be carried out through surveys Impact: the overall difference the project has made.
and questionnaires using established contacts from other
Council of Europe work. Civil society organisations should Relevance: the extent to which objectives address real needs.
be involved in the discussions and provide a source of Coherence: the extent to which parts of a project form a whole.
information that focuses more on rights-holders and
vulnerable groups.

INITIATING
ANALYSE THE SITUATION
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES COUNCIL OF EUROPE
To identify the real issues, problems
STRATEGY AND VALUES
FORMULATE and causes related to the project idea
IMPLEMENTATION
MODALITIES and gain a full understanding of the Brainstorming and problem trees (page
situation in order to set objectives. 22) are among useful techniques to carry
STAKEHOLDERS out a problem analysis. It should identify
CARRY OUT NEEDS the problems that the Council of Europe
ASSESSMENT WITH GUIDING PRINCIPLES has the authority and capacity to act on and
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION
■ Council of Europe where it is likely to make a difference. The
strategy and values causes, drivers and effects of the problems
DEVELOP THE LOGFRAME
need to be analysed to determine the best
ESTIMATE THE COSTS KEY PLAYERS types of activities, the target areas and
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL ■ Project developers the kind of baseline information that will
RESOURCES ■ Council of Europe offices be required. The final stage of problem
DESIGN THE analysis is to convert the problems into
PROJECT TEAM KEY REFERENCES objectives. These should align to a country
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Council of Europe or region’s own priorities to form a basis
REVIEW THE PROJECT Programme and Budget for good co-operation.
PROPOSAL AND ■ Council of Europe reports
COMPLETE THE
INITIATING PHASE ■ Reports and recommendations
on themes/regions/countries

BASIS
The Council of Europe also co-operates with member states

and others through the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress
of Local and Regional Authorities, the European Court of
Human Rights and the Human Rights Commissioner. Human
Rights Commissioner, together with advisory/opinion bodies 4 Present/refer to available information on the situation
and monitoring mechanisms. and needs in the country/countries and/or thematic
areas concerned. Such information should (as a
The elected dimensions of the Parliamentary Assembly and minimum) include:
the Congress enable extensive peer exchange and support a. Council of Europe Programme and Budget, Council of
at national and sub-national levels. Europe country action plans, co-operation priorities
documents, Human Rights Commissioner reports, etc.;
The unique enforcement of human rights by the Court, b. information gathered through Council of Europe
combined with the observation and dialogue of the Human monitoring mechanisms (including the case law of the
Rights Commissioner, add invaluable scrutiny and a broad European Court of Human Rights);
perspective that is specific to the Council of Europe. c. results and lessons learned from previous/ongoing
Council of Europe co-operation projects in these areas,
A project should try to build on these actions and incorporate and in the country/countries;
existing Council of Europe work wherever possible. d. the potential partners, target groups and
beneficiaries according to their status as duty-
bearers and rights-holders;
e. information gathered from Council of Europe offices.
KEY STEPS
1 Obtain all available information about national reforms
and a country’s priorities, strategies and action plans.
2 Analyse the situation: a problem analysis should ideally
be undertaken as a group exercise (brainstorming
session) involving all individuals likely to have useful DEFINITIONS
input or ongoing involvement in the management of
the project, such as: project managers, programme Objective: the changes aimed for by a project.
co-ordinators, heads of relevant departments, heads
Problem analysis: the analysis of problems, causes and drivers
of field offices and other key stakeholders such as
relating to human rights, rule of law and democracy situations.
other Council of Europe staff who have worked on this
theme/region/country or experts (where appropriate). Target group: individuals, groups and organisations that the project
aims to affect through their direct attendance and involvement.
3 Define the scope of the project (target group, country/
region, theme, pillar, programme objectives, Council Beneficiary: individuals, groups and organisations
of Europe priorities) at action plan or programme that benefit from the project.
facility level.
COUNTRY/THEMATIC
ACTION PLAN CO-OPERATION
FRAMEWORK/
FACILITY (FUNDING)
PROGRAMME PROGRAMME PROGRAMME
PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT
Figure 4 – Projects, programmes, facilities and action plans

INITIATING
SET OBJECTIVES
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
To set objectives in line with
FORMULATE the situation analysis. Once confident in the project concept,
IMPLEMENTATION
MODALITIES it is time to start working on the core
IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE elements of the theory of change. These
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
STAKEHOLDERS elements form the basis of the logframe,
CARRY OUT NEEDS ■ Results-based management the standardised structure used by the
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Human rights approach Council of Europe. The objectives are the
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION starting point of the theory of change.
KEY PLAYERS
There are many different ways to arrive
■ Project developers at the objectives of a project from the
ESTIMATE THE COSTS ■ Council of Europe offices concept. Choose the method that best suits
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL the thinking and dialogue underway with
RESOURCES KEY REFERENCES
counterparts in the partner organisation(s):
DESIGN THE ■ Council of Europe
• problem trees – establish the problems,
PROJECT TEAM Programme and Budget
their causes and drivers in a flowchart
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Council of Europe reports
and invert the problems to establish
REVIEW THE PROJECT ■ National/regional plans
the objectives;
PROPOSAL AND and strategies
COMPLETE THE • projected scenarios – envisage the
INITIATING PHASE ■ Reports on themes/
situation in the future and establish
regions/countries
the objectives according to achievable
■ PMM webspace additional tools
developments;
• goal consensus and outcome mapping
– determine with different target
groups the changes in behaviour
according to what you expect to see,
want to see and would love to see, and
organise these into groups to identify
general objectives;
PMM WEBSPACE
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME ADDITIONAL TOOLS
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy coe.int/pmmtools

BASIS
Designing how a project will lead to change is vital to make

projects relevant and effective. Objectives at different levels,
from strategic to specific, provide a concrete vision to define
expected results.
• up-scaling – take existing good practice in ad hoc cases

and determine objectives that systematise and spread
such practices wider;
• comparative study – set objectives according to
established practices and achievements of other
comparable member states and others.
Objectives should fit into the Programme and Budget
framework of the Organisation. They are on a different level,
since they are more immediate and realisable within the
limited resources and time period of a project, so they are
likely to be small pieces in the larger jigsaw of Programme
and Budget objectives.
It is equally important that objectives link into national
and regional plans. Country action plans should be used
to do this wherever possible.
The best objectives are simple, self-explanatory, realistically

achievable and measurable. They provide the focus for
all the activities carried out in a project. From a human
rights perspective, the objectives should be what target
groups and end beneficiaries (whether rights-holders or
duty-bearers) want to experience as a result of the project.
KEY STEPS
1 Organise the objectives into the logframe either as
part of the brainstorming session, or at a later date.
2 Identify the impact and outcomes of such an
intervention. In line with the Council of Europe
approach, try to develop this theory of change with
the perspectives of rights-holders and duty-bearers
and how their abilities to claim and protect rights are
enhanced through the project (see logframe guidance
on the PMM webspace). DEFINITIONS
3 Tools and experience may help with the identification
Theory of change: the logical step-by-step path presenting how
of outcomes (tools available on the PMM webspace).
inputs and activities follow each other and lead to results and change.
All outcomes should be aligned to the objectives of the
programme governing the project and the strategic Logframe: a structured representation of the theory of change.
objectives of the Council of Europe. Coherence with Outcome: the change in behaviour or practice as a
and relevance to institutional objectives should be consequence of an activity (relating to an objective).
checked during quality assurance (page 38).

FORMULATE IMPLEMENTATION
INITIATING
MODALITIES
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To design different approaches to A project has limited resources to deliver
FORMULATE achieve objectives and formulate change and the best modalities to do
IMPLEMENTATION
these as implementation modalities. so should be explored. This reflection is
MODALITIES
important to support the human rights
STAKEHOLDERS
approach and to explore new, improved
GUIDING PRINCIPLES ways to run projects. The most effective
CARRY OUT NEEDS
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Human rights approach way to reflect on these issues is in groups
STAKEHOLDER
■ Results-based management sharing ideas and experiences.
CONSULTATION

Innovation and creative approaches in
KEY PLAYERS
combination with Council of Europe added
ESTIMATE THE COSTS ■ A group that collectively shares value are key to the success of co-operation
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL ideas and generates suggestions projects. The selection of a chosen
RESOURCES ■ Project developers implementation modality should follow
DESIGN THE efforts to explore imaginative solutions.
PROJECT TEAM KEY REFERENCES
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Existing implementation modalities
REVIEW THE PROJECT
PROPOSAL AND
COMPLETE THE
INITIATING PHASE

KEY STEPS
1 Outcomes connect objectives to outputs. On this
basis identify the outputs and the activities that
produce those outputs to achieve project objectives.
2 Identify the different implementation modalities for
each of the objectives: activities, strategies (grant
schemes, national working methods, functional
capacity, etc.), follow-up processes, cycles of activities, DEFINITIONS
types of meeting, training and/or working group, and
consider the different modalities in terms of rights- Activity: a gathering (seminar, roundtable, meeting) or a piece of
holders and duty-bearers. research/analysis that directly leads to a product/output, or a management
task (support activity) that indirectly contributes to a project.
3 Different implementation modalities should be
presented to stakeholders as part of the consultation Output: the direct product of an activity – a document,
(page 28). The feasibility (financial, political, knowledge, awareness, inspiration, etc.
implementation) of each option and their relevance Implementation modality: the type, style, series, sequence
according to target groups and end beneficiaries and interrelations of activities that make up a project.
should be agreed.

INITIATING
STAKEHOLDERS
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH
To identify and analyse stakeholders
FORMULATE to get a good understanding of target Stakeholders are essential to implement
IMPLEMENTATION
MODALITIES groups’ needs and their situation. a human rights approach. Stakeholder
IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE management is about non-discrimination,
STAKEHOLDERS participation and inclusion. These
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
CARRY OUT NEEDS principles require in-depth analysis and
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Human rights approach integration of stakeholders into the whole
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION project management cycle. Meaningful
KEY PLAYERS
participation has already been initiated
■ Project developers through the consultations on the project
ESTIMATE THE COSTS ■ Council of Europe offices concept. Making contributions, decision
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL making and empowerment are the guiding
principles of participation and inclusion.
DESIGN THE ■ Existing stakeholder records
PROJECT TEAM ■ Gender mainstreaming strategy Different categorisations should be used
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Civil society participation strategy to identify the internal and external
REVIEW THE PROJECT
stakeholders in a project. A key distinction
PROPOSAL AND is to be made between rights-holder and
COMPLETE THE duty-bearer. This helps to target project
INITIATING PHASE
resources and activities to effect change in
areas that could be neglected, for example
considering whether blind people are able
to access written materials produced for
target groups they belong to. It is possible
for an individual, group or organisation to
be both a rights-holder and a duty-bearer
according to the different contexts of the
project, for example, a female police officer
in a project on gender equality.
QUALITY CHECKLIST
STAKEHOLDER (INITIATING AND
TEMPLATES REGISTER PLANNING PHASE)
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/FU6ZjE http://goo.gl/aY8r7o

BASIS
The human rights approach is about extensive consideration

and participation of stakeholders. The results of a project are
enhanced by analysis of rights-holders and duty-bearers, their
relationship with each other and their capacity or inability to
claim or fulfil human rights. KEY STEPS
Projects should aim at strengthening duty-bearers such 1 Identify key internal and external stakeholders both
as states in meeting their obligations and empowering in terms of managing the project, and in terms of
rights-holders to be aware of and claim rights, for example rights-holders and duty-bearers among target groups
and end beneficiaries. Record the information in the
convention-based.
stakeholder register.
This improves impact while also strengthening mainstreaming 2 Categorise the identified stakeholders both into target
commitments internally and with direct partners according groups, end beneficiaries, and project partners, in
to strategies of equality, diversity and participation. Greater addition to using the rights-holder/duty-bearer
participation and different perspectives further enhance distinction to strengthen duty-bearers and to empower
rights-holders.
change.
3 Analyse stakeholders in terms of mainstreaming
according to diversity and equality perspectives,
This analysis will be useful throughout the project, for notably to:
example to measure outcomes: legal, policy, institutional a. ensure that gender is mainstreamed throughout the
and behavioural changes leading to better awareness and project. The different effects of the project on women
claiming of rights by rights-holders and better meeting and men, and how their role may be strengthened
of obligations by duty-bearers. throughout the project or programme, should be
analysed.
The next distinction is according to the role in the project: b. identify vulnerable groups (children, people
donors, implementers, equivalent actors, target with disabilities, older people, minorities, LGBTI,
groups, and end beneficiaries. The project ultimately migrants, refugees, Roma, etc.) in the country/regions
aims to benefit both final and end beneficiaries, but for concerned, as well as the role they can play during
management the focus and decisions should be made project or programme implementation, in order to
according to the end beneficiaries (see Figure 5). make sure that they are positively or at least not
negatively affected.
In order to ensure the principles of non-discrimination
and inclusion, stakeholders should be analysed according
to gender and belonging to vulnerable groups. This will
be the starting point for mainstreaming: the integration DEFINITIONS
of gender and vulnerable groups into all stages of the
project. Essentially the key principle is exemplified in the Internal stakeholder: individuals, groups and
Roma unit’s motto for their projects: “Nothing for the Roma organisations that are directly involved in a project.
without the Roma”. External stakeholder: individuals, groups and organisations that
The project should decide to what extent gender or are indirectly connected to a project but have an interest in it.
belonging to a vulnerable group should determine lists Implementer: organisations running a project.
of participants in activities, indicators to evaluate success,
and content in project documents. Equivalent actor: organisations that fund or carry out similar projects or
activities such as other international institutions or civil society organisations.
The quality checklist (initiating and planning phase)
analyses these key elements and should be used to support End beneficiaries: individuals, groups, organisations and authorities that
project management. directly benefit from project activities, outputs, outcomes and impact.
Final beneficiaries: individuals, groups and organisations
that indirectly benefit from the project over the long term.
Mainstreaming: the integration of an issue or principle into
as many aspects and phases of a project as possible.

CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH
INITIATING
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To follow up brainstorming Where possible Council of Europe offices
FORMULATE and analyses with an early should bring together stakeholders
IMPLEMENTATION
needs assessment. to support consultation and needs
MODALITIES
assessment.
STAKEHOLDERS To increase participation and The needs assessment at this stage should
CARRY OUT NEEDS make it more meaningful, refine be classified as “early” because there may
ASSESSMENT WITH project objectives, test different be another 9-12 months before the project
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION
delivery options, ensure exchange actually starts, and there may be changes
of knowledge and expertise, and in circumstances in the meantime. An early
enhance the internal co-ordination assessment benefits the project because
ESTIMATE THE COSTS
OF THE PROJECT AND
and coherence of project activities it can identify the changes that occur
MOBILISE FINANCIAL through stakeholder consultations. naturally prior to any project activities.
RESOURCES
This helps to better understand the effects
DESIGN THE of the project later on, and to map out the
PROJECT TEAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES
kind of baseline that will be required to
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Human rights approach measure the effects of the project.
REVIEW THE PROJECT ■ Results-based management
PROPOSAL AND Research and consultation costs need to
COMPLETE THE KEY PLAYERS be reduced through smart cost efficiencies
INITIATING PHASE
■ Council of Europe offices such as fully incorporating existing research
■ Project developers in the Organisation and outside, and
■ Stakeholders introducing additional agenda items into
existing meetings with key stakeholders
KEY REFERENCES to jointly design potential future projects.
■ Needs assessments Council of Europe offices hold meetings
■ Baseline data and information with such potential, for example.

BASIS
Needs assessments are essential to ensure the relevance

and prioritisation of project objectives. They are the first
opportunity to consider the current state of affairs and
establish a baseline against which to measure change.
Attention to rights-holders and duty-bearers helps emphasise
human rights and make sure changes are meaningful in
terms of genuine need.
The findings of new needs assessments are valuable to

the whole Organisation and should be made available. GOOD PRACTICE
Any research available that meets quality standards
An early needs assessment was carried out in Moldova 12 months before
(other international institutions, peer-reviewed academic
the project started. The project team revisited the assessment at the start of
research) should be incorporated and referred to in the
the project and this was useful to reconfirm the design principles behind the
needs assessment if relevant.
project and to obtain a more thorough and meaningful needs assessment.
Consultation helps to ensure that the needs match those of
key stakeholders based on the human rights approach. This
means duty-bearers and rights-holders should appreciate
their respective roles and responsibilities and gender and
vulnerable groups should be fully taken into consideration.
Awareness can also be raised of the need for baseline
information, clear, agreed objectives and outcomes, and
equal commitment to a chosen implementation option.
Consultation will often identify early risks in a project.
These risks should be carried forward into the risk register
(page 36).
KEY STEPS
1 Gather all related assessments, and sections of
assessments, according to the priority areas of the
DEFINITIONS
new project to establish the background research
the needs assessment should build on. Needs assessment: research into and identification of the
2 To increase stakeholder buy-in to the project, the needs of different stakeholders to achieve objectives.
stakeholder consultation(s) should ideally be attended Baseline: starting point before the effects of a project.
by the programme co-ordinator, the head of office
and/or the head of department.
EXAMPLE OF A STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS
POLICY RIGHTS HOLDERS

MAKERS MIGRANT
CHILDREN
MINISTRY
OF LABOUR, MIGRANT
DUTY BEARERS HUMAN RIGHTS CHILDREN IN
DEPARTMENT MIGRANTS RURAL
AREAS
MINISTRY MIGRANT
OF EDUCATION, TEACHERS MOTHERS
TEACHER
TRAINING
DUTY BEARER VS RIGHTS HOLDER TARGET GROUP BENEFICIARY
Figure 5 – Example of stakeholder mapping

INITIATING
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To present objectives, assessed The logframe is a key management tool.
FORMULATE needs and the modality of It should guide all day-to-day and periodic
IMPLEMENTATION
implementation in a logframe in decisions to ensure sound, results-based
MODALITIES
line with a theory of change. management. This is not necessarily
STAKEHOLDERS
noticeable at the design phase, but its
benefits are foresight and overseeing
CARRY OUT NEEDS
ASSESSMENT WITH GUIDING PRINCIPLES progress towards objectives. It should
STAKEHOLDER
■ Council of Europe guide decisions on implementation,
CONSULTATION
strategy and values motivate stakeholders to achieve goals and
■ Results-based management provide measures to monitor and evaluate
ESTIMATE THE COSTS the project.
OF THE PROJECT AND
KEY REFERENCES
MOBILISE FINANCIAL In order to complete the logframe,
RESOURCES ■ Current indicators and sources expected results need to be linked to
DESIGN THE of verifiable information the objectives, in the form of outputs,
PROJECT TEAM ■ PMM webspace additional tools outcomes and impact; the assumptions
IDENTIFY RISKS
relied upon for the results to occur need
REVIEW THE PROJECT to be defined; and the baseline situation
PROPOSAL AND
COMPLETE THE according to indicators for specific project
INITIATING PHASE results needs to be determined with the
target levels and verifiable sources of those
indicators.
This is an early stage of the logframe, so the
entries for the baseline and the indicators
are draft indications to be completed in
the planning phase.
PMM WEBSPACE
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME ADDITIONAL TOOLS
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy coe.int/pmmtools

BASIS
The logframe is a structured tool used to represent the

theory of change. It visually links inputs to the overall
objective through the intermediary chain of results and
presents assumptions at every step.
The logframe relies on key elements that have specific
definitions. Indicators serve as standard measurements of
specific characteristics and how they develop. For example,
the length of court proceedings is used to measure court
efficiency; the number of hours of teaching for a specific
subject taught at school measures the importance attached
to that subject. Indicators are only meaningful in comparative GOOD PRACTICE
form, if they can be measured and if they consistently relate A project on minority rights across South-East Europe prepared a baseline
to the characteristic the project is interested in. study using the international tendering procedure of the Council of Europe to
select the best supplier to implement the research. The supplier implemented
Assumptions are included to confirm the validity of the the cross-country baseline study research on “Project Assessment” and
project design. The theory of change relies on external factors “Awareness Assessment” before the beginning of the implementation of small
for each link in the results chain to be made. They should not grants in the field. The research was repeated using the same methodology
and the comparable target groups of beneficiaries to establish eventual
be confused with risks (page 36). changes in the baseline results and prove the project’s impact on the situation
of national minorities in the field.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE STRATEGY AND VALUES
A guiding principle for the logframe is ensuring the link(s)

to a broader strategy. In recent projects in Armenia, for
example, the project logframes have been linked to the
country reform strategy. They are consequently useful for
negotiating and clarifying activities and implementation
with partners. These links between logframes should not
be forgotten, and they should fit into the wider Programme
and Budget of the Council of Europe.
KEY STEPS
For each objective, verify from the top down the DEFINITIONS
1
series of expected results in the form of impact, Indicator: a measure that provides evidence of an expected result.
intermediate outcomes, immediate outcomes
and outputs. Expected result: planned changes in the form of outputs,
outcomes and impact that achieve objectives.
2 Determine indicators, sources and means of
verification, and assumptions. Target: level of an indicator aimed for after a fixed period of time.
3 For each expected result, identify a baseline situation Assumption: external factors relied upon to be true, real or certain for every
and a provisional target value. The baseline is step of the results chain, to be made from output to outcome to impact.
important to measure the effects of the project overall Immediate outcome: change as a direct result of the output of an activity.
and provide fact-based evidence of change in line
with a results-based approach. Intermediate outcome: change in behaviour and/or action
as a consequence of outputs and immediate outcomes.
4 Record early risks identified while designing the
logframe.

ESTIMATE THE COSTS OF THE PROJECT
INITIATING
AND MOBILISE FINANCIAL RESOURCES
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To establish a budget that delivers Objectives determine the project activities
FORMULATE the most effective and efficient in the logframe and these activities are the
IMPLEMENTATION
results in line with objectives. building blocks of a budget. The budget
MODALITIES
should be calculated by grouping together
STAKEHOLDERS
activities of a similar type (location, length,
GUIDING PRINCIPLES number of participants) according to the
CARRY OUT NEEDS
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Council of Europe PMM budget tool instructions.
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION
strategy and values There are guidelines that need to be
■ Human rights approach followed.
■ Results-based management
ESTIMATE THE COSTS • Ensure that human resources costs,
OF THE PROJECT AND
KEY REFERENCES as a general rule, do not exceed 25%
MOBILISE FINANCIAL
of total direct costs.
RESOURCES ■ Project developers
• Ensure that a 1 to at least 3 ratio based
DESIGN THE ■ Finance unit
PROJECT TEAM on full-time equivalent staff, is applied
■ Cost centre manager
between headquarters and Council of
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Central programme co-ordination
Europe offices, with responsibilities for
REVIEW THE PROJECT
PROPOSAL AND content in offices, where applicable.
COMPLETE THE • Ensure indirect costs are included at
INITIATING PHASE
7% of direct costs.
• Ensure that office charging back costs
per staff member are included in the
direct costs.
• Ensure accurate unit rates are used
TEMPLATES PMM BUDGET TOOL

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/tzzUuz

BASIS
The project budget is based on activity types. It converts the

logframe, designed from the top downwards into a simple
cost forecast from the bottom upwards.
KEY STEPS
by consulting the Council of Europe office, where
applicable, and taking into account costs for services, 1 Follow the budget tool instructions for detailed
such as events management, translation and operational procedures.
interpreting, air fares, hotel packages, etc., in a specific
2 Estimate the Council of Europe’s own contribution to
location according to framework agreements and
request the provision: the percentage contribution
framework contracts in force.
by the Organisation for projects.
3 Consult central programme co-ordination to mobilise
Resource mobilisation co-ordinated at a central level is resources as applicable.
essential for the Organisation to secure the optimum
funding in line with the best overall results and strategy.
The budget should be presented in response to donor
expectations, where applicable. A project should be split
into shorter and cheaper elements, for example, to attract
different donors if collective fundraising is required.
Co-operation programmes funded by extra-budgetary
resources should be real partnerships. This means they
should be at least partly funded by the Council of Europe,
usually at a minimum of 10% for joint programmes with
the European Union for example.
Take into consideration additional costs to include

vulnerable groups in activities. In a recent example, with
some Roma target groups there were additional costs for
the transfer of money to recipients that did not have bank
accounts. Additional meetings may be held to enable the
participation of hard-to-access groups, or to enable better
gender balance since women in the target group may be
less available to travel far due to their assuming a greater
share of family responsibilities.
DEFINITIONS
Direct cost: an operational cost.
Ensure that budget is allocated according to the most
effective activities. Resources should be allocated according Indirect cost: a cost of managing the project.
to the priority of results.

INITIATING
DESIGN THE PROJECT TEAM
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To design the project team according Project teams in the Council of Europe
FORMULATE to a clear division of duties and are often complex because they are split
IMPLEMENTATION
ways of working together. between different locations, predominantly
MODALITIES
between headquarters and Council of
STAKEHOLDERS
Europe offices.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
CARRY OUT NEEDS This presents both challenges and
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Council of Europe opportunities. It can be difficult to ensure
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION
strategy and values the continuous, efficient and effective
■ Field presence communication required within a team
■ Human rights approach separated by distance. The same can
ESTIMATE THE COSTS
OF THE PROJECT AND apply to consultants that intervene at
KEY PLAYERS
MOBILISE FINANCIAL different stages of a project. At the same
RESOURCES ■ Project developers time, working in different locations and
DESIGN THE at different stages can provide useful
PROJECT TEAM KEY REFERENCES
perspectives.
IDENTIFY RISKS ■ Staff policy, grading issues,
REVIEW THE PROJECT and grade-budget costs COUNCIL OF EUROPE
PROPOSAL AND STRATEGY AND VALUES
COMPLETE THE
INITIATING PHASE Determine roles and responsibilities at an
early stage. Better integrating co-operation
in all Council of Europe work (including
monitoring and standards) provides
clear benefits for the monitoring and
co-ordination of project work.

FIELD PRESENCE
The division of responsibilities should be clear to avoid

duplication of work, and appropriate autonomy and
authority should be granted to carry out tasks efficiently.
There should be clear delegation to make decisions at
the suitable level of responsibility. A clear mandate will
make it easier to communicate and negotiate with key
stakeholders.
It is important to emphasise non-discrimination and

equality principles and greater inclusiveness. It should not
be a token exercise; the best teams provide diversity and
offer different perspectives within projects. Clearly-defined
and differentiated roles are vital for good teamwork.
KEY STEPS
1 Draw up roles and responsibilities according to the
location of staff that best enable them to contribute
to the Council of Europe strategy, to results-based
management, to the human rights approach and to
daily collaboration with beneficiary partners.
2 Identify the skills and competences required for the
different roles and responsibilities.
3 Plan how to ensure clear communication and
collaboration within the team.

INITIATING
IDENTIFY RISKS
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To identify risks based on the design Time dealing with project risks enables
FORMULATE and specific areas of the project. less time-consuming, more proactive
IMPLEMENTATION responses later on that enhance the
MODALITIES
success and effectiveness of projects.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
STAKEHOLDERS The main risks to consider are those that
CARRY OUT NEEDS ■ Human rights approach threaten the achievement of project
ASSESSMENT WITH ■ Results-based management objectives. Usually no more than 10 top
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATION risks need to be included in a risk register.
KEY PLAYERS
The benefit of risk identification is in the
■ Project developers well-defined mitigating actions that are
ESTIMATE THE COSTS ■ Central programme co-ordination implemented as a result. The quality of the
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL project is better ensured by preventing
damaging factors and directing resources
DESIGN THE ■ Current project country/ more efficiently throughout subsequent
PROJECT TEAM regional/thematic risks stages of the project. The identification
IDENTIFY RISKS
of risks helps prioritise and focus efforts
REVIEW THE PROJECT on the most critical aspects of the project.
PROPOSAL AND
COMPLETE THE It also tends to reveal opportunities to
INITIATING PHASE improve implementation.
TEMPLATES RISK REGISTER

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/TcqJOH

BASIS
The main principles of risk management are awareness of

project risks and making decisions on how to deal with
them. Risks do not necessarily have to be avoided. Any risk
that immediately and directly threatens project objectives
must be dealt with straight away.
Project risks are often first identified during the needs

assessment. All risks identified at this stage should be GOOD PRACTICE
updated periodically throughout the project, typically
A risk relating to the constitutional review process in Armenia was identified
every three to six months. Risk identification helps to
in a project dealing with the drafting of legislation. The risk was confirmed
design and plan sensibly. The earlier this occurs the more it
in the fact-finding and needs-assessment report and discussed in the
contributes to the quality of the project proposal. Assessing
steering committee. It was decided that some of the activities should be
risks early is often a requirement for donors.
postponed because their outputs were likely to be amended as a result of the
Risk management can also be used to focus decision constitutional amendments.
makers on cross-cutting issues that reinforce the human
rights approach.
It is important to understand that risks and assumptions
are not the same thing. An assumption is a factor that
a project relies upon to be true, real or certain. A risk is
an uncertainty that could affect one or several project
objectives if it materialised.
DEFINITIONS
Risk: potential internal and external factors that harm

KEY STEPS projects and their objectives, which may be addressed by the
1 Once the logframe has been drafted, identify and project. They are graded according to their likelihood and the
assess risks to the project (based on their impact degree of impact they would have if they occurred.
and likelihood) and complete these sections of the Risk register: the list of main risks identified, with
risk register. details of the measures taken to tackle them.
2 Identify the risk owner responsible for and the risk Risk owner: the senior manager that has the
manager mitigating each risk in practice. authority and responsibility for a risk.
3 The risk assessment may lead to the refinement of the Risk manager: the person responsible for identifying,
logframe – if the proposed intervention option has assessing and mitigating the risk.
too many severe and/or likely risks.

REVIEW THE PROJECT PROPOSAL AND
INITIATING
COMPLETE THE INITIATING PHASE
A PROJECT
INITIATE A PROJECT
MANAGEMENT CYCLE

SET OBJECTIVES
To put together the key aspects of The transition between the different
FORMULATE background, objectives, expected main phases of a project cycle provides
IMPLEMENTATION
results, risks, methodology of planning a good opportunity to take stock of work
MODALITIES
and implementation, reporting to date and to carry out a review of this
STAKEHOLDERS requirements, monitoring and work for quality control and full transfer
evaluation into a project proposal. of information to supervisors and key
CARRY OUT NEEDS
ASSESSMENT WITH stakeholders. Senior management bears
STAKEHOLDER
To reflect on the quality assurance responsibility for integrating project work
CONSULTATION
of the project and ensure that into the wider scheme of organisational
terminology is understood and strategy and objectives, while ensuring
ESTIMATE THE COSTS
used correctly, that the project quality at all levels.
OF THE PROJECT AND
MOBILISE FINANCIAL fully contributes to the Council
RESOURCES of Europe strategy, that it is
DESIGN THE results-based, and that it follows
PROJECT TEAM
a human rights approach.
IDENTIFY RISKS
REVIEW THE PROJECT

PROPOSAL AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
COMPLETE THE
INITIATING PHASE ■ Council of Europe
strategy and values
■ Human rights approach
■ Results-based management
■ Field presence
KEY PLAYERS
■ Senior management
■ Project developers
QUALITY CHECKLIST
(INITIATING AND
TEMPLATES PROJECT PROPOSAL PLANNING PHASE)
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/i3O3c2 http://goo.gl/aY8r7o

BASIS
Quality control and reflection on project design are essential.

Questions need to be asked about whether there is sufficient
emphasis on the human rights approach, such as gender
mainstreaming and the involvement of vulnerable groups,
in order to promote equality and diversity in the project.
Senior management overview is vital for the integration of
project co-operation into the Council of Europe programme.
KEY STEPS
1 Review all the information compiled to this point in
the project proposal.
2 Use the quality checklist (initiating and planning
phase) to prepare the review and quality control at the
end of the planning phase. This involves confirming
adequate steps have been taken to incorporate
governance, a theory of change approach, stakeholder
management, a logframe, finance, human resources
and risk management into the conceptualisation of the
project. The Council of Europe programme and vision,
along with a results-based management and human
rights approach should underpin all these processes DEFINITIONS
and emphasise the cross-cutting commitments
notably to human rights, gender mainstreaming and Quality control: a process to ensure project
equality and diversity through inclusive participation standards meet the required levels.
and rights-holder/duty-bearer perspectives.

PLANNING
A PROJECT
PLANNING A PROJECT

Logframe Stakeholder register
Budget Project board terms of reference
Work Plan Team plan
Description of Activities Risk register
The planning phase benefits from the COUNCIL OF EUROPE

multiple perspectives taken during STRATEGY AND VALUES
the initiating phase. It refines these
proposed areas with more details based The planning stage embeds projects into the
on the contractual documents to be Council of Europe co-operation field and the
signed and advanced discussions with Programme and Budget links them to the
partners and stakeholders. The tasks Organisation’s strategic objectives. Council
completed at this stage help to establish of Europe standards lead to monitoring
priorities and to focus on key issues in countries and the accumulation of co-
during implementation. operation experience provides further
sources of data and local information.
RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH
The full details of the project’s results chain The focus on the human rights approach is
are completed in the planning. This provides maintained in the planning stage through
the basis for project monitoring plans, quality drawing up governance arrangements, such
control, accountability and transparency, and as an inclusive and active project board and
enables resources to be allocated according systematic, effective mechanisms to engage
to objectives and expected results. This stakeholders. Cross-cutting issues such as
ensures efficient spending in the long-run gender mainstreaming are incorporated
and optimises the value of each activity in into the project description of activities
terms of real change. These fundamental through planning and the identification of
steps determine the overall quality of the resources and risks. The design of the project
project and enable meaningful evaluation of is strengthened by taking into consideration
change. duty-bearers and rights-holders.

REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND
PLANNING
PLAN PROJECT MONITORING
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To finalise the logframe and RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
PLAN STAKEHOLDER plan activity monitoring. The details of the project need to be
ENGAGEMENT
developed to prepare the description
DRAFT A WORK PLAN
of activities. They are put together
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
PLAN FINANCIAL throughout the planning phase in
MANAGEMENT ■ Results-based management preparation for the contract signature
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM ■ Human rights approach (page 56).
ASSESS RISKS
KEY PLAYERS Good practice is to build up research on
SIGN OFF THE PLANNING
PHASE AND DONOR ■ Project developers country and thematic issues with baseline
AGREEMENTS ■ Council of Europe offices data to be shared and used across the
■ Central programme co-ordination Organisation. Reports produced by the
■ Statistics offices of bene- Council of Europe should be linked to
ficiary partners projects and related reports (monitoring
mechanisms, different parts of the Council
KEY REFERENCES
■ Existing research, reports and
recommendations on a subject GOOD PRACTICE
■ Existing indicators and
Baseline data was identified for an anti-corruption
baseline data project proposal in Greece by combining external and
internal sources such as World Bank, EU, Transparency
International, GRECO, OECD and domestic sources. These
sources are a starting point for more specific indicators
relating to the project’s objectives and expected results
in detail. Measuring these specific indicators at regular
intervals would prove that the project contributes to
change through its activities.
DESCRIPTION OF
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME MONITORING PLAN ACTIVITIES
REFERENCES
www.coe.int/pmm
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy http://goo.gl/bt8pJx http://goo.gl/LzKRE4

BASIS
Project monitoring and evaluation focuses on improvement

and quality. While based on completed activities it is forward-
looking and drives future development. Project monitoring
should lead to changes in activities to further strengthen,
in particular, results-based and human rights perspectives. according to gender in all instances, in addition to age,
urban versus rural and even the vulnerable groups
Data disaggregation enables monitoring from different angles. identified in the stakeholder analysis if possible and if
It is sometimes sensitive and subject to data protection, it is not a sensitive issue (page 26). The equivalent
but this can be dealt with by tallying vulnerable groups disaggregation of external data should also be promoted.
according to the civil society organisations representing them,
or non-sensitive categorisation such as central versus local
KEY STEPS
government representation, government-supported NGO
versus independent involvement, etc. 1 Review the logframe drafted in the initiating phase
concerning risks identified, funding available, donor
Project evaluation is more specific and often targets special requirements/constraints, further feedback received
cases where it is possible and called for due to particular from stakeholders.
circumstances (a pilot new experience, a key theme in 2 Gather information on the baseline indicators. This
the project that is important in a bigger picture, strategic should be both quantitative and qualitative and
implications, etc.) disaggregated as much as possible to allow for
measurement by different target groups (men, women,
age and possibly vulnerable groups).
3 Record both internal and external data sources for
of Europe such as the Human Rights Commissioner, visits
baseline information, including therefore outputs from
of the Secretary General and Court case law). Research into
Council of Europe monitoring reports, the European
the project subject area by other international institutions
Court of Human Rights, action plans, and the results
and NGOs should also be referenced along with quality
of previous co-operation projects. Fieldwork may
academic research.
also be needed to gather baseline data.
For a thorough baseline analysis and planning of
4 Consider if there are any data privacy or data protection
monitoring/evaluation of the project, any national statistics
issues that need to be addressed.
institutions or other offices responsible for statistics should
be contacted and the availability of useful statistics 5 Refine the indicators, means of verification and
to support indicators should be assessed. Statistical assumptions.
measurement and data quality should be promoted. Set clear targets on the basis of the indicators and
6
This is an area of added value of the Council of Europe’s baseline data.
co-operation programmes as described here in the good
practice boxes. 7 Populate the data in the monitoring plan based on
the logframe. The focus should be on the outcomes of
A project should collect its own data when external data activities and how they lead to the project’s eventual
is not available or reliable. impact.
8 Communicate the monitoring plan widely internally
HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH and externally. Different stakeholders need to know
what their roles and responsibilities are and what data
A project should monitor its effects according to the gender
they are expected to provide to demonstrate results.
mainstreaming strategy and participation and inclusion
of vulnerable groups and civil society. Best practice is for
statistical data to be disaggregated. There are two types
of data to consider in this context: internally generated GOOD PRACTICE
data and external data (provided by national statistics There was no data available on attitudes and atmosphere in schools for an
institutes and departments of statistics, etc.). education project in Turkey. Research was carried out in pilot schools by
the project team through structured interviews and surveys. A thematic
Project teams are responsible for internally generated
evaluation on school atmosphere was published as a result.
data and so should disaggregate all project information

MAKE PROJECT BOARD
PLANNING
ARRANGEMENTS
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To prepare in detail the governance At the planning stage the project
PLAN STAKEHOLDER arrangements for the project with governance arrangements need to be
ENGAGEMENT the emphasis on a project board. detailed and prepared. This relates to the
DRAFT A WORK PLAN terms of reference of the project board. It
PLAN FINANCIAL
can only carry out a meaningful governance
MANAGEMENT GUIDING PRINCIPLES role if its members are committed and
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM ■ Human rights approach given the responsibility to contribute
ASSESS RISKS ■ Results-based management to the running of the project so that it
■ Council of Europe achieves its full potential impact, affecting
PHASE AND DONOR strategy and values the right people and local situation.
AGREEMENTS
KEY PLAYERS
■ Project developers Real inclusion and accountability are key
■ Council of Europe office in decision-making processes. These can
■ Donor representative only be achieved through acknowledged
■ Beneficiary partner accountable terms of reference for a project board that
officer guarantee shared responsibility for major
project decisions. The project board can
take various forms according to different
projects: for joint programmes and
steering committee governs the project,
for voluntary contributions a management
team should be established in proportion
to the level of funding.
Time and effort should be allocated to
develop the terms of reference. Agreeing
the terms of reference can entail time-
consuming and difficult negotiations.
PROJECT BOARD TERMS

TEMPLATES OF REFERENCE
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/GkX6wx

BASIS
Governance arrangements are important to ensure the

strategic guidance, accountability and transparency of
the project, which promotes ownership and committed
sponsorship. These are both key ingredients of success and
RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT impact. This management process involves the integration
The project board is vital for the success of the project of the project into the organisation, the quality control and
because it builds ownership and lays the foundations for authorisation of senior management and the inclusive decision
sustainability. All major reports and findings from projects making with partners and stakeholders. The project board
should be delivered to relevant authorities. in particular strengthens the meaningful participation of
COUNCIL OF EUROPE STRATEGY AND VALUES diverse stakeholders.
The project board can be further strengthened by
establishing links to and accountability of the relevant pillars
and sectors of the Council of Europe. Intergovernmental
steering committees or other Council of Europe structures
should be informed about projects in their subject areas.
KEY STEPS
1 Identify the different types of decisions required
(budgetary, resourcing, project design) and associated
key milestones, and the stakeholders necessary to
ensure equality, diversity and inclusive participation,
that is representative of all beneficiaries, and takes
into consideration gender and vulnerable groups
wherever possible.
2 Anticipate the decisions that are likely to be required DEFINITIONS
by the board, e.g. assessment of risk, project size and
donor requirements. Project board: makes the key decisions to direct and monitor the project,
comprised of the key accountable officers of the main institutions involved.
3 Draw up terms of reference for the project board
(project board terms of reference) and appoint Steering committee: most frequent type of project board as a
members. compulsory requirement for EU/Council of Europe joint programmes.

PLAN STAKEHOLDER
PLANNING
ENGAGEMENT
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To focus on the most relevant RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
PLAN STAKEHOLDER stakeholders to be engaged Communicating and involving key target
ENGAGEMENT throughout the project groups is one of the most effective ways to
DRAFT A WORK PLAN (supporting planning). support changes and results identified in
PLAN FINANCIAL the logframe. Political support is essential
MANAGEMENT To outline how the political support and the project needs to be continually
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM for the project itself and the goals of scrutinised to optimise results.
ASSESS RISKS the project (take-up of the results) will
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
SIGN OFF THE PLANNING be obtained through engagement STRATEGY AND VALUES
PHASE AND DONOR activities (communication and
AGREEMENTS
dissemination of results). Council of Europe’s approach relies on
stakeholders forming networks, sharing
knowledge and good practice, engaging
GUIDING PRINCIPLES in dialogue and key debates. Co-operation
■ Results-based management programmes are a unique opportunity to
■ Council of Europe reach out to wider ranges of stakeholders.
strategy and values It can only be achieved through a detailed
■ Human rights approach and targeted engagement plan.
KEY PLAYERS
■ See Basis box (next page) Different groups need to be considered
in different ways, and this is especially
KEY REFERENCES important where gender issues and
■ Existing stakeholder analyses vulnerable groups are concerned. Civil
society, in particular, may provide useful
links and bridges to reach groups in
a meaningful way. The stakeholder
engagement plan helps ensure broad
involvement and inclusion.
TEMPLATES STAKEHOLDER REGISTER

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/FU6ZjE

BASIS
Stakeholders are crucial for the human rights

approach
The stakeholder engagement plan will form the basis of
the entire process of interaction with internal and external
stakeholders and for the allocation of key roles to the external KEY STEPS
stakeholders (member of the project board, etc.). Stakeholders 1 Consider the different nature of each stakeholder and
can be divided into six categories: their interest/investment in the project (as rights-
holders or duty-bearers if possible.)
■ Resource providers: they provide financial input,
2 Based on these analyses identify different methods
political direction and support – i.e. donors/partners,
of engagement for each.
such as the European Union.
3 Select relevant internal and external stakeholders
■ Target groups: the target groups are those directly to be involved in project activities. Consider their
affected by the project and directly benefiting from the different contributions, while aiming to cultivate
work of the Council of Europe – those receiving training, diversity, respect equality and enhance meaningful,
inclusive participation.
participating in conferences, reading the research
conducted, etc. These groups, like the beneficiaries, 4 Complete the stakeholder register taking into
account:
should also be thought of in terms of rights-holder
and duty-bearer. a. which internal stakeholder should be engaged for the
project;
■ Beneficiaries: those who directly/indirectly benefit, b. benefits that the stakeholder will bring to the project;
in the longer term, from the improved capacity (skills, c. benefits that the project could bring to the stakehol-
knowledge, etc.) and quality of services and products der;
of the target groups – e.g. citizens, national authorities, d. methods of engagement and stage of involvement
throughout the project;
local authorities and other institutions of the country
e. expected outcomes of the engagement;
of implementation. f. role of the stakeholder (just for external stakeholders);
■ Project partners: stakeholders who participate g. communication and feedback channels to be used;
in or organise some parts of activities – e.g. NGOs, h. timeframe (how often and when the communication/
interaction should be sent).
framework contractors, event-planners and trainers.
These are neither target groups nor beneficiaries, 5 Encourage horizontal co-operation between Council
of Europe departments and projects by considering
but their co-operation is vital for the successful how the project can contribute to others in the
implementation of the project. country/region and/or on this theme.
■ Equivalent actors: stakeholders working in similar
areas or on similar topics with whom the risk of overlap
should be minimised.
GOOD PRACTICE
■ Other parts of the Council of Europe seeking to
In Armenia a list of key target groups was proposed to be engaged in a project.
build on the results of and benefit from the lessons The list was discussed again during a fact-finding mission in the first month
learned in existing/completed projects. of implementation in order to revise the list as necessary. The plan was then
followed to involve and interact with different stakeholders in the best ways.

DRAFT A
PLANNING
WORK PLAN
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To draft a work plan that is used to HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH
PLAN STAKEHOLDER negotiate timing and key activity Time and preparation are needed ahead
ENGAGEMENT details with partners and stakeholders, of all activities to ensure gender balance
DRAFT A WORK PLAN following the logframe, stakeholder among participants and as inclusive an
PLAN FINANCIAL engagement plan, budget, project approach as possible. The timing and
MANAGEMENT team plan, and risk register. duration of activities will affect different
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM participants’ availability and therefore
ASSESS RISKS require special attention to make sure
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SIGN OFF THE PLANNING there are no constraints on participation.
PHASE AND DONOR ■ Human rights approach
AGREEMENTS ■ Results-based management RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
■ Field presence The timing of activities is important to
ensure that mutually supporting events
KEY PLAYERS
follow the best sequence and that there is
■ Project developers enough time around activities to properly
■ Central programme co-ordination monitor and evaluate outcomes. These are
often not detectable until at least a short
KEY REFERENCES
period of time has passed.
■ Existing logframes and work plans
The attendance of significant figures in
senior management and from the Council
of Europe office can enhance the impact
and credibility of events. Timing is a major
issue because of availability; advance
notice through good work planning is
important.
TEMPLATES WORK PLAN

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/5od6hY

BASIS
The work plan is the centre of attention to optimise the

results of activities. It serves to focus the project board’s
attention on the next series of results, using milestones
to mark the different stages. This should help with buy-in
to activities and avoid some of the delays in agreeing the
best dates for events.
The preparation time of each activity is vital to focus on its main
goals such as for training: the ideal participant profile both
in terms of non-discrimination and gender mainstreaming
and the participants that have the greatest opportunity of
driving outcomes and impact. The work plan also provides
an opportunity to concentrate on high-risk areas and the
best ways to mitigate them.
FIELD PRESENCE
A work plan prepared for at least six-month periods is used GOOD PRACTICE
to approve activities and their respective expenditure. The training of Roma mediators was assessed later on through appraisals
This frees up time to enable staff to concentrate on and job performance assessment, along with questionnaires and surveys of
the substance of activities through close liaising and the mediators. This enabled analysis of the outcomes of the training (further
co-operation with stakeholders, to ensure effective results development of knowledge of skills, applied in experience, practice of
are achieved. knowledge of skills) in addition to the outputs already at the training stage
and over time (retention of knowledge and skills). This meant that it needed to
occur a certain time after the training, and thus be programmed a minimum
KEY STEPS number of months before project end so that the analysis could be carried out.
1 Consult the full list of project and support activities,
and check that it includes all tasks relating to the
management processes and project events.
2 Consider the timing of these activities while calculating
external factors, such as availability of target groups
and key policy developments/political events.
3 Complete the work plan. It shows in which months
particular activities take place.
DEFINITIONS
4 Define project milestones in the work plan to mark
stages in completing work (reporting milestones to Support activities: management activities that are for
the donor, from stakeholders at local level, etc.). implementation but do not result in project outputs.
5 Ensure that the work plan is coherent with other Milestones: markers that separate progress into manageable sections.
projects and action plans where applicable.

PLAN FINANCIAL
PLANNING
MANAGEMENT
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To plan the financial management A well-planned budget is the basis for good
PLAN STAKEHOLDER of the project and to update financial management. It should support
ENGAGEMENT the budget according to details efficient and timely financial procedures
DRAFT A WORK PLAN negotiated during planning. such as requesting quotes for services and
PLAN FINANCIAL
raising purchase orders according to the
MANAGEMENT different activities envisaged.
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Good financial management also involves
ASSESS RISKS ■ Results-based management regular financial monitoring. There are
SIGN OFF THE PLANNING different requirements for each project
KEY PLAYERS
PHASE AND DONOR that the finance unit needs to be aware
AGREEMENTS ■ Donor/contracting agency of to provide timely support.
■ Project developers
■ Cost centre manager RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
■ Finance unit Link budgets to results so that the ratio
of spending to different outcomes and
impacts is also identifiable for future
monitoring and reporting.
Donors are an essential part of the
stakeholder management and the financial
planning is an opportunity to develop
a relationship of openness and mutual
confidence. It is important to confirm
expectations of the financial monitoring
throughout the project in accordance with
the contractual terms.
TEMPLATES WORK PLAN PMM BUDGET TOOL

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/5od6hY http://goo.gl/tzzUuz

KEY STEPS
1 Update and make necessary adjustments to the
budget in the PMM budget tool.
2 Compare the cost estimates to the funding available
and the terms and conditions of the funding.
3 Identify the milestones for financial reporting (e.g.
internal reporting to the project board, donor
reporting requirements) and mark these in the work
plan.
4 Liaise with cost centre manager and finance unit to
discuss the financial reporting needs and milestones
in relation to the project.

PLAN THE
PLANNING
PROJECT TEAM
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To plan for good team collaboration Although the project core team is normally
PLAN STAKEHOLDER and competence through well-defined relatively small, some important aspects
ENGAGEMENT responsibilities, working methods, of Council of Europe team building should
DRAFT A WORK PLAN sharing of experience and support. be kept in mind. The divisions between
PLAN FINANCIAL
headquarters and Council of Europe
MANAGEMENT To foresee training needs. offices, salaried staff and international and
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM national consultants all create different
ASSESS RISKS
dynamics that need careful attention
GUIDING PRINCIPLES to ensure optimum team performance.
PHASE AND DONOR ■ Field presence Understanding and preparing for these
AGREEMENTS ■ Human rights approach different aspects will strengthen project
■ Results-based management work and support the key comparative
advantages, such as the network of experts
KEY PLAYERS in regular contact with the Organisation.
■ Project developers FIELD PRESENCE
Confirm the understanding of the
respective roles and responsibilities of
the project team at headquarters and in
the field location.
Ensure that recruitment planning takes into

account equal opportunities in line with
Council of Europe rules and regulations.
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME TEAM PLAN

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy http://goo.gl/eCl1E4

If possible make sure there is sufficient time between the GOOD PRACTICE
contract signature and the project start dates to recruit the Allow enough time between the signature of a contract and the start date
project team from the beginning. Where circumstances to ensure that the project team is recruited for the whole duration of the
force projects to start on the date of signature, try to project where possible. If not ensure that recruitment is carried out in order
anticipate the recruitment of project staff and agree for contracts to begin as soon as the project contract is signed. All project staff
contracts to begin as soon as projects are signed. A project started on the first day of a Joint Programme in Serbia.
team that starts immediately makes sure time and efforts
are focused as much as possible on results (see the good
practice box).
KEY STEPS
1 On the basis of information about activities, project
duration and objectives outlined in the logframe,
calculate the overall human resources needed to
undertake the project. Identify the relationships
between headquarters, the Council of Europe offices
and different groups of experts.
2 Make sure that the roles and responsibilities for all
team members are absolutely clear and recognise
both the need to bring the project close to the
beneficiary and to co-ordinate experts involved in
different projects and committees at the same time.
3 Review the team design as explored in the “Design
the project team” procedure (page 34). Confirm
the expertise required and assess gaps in available
resources (in the project team and the organisational
capacity of stakeholders).
4 Plan for training and meetings that will develop
core Council of Europe skills and knowledge, and
counteract distance-relationships with gaps in time
and sometimes irregular communication lines.
5 Check the human rights approach, e.g. ensure that
gender mainstreaming is reflected in the team plan.
6 Recruit the project team to begin as soon as the
contract is signed or on the start date agreed.

PLANNING
ASSESS RISKS
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To assess and plan mitigation of More detailed risk assessment should
PLAN STAKEHOLDER detailed risks identified through help to better target resources and prevent
ENGAGEMENT planning and consultation. unforeseen and time-consuming obstacles.
DRAFT A WORK PLAN
Risks become clearer as the project details
PLAN FINANCIAL are developed during the planning. The list
MANAGEMENT KEY PLAYERS
of risks should be completed and assessed.
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM ■ Project developers
■ Risk owner Risk management is a team matter. If risks
ASSESS RISKS
■ Risk manager need mitigating or review in the near
PHASE AND DONOR
future then clear responsibility has to be
AGREEMENTS assigned, to the project manager in many
cases, to ensure follow-up.
There are different strategies for risk
mitigation or acceptance and appropriate
actions need to be determined accordingly.
The key to risk management is the use of
mitigating actions that would not have
been implemented otherwise and that
help project objectives to be met.

REFERENCES

Risk managers should deal with each risk identified KEY STEPS
according to the four “T”s below.
1 Review all the risks listed in the risk register and
• Take the risk: allow for the risk to materialise and its
amend or add any new ones arising through the more
consequences absorbed.
complete view of the project in the planning phase.
• Treat the risk: adopt measures that limit the damage
caused or arrange an alternative approach/contingency 2 I dentify the likelihood of these risks materialising and
plan to adopt should the risk materialise. the impact should they do so (likelihood x impact =
• Terminate the risk: adopt measures to prevent the severity).
risk occurring.
3 esign appropriate risk mitigation action and strategy
D
• Transfer the risk: transfer to another owner by buying
if necessary to target the causes of the risks.
insurance or paying a deposit, for example.
Risk management should be practical and support 4 Clearly define the responsibility for regular assessment
objectives, not just processes in themselves. It is more of risks and mitigation, and plan for regular reviews
important to secure results rather than carry out activities of the project risks.
exactly as planned, and this should be taken into 5 Use the risk register to make risk owners fully
consideration. responsible for their risks and superiors aware of
them, as necessary.
GOOD PRACTICE
A Nordic donor obtained assurance for a project proposal by specifically DEFINITIONS
requesting information on how risks were going to be managed. The risk
management information provided helped the ministry to provide a voluntary Risk mitigation: employing measures to reduce risks by
contribution for the project in question. diminishing the likelihood or impact of those risks.
H
PRO BAB I L IT Y
MH
ML
LOW MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM HIGH HIGH
IM PA C T
Figure 6 – Risk matrix

SIGN OFF THE PLANNING PHASE
PLANNING
AND DONOR AGREEMENTS
A PROJECT
REFINE THE LOGFRAME

AND PLAN PROJECT
MONITORING
AIM STRATEGY
MAKE PROJECT BOARD
ARRANGEMENTS To take stock of work to date and At this point senior management plays an
PLAN STAKEHOLDER carry out a thorough quality control, important role to ensure the integration
ENGAGEMENT followed by full transfer of information of project work into the wider scheme
DRAFT A WORK PLAN to supervisors and key stakeholders. of organisational strategy and to
PLAN FINANCIAL
assure quality. The quality of technical
MANAGEMENT To assure the quality of the project co-operation projects and programmes
PLAN THE PROJECT TEAM design according to the Project derives from the main principles of the
ASSESS RISKS Management Methodology. Council of Europe approach: Council of
Europe strategy and values, results-based
PHASE AND DONOR To sign the final contract management and the human rights
AGREEMENTS
with the donor. approach.
Structured planning provides a solid basis
to start running the project activities. The
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
authorisation at the necessary superior
■ Council of Europe levels brings greater support and
strategy and values awareness from strategic perspectives
■ Human rights approach and enables broader dissemination of
information across the Organisation.
KEY PLAYERS
■ Project supervisor
■ Project senior management
■ Donor
QUALITY CHECKLIST
DESCRIPTION OF (INITIATING AND
TEMPLATES ACTIVITIES PLANNING PHASE )
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/LzKRE4 http://goo.gl/aY8r7o

BASIS
Human rights approach

Quality assurance should ensure among other things that the
human rights approach is integrated into project management.
The governance arrangements should provide equal
KEY STEPS
opportunity for active participation and inclusion in decision
making of people that are not part of political and public 1 Revise the description of activities according to the
quality control and in order to prepare the contract
authorities, and, in particular, on a gender basis and taking signature.
into account vulnerable groups.
2 Review the project file in accordance with the quality
Stakeholder management should identify and promote the checklist (initiating and planning phase). The
diversity of people involved with and connected to a project Council of Europe programming and vision, along
by focusing on the different perspectives of: with a results-based management and human rights
approach should underpin all these processes.
■ groups trying to claim rights; Review the checklist, seek initial approval from the
3
■ organisations that should be protecting rights; programme co-ordinator or head of department and
approval from the head of department to launch the
■ other organisations that either promote or inadvertently project implementation.
weaken rights; 4 Arrange for the finalisation and signature of the
■ individuals unaware of their rights. contract with the donor under the authority of the
Secretary General.
Objectives should be set that improve human rights protection,
or extend services to vulnerable people that are not being
reached.
Financial resources should be allocated to groups that suffer
from hidden costs that being involved in projects may entail.
Project teams should be designed to access particular
skills and experience related to vulnerable group or gender
perspectives.
Finally, risk management should consider the threats of not
fully implementing the human rights approach, such as only
changing the situation of groups that are already claiming
their rights, thus restricting the chances for vulnerable groups
even more.

IMPLEMENTING
A PROJECT
IMPLEMENTING A PROJECT

Inception report Project board meeting minutes
Activity reports Monitoring plan
Progress reports Risk register
Final report Stakeholder register
The running of a project is always busy COUNCIL OF EUROPE

and involves juggling many different STRATEGY AND VALUES
tasks. It is the thorough planning and
prioritisation established throughout The implementation of projects needs to
the initiating and planning phases that be observed and scrutinised at every stage
will enable the most effective multi- of progression from activity to activity.
tasking. This needs to be supported by The connections to the Council of Europe
monitoring and reporting throughout strategy have only been theoretical up to
implementation. this point. The description of activities and
the monitoring and evaluation strategy
are key factors in ensuring this link is really
established through the activities themselves
and the day-to-day running of the project.
Running activities can be complicated by Key cross-cutting issues relating to

many little challenges and obstacles such as the human rights approach are only
costs, services, press, officials, protocol, travel meaningfully addressed during the actual
and accommodation, and the environment. running of the project. The project board/
This means that results-based management steering committee is key for accountability
needs to be the basis of all decisions to and participation through regular review and
make the most difference through activities. decision-making processes. Provision should
Furthermore, rules and regulations must be made through monitoring and collecting
be followed and costs should be kept to a data to measure the strength and value of the
minimum. Results are not self-evident, so human rights approach. This is supported by
evidence should be gathered to demonstrate stakeholder engagement and regular work
change in addition to standard audit data on on project risk management.
numbers and actual costs. Project reports
need to be based on this change; monitoring
of and reporting on regular activities should
generate most of the content for these
reports through day-to-day operations and
records.

LAUNCH THE PROJECT WITH A
IMPLEMENTING
PROJECT BOARD MEETING
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To launch the project with a project The launch of the project should involve
RUN AND MONITOR board meeting at the same time two project activities: the project board
ACTIVITIES or followed by a launch event. meeting and a formal kick-off event
COLLECT DATA wherever possible. The first project activity
ON RESULTS should be the project board meeting. The
COMMUNICATE ON TIMEFRAME launch event may also be held as a high-
THE PROJECT profile official launch of the project with
■ First three months of the project
MAKE FINANCIAL media coverage.
COMMITMENTS AND
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SETTLE EXPENDITURE The project board is vital for a transparent,
SUPPORT THE ■ Results-based management accountable process that is as inclusive,
PROJECT TEAM
diverse and respectful of equality as
KEY PLAYERS
MANAGE RISKS possible. The functioning of such a board
MONITOR AND REPORT ON
■ Project team is important, and well-planned terms of
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Project senior management reference need to be emphasised in the first
UPDATE/FURTHER ■ Members of the project board meeting to firmly establish these principles
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN
and attention to Council of Europe values
DRAFT PROGRESS and results-based management. The
REPORTS
project board should then direct the first
WRAP UP THE
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
six months of activities.
AND QUALITY CONTROL
The project board should count civil society
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT representatives among its members to
strengthen inclusive participation.
The first project board meeting is an
opportunity for members to commit to
the project, and an official acceptance of
the drafted terms of reference should be
included in the minutes.
PROJECT BOARD TERMS QUALITY CHECKLIST DESCRIPTION OF

TEMPLATES OF REFERENCE (IMPLEMENTING PHASE) WORK PLAN ACTIVITIES
REFERENCES
www.coe.int/pmm
http://goo.gl/GkX6wx http://goo.gl/xdcVDM http://goo.gl/5od6hY http://goo.gl/LzKRE4

The project board should approve the first activities to GOOD PRACTICE
be run, which are combined fact-finding and baseline All the members of the steering committee for a project in Bosnia and
assessments to ensure there is enough evidence to support Herzegovina were involved and present at each meeting. No activities were
the logframe, the theory of change and monitoring and carried out without everyone’s agreement. The steering committee terms
evaluation. of reference could have been better because there were voting rights for the
representatives of ministries, but not for the representatives of universities and
academia in the higher education project.
KEY STEPS Steering committees can benefit from including either high-level ministers
Share a meeting agenda and the completed with greater decision-making authority or assistant ministers with more
1
description of activities in advance so that technical knowledge on the project topics, but it is difficult to mix levels.
participants can participate meaningfully with This was solved in the higher education project by working with the assistant
feedback and contributions. ministers in the steering committee despite their reluctance to take decisions,
combined with the project manager summarising the steering committee
2 Use the project board terms of reference to confirm meetings in individual meetings with ministers and getting their approval for
the right stakeholders are participating and that the the steering committee suggestions. In other projects, the steering committee
principles of inclusiveness, diversity and equality are was high level and thus more efficient in decision making, supported by sub-
clear to everyone. groups involving the more technically competent assistant ministers.
3 Hold the first project board meeting and discuss
the key documents, the work plan and the project
plan, including the quality checklist (implementing
phase), so that everybody is fully aware of the project
and quality expectations.
4 Get the formal approval of the project board for the
project documents, in particular the work plan, so
that the project team has the mandate to run the
first phase of activities. Make revisions to the work
plan if necessary.
5 Plan the sequence of project board meetings
according to the terms of reference and check these
plans with the board.

MANAGE FINANCES AND
IMPLEMENTING
FINANCIAL MONITORING
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To manage the financial and Knowledge of Council of Europe’s financial
RUN AND MONITOR contractual aspects of the regulations is essential to comply with
ACTIVITIES project according to the highest rules and regulations, along with a good
COLLECT DATA professional standards. knowledge of the terms of the agreement
ON RESULTS with the donor.
COMMUNICATE ON
THE PROJECT Project team members should familiarise
TIMEFRAME
themselves with all relevant financial
MAKE FINANCIAL
COMMITMENTS AND
■ Throughout project implementation regulations, guidelines and procedures.
SETTLE EXPENDITURE
KEY PLAYERS For the sake of smooth financial
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Project team management, the project team should
MANAGE RISKS ■ Cost centre manager establish the chain of authorisation for
■ Finance unit different forms of purchases and applicable
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Council of Europe offices thresholds. To ensure maximum flexibility
and transparency in the selection of
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN KEY REFERENCES suppliers, competitive procedures
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Financial guidelines should be organised at a very early stage
REPORTS available on the Intranet of a project. This should result in lists of
WRAP UP THE qualified suppliers for the whole duration
IMPLEMENTING PHASE of the project if possible.
AND QUALITY CONTROL
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT All procurement thresholds are cumulative

for each project and applied to its whole
period (see financial guidelines available
on the Intranet).
In some countries, projects have to be
registered, either legally or in order to
obtain VAT exemption, whether they are
country-specific or regional.

Financial monitoring should be agreed with the finance
unit and the cost centre manager. In practice, bimonthly GOOD PRACTICE
reporting will often be established and different trigger
In Georgia a project fully incorporated the six-monthly activity plan and
points should be determined to track absorption of budget,
expenditure was authorised for that entire period. This freed up time
variations on budget lines, sub-headings and ratios of
previously spent on obtaining authorisation both at the Council of Europe
human resource costs to other operational costs.
office and in headquarters. This time was devoted to monitoring results to
Make informed decisions based on this reporting in order ensure that outputs really drove outcomes.
to reallocate and adjust activity estimates, bring forward
or postpone activities, prepare an activity forecast; and/
or notify or request budget modifications to the donor.
Agree with the cost centre manager when budget reviews
should take place.
KEY STEPS
1 Register the project and obtain VAT exemption
for all expenditure relating to the project, where
applicable.
2 In the interests of compliance and an audit trail, all
supporting documents should be readily available
at all times. They should be archived in such a way
that the files can be located without any difficulty
according to budget head, activity and purchase
order number.
3 Where contracts are drawn up and purchases made,
thresholds should be determined on the basis of the
entire project period and full cost forecasts, and then
the appropriate level of advice and procedure should
be followed.
4 Hold a meeting with the cost centre manager and
finance unit to agree specific reporting needs, focus
points and triggers for the project.
5 Consult legal advice on best types of contracts for the
range of services required for the project. The legal
advice department provides specific support to draft
tender documentation, regardless of the applicable
threshold.

RUN AND MONITOR
IMPLEMENTING
ACTIVITIES
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To run activities as efficiently and In the planning phase the focus is on a
RUN AND MONITOR productively as possible with top-down overview of objectives. In
ACTIVITIES the correct groups involved, and implementation, the focus is on activities
COLLECT DATA monitor them according to the and how they combine to deliver results
ON RESULTS
results to which they contribute. that lead to change and impact. Managing
COMMUNICATE ON these activities is nearly always busy and
THE PROJECT challenging. The set of activities in each
MAKE FINANCIAL TIMEFRAME project varies considerably. Although the
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE ■ Throughout project implementation general approach to managing activities
should be standard, the nature and
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES individual content of each activity cannot
MANAGE RISKS ■ Human rights approach be described in detail in a handbook. These
■ Field presence steps should be adapted accordingly.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Results-based management The quality of projects depends on how
UPDATE/FURTHER the activities deliver outcomes and
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN KEY PLAYERS
eventually impact. This means that it is
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Project team not enough to gather groups of people
REPORTS ■ Council of Europe offices and produce outputs. The participants
WRAP UP THE
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
should be those that can achieve change
AND QUALITY CONTROL
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT
GOOD PRACTICE
In Ukraine a one-day training session was delivered to
prison directors to help understand the technical side
of the project. This improved their participation and
contribution to the project.
DESCRIPTION OF
TEMPLATES WORK PLAN ACTIVITIES ACTIVITY REPORT MONITORING PLAN
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/5od6hY http://goo.gl/LzKRE4 http://goo.gl/2Nc7VE http://goo.gl/bt8pJx

BASIS
The monitoring of outputs is an essential step to prove progress

towards achieving outcomes and ultimately the impact in
a project.
Quantity and quality are important to assess outputs:
research documents; test results; feedback forms; press
30 officers trained does not make a difference if they were
items; manuals; modules; plans; designs; etc.
either trained on something they already knew, trained on
something that is unrelated to their jobs, or not inspired to In order to determine the success of an activity both the
quantity and quality of the product or service need to be
use the new skills and knowledge afterwards. recorded. A final assessment should be documented for
each activity according to reporting standards that capture
the quantity and quality of outputs.
and put the outputs into practice. Monitoring provides
evidence that change is occurring. Reporting may be provided by any participant of the
activity as long as they meet the quality requirements
HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH of the assessment (i.e. a consultant, an expert, a partner
All activities should be approved by the project board. official, a project team member).
This ensures there is accountability and transparency, and
requires sufficient decision-making power being devolved
to the different stakeholders represented on the project KEY STEPS
board. Where possible, agendas or terms of references 1 Determine the project activities and/or tasks according
for all activities should be annexed to the work plan. to:
Activities should contribute to strengthening duty-bearers a. the agreed delivery method;
to meet their obligations and empowering rights-holders b. expected results (e.g. output, immediate outcomes,
to be aware of and to claim their rights whenever applicable. and intermediate outcomes);
Both the process and the outcomes are important for the c. timelines and delivery milestones;
human rights approach. d. costing in days of workload;
Internally generated data relating to each activity should e. eventual costs of activities;
be prepared and account for gender mainstreaming f. expected quality criteria and or policies to abide by;
and vulnerable groups. If possible it should also be g. project team co-operation;
disaggregated. h. key participants in accordance with capacity and
FIELD PRESENCE capacity gaps as rights- holders and duty-bearers.
Activities should be divided at least into six-monthly 2 Confirm the details of specific activities outlined in
periods according to the work plan. Grouping expenditure the description of activities and the work plan each
in blocks is more efficient, particularly if some expenditure time with partner counterparts, fixing the dates and
needs to be approved at headquarters. key participants.
Controls need to be put in place to ensure that any 3 Ensure that an activity report is submitted for every
overspending on an event is treated exceptionally activity within deadlines, by the project team and/or
with specific additional authorisation. Any unplanned project partners responsible for implementation in
expenditure should be authorised specifically, and as line with monitoring requirements for both output
soon as possible, according to the chain of authorisation. and outcome measurement.
RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT 4 Keep a record of each activity, filing all financial

documents and deliverables, according to activity
The result of each activity starts with the output: the and purchase order, in electronic or hard-copy format.
product or service delivered by the activity. An activity
in itself is the process that generates the output. A final 5 Document activities through video, photos and the
copy of the product or report of the service should be collection of testimonials and personal experience.
recorded in all their different shapes and forms: finalised 6 Collect all the data for indicators that measure the
participant lists; meeting minutes; redrafted documents; quantity and quality of the outputs of the activity
(products and services).

7 At pre-defined intervals (see work plan), check
whether the project activities have been implemented GOOD PRACTICE
according to the logframe by referring to the
In a project in Armenia, working groups were formed for legislative revision
indicators and quality of outputs.
taking into consideration gender balance and representation from different
8 Identify expected and unexpected outcomes, changes fields, such as universities, practitioners and social workers, and civil society
to the activities planned and lessons learned to representatives. This helped to ensure that the opinions of both sexes were
complete the activity monitoring section in the heard and discussed when drafting laws and also that different aspects of the
monitoring plan. matters concerned were taken into account.
9 Check all activity and monitoring reports to
disseminate key information and to provide feedback
and ask for more complete, substantiated reporting
if required.
10 Assess progress against the work plan (see page 48).

OUTPUT
MONITORING TOOLS
PHASE 2
PHASE 1 PHASE 3
Group therapy support training

to prison psychologists
IMMEDIATE
Group therapy
OUTCOME
introduced in prisons
INTERMEDIATE
Psychological support
OUTCOME
in prisons is enhanced
IMPACT
Ex-prisoners
better reintegrated
into the community
Figure 7 – Activity monitoring

IMPLEMENTING
COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To collect data on results and focus Data collection is essential for project
RUN AND MONITOR on outcomes and objectives. monitoring over and above the regular
ACTIVITIES monitoring of activities. It needs to be
COLLECT DATA managed specifically to obtain adequate
ON RESULTS TIMEFRAME data within the timeframe of the project.
COMMUNICATE ON ■ Throughout project Results often occur a period of time after
THE PROJECT activities and therefore this period of time
implementation with sufficient
MAKE FINANCIAL
time between activities should be planned within the project
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE and the project end duration, along with how related data will
■ After each activity be collected. It is good practice not to hold
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM any project activities during the last two
MANAGE RISKS
GUIDING PRINCIPLES to three months of the project.
■ Results-based management RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Human rights approach
■ Field presence As outputs develop into outcomes and
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Council of Europe impact, there is less direct contact with
DRAFT PROGRESS strategy and values activities and the project. This means that
REPORTS mechanisms and strategies need to be
WRAP UP THE KEY PLAYERS developed to gather reliable evidence to
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
■ Project team record outcomes and potential impact
AND QUALITY CONTROL
■ Project board within the lifetime of the project.
The collection of data on results provides an

opportunity to confirm the human rights
approach, for example disaggregation of
data (by gender, urban/rural, profession,
etc.), civil society involvement, and
parliamentary, local or regional dimensions.
TEMPLATES MONITORING PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/bt8pJx http://goo.gl/B04rAc

FIELD PRESENCE
Good data analysis and project monitoring benefits from GOOD PRACTICE
complementary input from both headquarters and Council Through the logframe a project in Turkey identified the statistics needed
of Europe offices. Analysis of the data collected from to support qualitative and quantitative indicators. The key counterparts
both the results and human rights perspectives may responsible for the collection of statistics were trained on monitoring
be enhanced by a step back from the detailed logistical and evaluation using the actual project as the case study. As a result they
running of events and activities. established the necessary data collection mechanisms to provide the statistics
that related to the indicators in the logframe. The ministry now sees the value
of these statistics to assess the effectiveness of their work and they continue
Details at outcome level are meaningful information for to collect them. The project was able to perform high-quality monitoring and
wider use across the Organisation and this information evaluate the results of the project in terms of outcome and impact thanks to
should be collected for the reporting and information these indicators.
dissemination described later on in the project cycle.
Follow-up projects could include an updated assessment
of these outcomes.
KEY STEPS
1 Collect data according to the pre-defined measurement
period and targets in the monitoring plan.
2 Prepare for discussions on performance and progress
towards expected results in project board meetings
and reporting on performance against expected
outputs/results in progress reports.

IMPLEMENTING
COMMUNICATE ON THE PROJECT
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To communicate key developments Communication in a project is an essential
RUN AND MONITOR in the project, to raise awareness element for its success. It should capture
ACTIVITIES about results and to promote them. the key messages about the outcomes
COLLECT DATA and potential impact of a project and
ON RESULTS communicate them to a target audience.
COMMUNICATE ON TIMEFRAME The quality of the communication is
THE PROJECT determined by the strength of the message.
■ Throughout project implementation
MAKE FINANCIAL It should promote the main project issues
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE
GUIDING PRINCIPLES through the benefits and positive effects
■ Results-based management of the project, rather than just the project
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Human rights approach itself.
MANAGE RISKS ■ Field presence It is important that all projects apply the
MONITOR AND REPORT ON “Visual identity of the Council of Europe and
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
KEY PLAYERS
graphic charter” to their communication
UPDATE/FURTHER ■ Project team materials. The visual identity is designed
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Council of Europe offices to draw attention to the existence of
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Communications directorate the Council of Europe and its values in
REPORTS
KEY REFERENCES
all communication media. This enhances
WRAP UP THE
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
the visibility and reputation of the
■ Visual identity of the Council of Organisation among its target audiences.
AND QUALITY CONTROL
Europe and graphic charter The recognition of the Council of Europe
as a unified, multi-constituent organisation
should be communicated through each
project.
TEMPLATES COMMUNICATION PLAN STAKEHOLDER REGISTER

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/p6qfCh http://goo.gl/FU6ZjE

Concrete results that are simply portrayed are powerful.
There should be direct links to the project, through specific GOOD PRACTICE
outputs that make a difference, for example a project
Over 500 individual stories were collected from the 10 pilot regions of a project
guidebook that supported a vulnerable group member’s
in Turkey. The local stories were indexed according to themes of the project
human rights claim, and gave them greater confidence in
and changes observed by end beneficiaries under the guidance of volunteers
fair treatment in their town; project training that changed
in target groups, teachers in this particular case. This was achieved by using
a teacher’s approach to participation in class; a project
the participatory and inclusive data collection technique “Most Significant
assessment that led to better psychological support and
Change”. The data supported both communication and the final evaluation
reduced the depressive tendencies of a group of prisoners.
of the project.
These examples are best portrayed in testimonials, with
high-quality photographs and video footage where
possible. Beneficiaries presenting the impact on their lives
where possible bring a human touch that is striking and
attracts attention. Read more in the introduction (page 15).
Communication is often an integral part of the activity

itself, for example in awareness-raising campaigns.
Communication reinforces results and encourages
further changes both in other components of the
project and beyond the project. Without substance, the
communication message risks being superficial and could
even undermine results.
An active approach to gathering materials should be
taken, which requires planning and effort before, during
and after activities.
Although time-consuming, it is worth considering
collaboration with professional media bodies. As an
example, Euronews was paid to produce an eight-
minute documentary of the inclusive education project
in South-East Europe in close co-operation with the project
supervisor and the project team. This meant the project
was presented repeatedly to a major news channel’s entire
audience across Europe in several different languages.
KEY STEPS
1 Plan and manage communication for each activity
and overall and complete the communication plan. DEFINITIONS
2 Ensure all the communication measures described in
contractual documents, such as a project website and/ Communication: the concerted effort to reach the target audience
or social media presence, are implemented. with a specific message, using the most effective tools.
Ensure the required communication measures comply Visibility: the elements that can be seen at a glance,
3
with organisational visibility and language rules and such as the use of a logo, institutional text.
those stipulated in the project contract.

MAKE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
IMPLEMENTING
AND SETTLE EXPENDITURE
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To make financial commitments Commitments are requested by the project
RUN AND MONITOR through purchase orders, approve team and authorised by the cost centre
ACTIVITIES deliverables and process payments. manager. No purchase order can be raised
COLLECT DATA without a prior creation of a supplier in the
ON RESULTS financial system. Care should be taken to
COMMUNICATE ON TIMEFRAME ensure that contractual documents are
THE PROJECT signed and dated after the creation of
MAKE FINANCIAL
■ Within payment deadlines the relevant purchase order. The date of
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE
signature of the contract should be prior
GUIDING PRINCIPLES to the start date of the service delivery.
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Human rights approach Forward planning is essential for the
MANAGE RISKS smooth running of the financial side of
KEY PLAYERS
MONITOR AND REPORT ON projects. Purchase orders should be raised
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Project team as far in advance as possible: two weeks
UPDATE/FURTHER ■ Cost centre manager at a minimum.
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Finance unit
DRAFT PROGRESS
Information for financial transactions
REPORTS KEY REFERENCES should be recorded along with all
WRAP UP THE ■ Financial guidelines information related to content.
IMPLEMENTING PHASE available on the Intranet
AND QUALITY CONTROL Payments should be based on full
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT documentation of deliverables, including
monitoring and results assessment.
Payments should not be made without
complete, finalised documentation and
confirmation that services have been
performed satisfactorily and in accordance
with the contractual obligations. It is the
responsibility of the project team to ensure
DESCRIPTION OF
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME ACTIVITIES PMM BUDGET TOOL
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy http://goo.gl/LzKRE4 http://goo.gl/tzzUuz

the quality of deliverables according to clear terms of
reference, monitoring of service delivery and critical GOOD PRACTICE
analysis of the final deliverable.
A project made administrative arrangements with Roma NGOs who were
Financial capacity and competence are key to ensure unfamiliar with the financial codes, budget lines and reports for their
accurate and reliable accounting. Partners in a Council of deliverables. They were invited to a Council of Europe training session with key
Europe project should be trained in order to understand units and the quality of their reports improved, to the praise of the EU donors.
contractual requirements, including financial procedures. There was 80% less work involved for each administrative arrangement while
The project team should explain these requirements before working with partners that were also target groups and beneficiaries.
partners sign contracts with the Council of Europe. If need
be, training and awareness raising should be provided.
KEY STEPS
1 Identify all purchases required over each coming
period of activities and request quotes from different
suppliers to obtain the best value for money.
2 Calculate the estimated overall value of orders for
each supplier over the entire project period to check
thresholds and compliance with financial regulations,
rules and guidelines. Revisit these estimates for
every purchase to make sure original forecasts are
still reliable.
3 Monitor the provision of services to ensure high levels
of quality. When possible, a member of the project
team should attend every activity.
4 Request payments once the quality of the deliverables
has been confirmed. All services and invoices should
be dated during the project period.
5 Ensure purchase orders are periodically closed.

IMPLEMENTING
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TEAM
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To support the project team The project team is usually both small in
RUN AND MONITOR to work well together. its core and widespread geographically
ACTIVITIES according to its network of consultants
COLLECT DATA and team members at headquarters and
ON RESULTS TIMEFRAME between Council of Europe offices. This
COMMUNICATE ON ■ Throughout project implementation presents challenges to building a strong
THE PROJECT and effective team, calling for good
■ As new team members arrive
MAKE FINANCIAL communication and mutual reinforcement
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE
GUIDING PRINCIPLES of the different skills and competences
■ Field presence among team members.
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Results-based management FIELD PRESENCE
MANAGE RISKS
KEY PLAYERS Both new team members and consultants
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Project team become representatives of the Council of
■ Council of Europe offices Europe. Their training needs to reflect
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN this fact. There is good practice of team
DRAFT PROGRESS
briefings and in-house training within
REPORTS project units, through team co-ordination
WRAP UP THE meetings, with at least some visits to
IMPLEMENTING PHASE headquarters for new arrivals. Specific
AND QUALITY CONTROL
induction training would also be helpful,
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT especially for local experts who tend to
have less experience with the Council of
Europe.
TEMPLATES TEAM PLAN

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/eCl1E4

Council of Europe office staff often represents the
Organisation in high-level meetings such as parliamentary GOOD PRACTICE
committee meetings. This should be recognised with
In a project in Armenia, there were very detailed terms of reference for
adequate support and knowledge provided for such
consultants. These provided the background, needs and objectives of the
representation. Staff members in Council of Europe offices
project in addition to their assignment. The terms of reference explained
are often asked to contribute to information requests
nuances and details between the project and the Council of Europe, making
because they have the detailed content knowledge in
connections that helped to understand the Council of Europe strategy. Training
the area of their projects. In-house training and regional
was given to the consultants on the technical requirements of the project
training initiatives should be encouraged.
before they started their work.
Training for different members of the project team should

be provided, along with templates such as a mission
report for both experts and new local staff, to understand
what and how to contribute to activities. Content should
focus more on outcomes and provide evidence. Tools,
training and support should be given to staff members
and consultants. Mentoring and on-the-job training should
be provided.
KEY STEPS
1 The team plan was produced in the planning stage
(page 52) and needs to be enlarged as new experts
join the team.
2 The team plan encourages good communication
between headquarters and Council of Europe offices.
There should be training for all staff concerned, sharing
of information, mutual support according to clear
roles and responsibilities, and different skills and
competences in the team.
3 All consultants contracted to work with the team
should be welcomed and have the Council of Europe
values and vision explained to them. Their work
contributes to the whole Organisation and this should
be duly recognised and supported.

IMPLEMENTING
MANAGE RISKS
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To manage risks by regular review, Quality risk management requires that
RUN AND MONITOR taking mitigating measures the real and imminent risks to project
ACTIVITIES and reporting to superiors objectives be identified, assessed and
COLLECT DATA and the project board. addressed adequately. Risks are wide-
ON RESULTS ranging, from technical to political. This
COMMUNICATE ON enhances the chances of success and the
THE PROJECT TIMEFRAME overall effectiveness of the project and
MAKE FINANCIAL
■ Every six months (minimum) often identifies opportunities.
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE ■ As and when required Risk management should be used to
SUPPORT THE strengthen co-ordination and get support
PROJECT TEAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES
at levels higher than the project team. It
MANAGE RISKS ■ Council of Europe should be a standing item on project board
strategy and values meeting agendas.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Human rights approach
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
UPDATE/FURTHER
KEY PLAYERS STRATEGY AND VALUES
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Project team Risk management can also benefit projects
REPORTS ■ Project board by harnessing official support on politically
WRAP UP THE ■ Senior management sensitive issues that threaten projects. An
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
AND QUALITY CONTROL
■ Council of Europe offices adequate response to risk often requires a
co-ordinated position by the Organisation,
for example, how to deal with project risks
in countries where government action
appears to violate human rights.
Individual project risk management should
contribute to other risk management
exercises in the Organisation at project and
programme levels and to the Organisation-
wide risk register.

REFERENCES

Social and cultural factors that affect projects can be GOOD PRACTICE
highlighted through risk management. Some issues are The risk that an expert group did not in fact have the required level of
considered controversial by certain beneficiaries, such as expertise to carry out their role in a project in Turkey had been identified as
LGBTI persons, and this can lead to resistance to change in the component was launched. A contingency plan was devised to substitute
important human rights areas. Risk management should that expertise with project team time and international expert advice. As the
give structure to these kinds of project risks. risk indeed materialised, the component was still effectively implemented
through the contingency plan, ensuring there was no loss in effectiveness.
KEY STEPS
1 Update the risk register by re-assessing risks and their
severity in line with the success or failure of different
mitigating actions.
2 Seize opportunities identified in the risk management
process.
3 Make a regular risk assessment during the project.
As best practice, the risk register should be presented
to risk owners and project co-ordinators at least every
six months, in advance of the steering committee
so that any new mitigating action can be adopted
officially.
4 Report on the risk register to the project board.
5 Consult with the project co-ordinator at any point in
time when major risks arise and escalate serious risks
to all stakeholders concerned to provide the greatest
chances of mitigation.

IMPLEMENTING
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To check actual spending A financial report needs to be prepared
RUN AND MONITOR against the budget and ensure in accordance with the project description
ACTIVITIES compliance of absorption with of activities and terms of reference to
COLLECT DATA contractual requirements. accompany project progress reports. As
ON RESULTS good practice financial reports should be
COMMUNICATE ON prepared more regularly at two or three-
THE PROJECT TIMEFRAME monthly intervals.
MAKE FINANCIAL
COMMITMENTS AND
■ Throughout project implementation Regular financial monitoring should
SETTLE EXPENDITURE ■ Every two months support decisions on spending for the
SUPPORT THE remaining activities. It is essential to
PROJECT TEAM KEY PLAYERS
remain within contractual agreements
MANAGE RISKS ■ Project team and financial and legal regulations.
■ Finance unit
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Cost centre manager Project teams receive analytical notes
addressed to the cost centre manager and
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN KEY REFERENCES to them alerting them of overspending,
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Financial guidelines underspending, low absorption rates and
REPORTS available on the Intranet unacceptable ratios of human resource
WRAP UP THE costs to operational costs. Project teams
IMPLEMENTING PHASE should take informed decisions on whether
AND QUALITY CONTROL
to notify donors, to reallocate resources
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT and/or to modify the project budget
through an official addendum.
The project team should check the
previous budget with reality and forecast
spending on future activities. The activities’
cost forecast is constantly changing and
needs updating.
DESCRIPTION OF
TEMPLATES ACTIVITIES
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/LzKRE4

KEY STEPS
GOOD PRACTICE
1 Review the actual expenditure against planned
expenditure and identify commitments that are lower Each interim financial report in a project in the Russian Federation was used
or higher than original estimates. Where commitments to tally the budget allocated to remaining activities with the overall project
do not align, identify why this is the case and whether budget. This identified adjustments that could be made to the most effective
any corrective action is needed. activities to use the financial resources in an optimal way. More participants
from different localities further from the capital were invited, helping to
2 Work with the cost centre manager and the finance spread the effects of the project. The changes were all introduced in the work
team if remaining funds need to be reassigned to plan and approved by the steering committee.
other activities.
At progress reporting stage:
3 Request the financial report from the finance unit,
close all purchase orders that are finally settled and
explain why the remaining purchase orders are still
open.
4 Obtain the financial report. In reporting, ensure that
expenditure is only carried out within the eligible
period.
At final reporting stage:
5 The preparation of the final financial report is the
same as for progress reports. In addition, qualitative
or supporting information should be provided, e.g.
to explain over- or underspending or the efficiency
and effectiveness of the project that can inform the
lessons learned report and future evaluations.

UPDATE/FURTHER DEVELOP
IMPLEMENTING
THE WORK PLAN
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To update and develop the work The approval of the work plan is a standing
RUN AND MONITOR plan and get formal approval item on the project board meeting agenda.
ACTIVITIES for these amendments. It is based on the latest financial reports
COLLECT DATA and adjustment of the remaining activities
ON RESULTS budget. The work plan will be affected by
COMMUNICATE ON TIMEFRAME over- or underspending and this should be
THE PROJECT fully accounted for in decisions on timing,
MAKE FINANCIAL
■ Every six months range and scale of the rest of the project.
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Results-based management The work plan should be adjusted according
MANAGE RISKS ■ Field presence to what is working best. It is closely linked
■ Human rights approach to the logframe and monitoring. The
FINANCIAL INFORMATION timing of remaining activities is important
KEY PLAYERS to ensure there is enough time for outcome
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Project team monitoring based on indicators and
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Project board evidence collection. If possible, try to take
REPORTS advantage of useful crossover between
WRAP UP THE components to strengthen results.
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
AND QUALITY CONTROL
DESCRIPTION OF
TEMPLATES LOGFRAME WORK PLAN ACTIVITIES
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/A1y0Vy http://goo.gl/5od6hY http://goo.gl/LzKRE4

There should be a work plan for the whole period of
the project, separated into the current period and the GOOD PRACTICE
remaining period. The remaining period work plan
The planning of participation at a roundtable in Turkey aimed for an equal
should indicate all the activities that were planned but
gender balance. The invitations were issued with plenty of time to spare
not implemented in a current period. In the case of delays
in order to re-contact female participants to see if they were able to make
or non-implementation, relevant justifications should be
arrangements to be able to attend. The majority of male participants did
provided. This helps to have a full picture of the status of
not face these constraints and immediately agreed. Completing invitations
implemented activities and to reflect progress along the
in one day would have meant an imbalance of men to women. An extended
results chain.
invitation period was needed.
FIELD PRESENCE
The work plan is the basis for the six-monthly expenditure

approval.
KEY STEPS
1 Revisit the work plan in advance of all steering
committee meetings to check whether the initial
plan requires changes/further detail on the basis of
activities carried out to date and information reported
in the progress review.
2 Make changes/further developments as required in
line with the logframe and description of activities.
3 Ensure effectiveness through support from any key
stakeholders affected by the work plan adjustments.

IMPLEMENTING
DRAFT PROGRESS REPORTS
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To draft progress reports including an RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT
RUN AND MONITOR inception report, where necessary. Management reporting is required over
ACTIVITIES
the project period, which may include
COLLECT DATA
ON RESULTS
inception, interim, progress, annual and
TIMEFRAME
final reports. Drafting the final report is
COMMUNICATE ON ■ After the inception period detailed on page 86. The reporting will
THE PROJECT
■ Throughout project implementation typically start with an inception report
MAKE FINANCIAL
COMMITMENTS AND
■ Every 6-12 months for the first three to six months, followed
SETTLE EXPENDITURE by reports detailed in the description of
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SUPPORT THE activities. Reports should provide high-
PROJECT TEAM ■ Results-based management level information that synthesises and
MANAGE RISKS ■ Human rights approach analyses the outcomes of activities rather
MONITOR AND REPORT ON than providing detailed descriptions of
KEY PLAYERS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION running activities.
UPDATE/FURTHER ■ Project team
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Project board Different contractual terms call for different
DRAFT PROGRESS
approaches to reporting in terms of precise
REPORTS KEY REFERENCES nature, regularity, length, detail and focus.
WRAP UP THE ■ Activity and monitoring reports Details should be aggregated at project
IMPLEMENTING PHASE ■ Previous project reports and objective level, and concentrate on
AND QUALITY CONTROL
■ Monitoring and evaluation reports overall effects and project-level issues:
DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT looking at effectiveness, potential
impact, coherence and sustainability.
In the inception report it is useful to focus
on prioritisation, to allow for fact-finding
activities (missions, research) and to define
the best indicators to measure results.
TEMPLATES INCEPTION REPORT PROGRESS REPORT

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/Kjq9z7 http://goo.gl/B04rAc

Many things may influence project results. Unplanned KEY STEPS
opportunities, such as extra events (conferences on
Inception Report
the project’s topic, evidence and contributions to a
parliamentary committee, an NGO roundtable), that 1 The inception report provides information on how the
are not part of the project’s description of activities but project implementation has been set up. It precedes
contribute to its outcomes, should be reported on. Different the vast majority of activities and therefore mostly
inspections, audits and evaluations offer objective sources contains information on the kick-off and steering
of information to include in reports. committee meeting and how planning has been
concluded and translated into the concrete work plan.
Good reports take into consideration their target audience
Progress Reports
and are drafted according to readers’ expectations. Bear in
mind that there may be multiple audiences, both primary 2 Read through the entries in the progress report that
and secondary readers. This means for instance sharing are fed through from the activities and monitoring
project information with beneficiaries, target groups and reports. Synthesise these entries according to the
partners. logframe, outcomes and expected results to emphasise
a results-based approach.
3 Consider possible requirements for interim evaluation.
Presenting elements of the PMM human rights approach in
progress reports can demonstrate the distinct advantages 4 In addition to the reports themselves, pay attention
of a Council of Europe project. There are important goals for to any appendices that may be useful to strengthen
reports beyond justifying funding. They are key elements the validity and reliability of the report (primary data,
in donor relations, the accountability and transparency indicators, lists of sources, interviews held, etc.).
of the project, and ensuring meaningful participation in
decision making. Reports should be shared widely among
all members of the project board with sufficient time in
advance of project board meetings for the main discussion
points and debates to be raised.

WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING
IMPLEMENTING
PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To determine and complete The second stage of quality control occurs
RUN AND MONITOR a series of final tasks that towards the end of project implementation.
ACTIVITIES wrap up implementation. Project and programme co-ordinators
COLLECT DATA should ascertain the key strategic aspects
ON RESULTS
To complete the quality control of each individual project to support senior
COMMUNICATE ON towards the end of implementation management quality control before the
THE PROJECT closing phase.
and prepare the final report.
MAKE FINANCIAL
COMMITMENTS AND Quality control calls for senior management
SETTLE EXPENDITURE to play an active role in project work. This
TIMEFRAME
SUPPORT THE active role supports the vital links between
PROJECT TEAM ■ During the final months of a project standards, monitoring and co-operation.
MANAGE RISKS
GUIDING PRINCIPLES In parallel, the nature of extra-budgetary
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ■ Council of Europe resources and project funding mean
strategy and values that the project team only works for the
UPDATE/FURTHER
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Human rights approach duration of the project. This means that
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Results-based management careful planning is needed to ensure that
REPORTS documenting and filing is as complete
WRAP UP THE KEY PLAYERS as possible by the end dates of projects.
IMPLEMENTING PHASE
■ Senior management Project teams should complete a series
AND QUALITY CONTROL
■ Project team of final wrap-up tasks in agreement with
■ Project supervisor project supervisors.
■ Project board COUNCIL OF EUROPE
■ Council of Europe offices STRATEGY AND VALUES
A series of tasks needs completing in order

to have complete information for the
closing phase of projects. A prerequisite
QUALITY CHECKLIST
TEMPLATES (IMPLEMENTING PHASE)
REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/xdcVDM

for the closing phase is the finalisation of lessons learned KEY STEPS
and the necessary links between individual projects and
Council of Europe strategy (see page 90 for more details.) 1 Review the entire project file, including the proposed
final results in accordance with the quality checklist
HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH (implementing phase).
A roundtable is a good technique to gather lessons 2 Ensure the project management has successfully
learned, convened with the project board and the main implemented the management processes and
stakeholders from target groups in accordance with the emphasised the cross-cutting commitments to human
human rights approach. rights, gender mainstreaming and equality.
RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT Agree a project finalisation work plan to ensure both
3
The latest data should to be obtained to support the a lessons learned roundtable is held and all results
final report with evidence-based analysis incorporating data is complete.
all indicators selected for the project. Such information 4 Identify the key stakeholders to attend the lessons
can only be obtained fully by the project team and is a learned workshop. These should include, as a
priority task at the end of the project. minimum, all members of the project team, of the
project board and, ideally, include partners who have
been involved in implementing the project, experts
and Council of Europe colleagues who might be able
to bring new perspectives based on their own projects.
5 Develop a discussion paper based on overall
project monitoring as collected throughout project
implementation and circulate it to the invited
participants. The discussion paper should also include
the workshop objectives.
6 Ensure the archiving of all project documents with an
index to access any single item immediately.
7 Involve the whole project team and any supervisors
or peers who have been following the project.

IMPLEMENTING
A PROJECT
LAUNCH THE PROJECT

WITH A PROJECT
BOARD MEETING
AIM STRATEGY
MANAGE FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL MONITORING To draft the main contents of the The final report will become the key
RUN AND MONITOR final report with the project board. reference to the project in the future.
ACTIVITIES It therefore provides the main link to
COLLECT DATA the Council of Europe and its body of
ON RESULTS TIMEFRAME co-operation programmes. It contributes
COMMUNICATE ON ■ Up to the final day of project to future programme development in
THE PROJECT co-operation and strengthens Council
implementation
MAKE FINANCIAL of Europe standards and monitoring by
COMMITMENTS AND
SETTLE EXPENDITURE
GUIDING PRINCIPLES providing data and analysis at local level
■ Results-based management and in specific contexts.
SUPPORT THE
PROJECT TEAM ■ Human rights approach Final reports are rarely completed within
MANAGE RISKS ■ Council of Europe the project period. However, the final
strategy and values project board meeting should contribute
FINANCIAL INFORMATION to and validate a final version of results
KEY PLAYERS
UPDATE/FURTHER achieved. This should provide the majority
DEVELOP THE WORK PLAN ■ Project team of the content for the final report.
DRAFT PROGRESS ■ Project board
REPORTS The final report should build on all the
WRAP UP THE KEY REFERENCES project reports (page 82) and focus on
IMPLEMENTING PHASE ■ Activity and monitoring reports project level and objectives according to
AND QUALITY CONTROL
■ Project reports evaluation criteria: relevance, efficiency,
■ Monitoring and evaluation reports effectiveness, potential impact,
coherence and sustainability in addition
to the human rights approach and Council
of Europe added value.
TEMPLATES FINAL REPORT

REFERENCES
http://goo.gl/GjA7qV

Final reports are the first reference point for a completed
project. Their narrative should be as interesting and
informative as possible, making use of stories, testimonials,
pictures, diagrams, lessons learned and external
evaluation.
Ensure that the information on results feeds into

programme (i.e. action plan or programme) level
analyses of progress and performance against the
programme objectives of the Programme and Budget
(see page 18, "Initiate a project management cycle").
KEY STEPS
1 Carry out a final analysis of the project results using
the information that has been collected throughout
the project and recorded in monitoring and report
templates.
2 Gather the final versions of all deliverables to attach
as an annex to the final report.
3 Follow up on any other comments, feedback and
– where necessary – review and revise the final report.
4 Transfer records to relevant departments and
directorates, particularly in support of future planning
and programming, and to prepare for thematic or
final evaluations.
5 Communicate and disseminate results to internal and
external stakeholders.

CLOSING
A PROJECT
CLOSING A PROJECT

Lessons learned report Thorough communication and
Fully archived project file dissemination of main project
findings
Closing the project is vitally important COUNCIL OF EUROPE

to create synergy and coherence both STRATEGY AND VALUES
with the overall co-operation technical
assistance and the Council of Europe’s The end of the project is a key stage to
other main functions. Lessons learned reinforce and contribute to the development
enable the Organisation to develop of the Council of Europe strategy. The
from all the pieces of work carried out, strategic triangle means that project results
while the dissemination and archiving and lessons play a vital role in developing
of project information provides for the the aims of the Organisation. This can only
future development of projects. happen if those lessons learned through
co-operation with key state institutions and
stakeholders are collected and managed
effectively in a strong knowledge system.
Results-based management contributes to Closing the project also provides an

this knowledge system by focusing on the opportunity to improve the human rights
essential aspects of the project that have approach underlying the Council of Europe
driven change. These lessons learned will Project Management Methodology. The
enhance future projects but also the standard- participatory governance mechanism should
setting and monitoring processes. There is review all cross-cutting issues and the results
consequently continual improvement in the and lessons learned should be shared with all
protection and promotion of human rights, stakeholders to promote transparency and
the rule of law and democracy. human rights in practice. Lessons learned will
contribute to improvements over the years of
the human rights approach reinforcing the
primary objectives of the Organisation.

DOCUMENT AND SHARE
CLOSING
LESSONS LEARNED
A PROJECT
DOCUMENT AND SHARE

LESSONS LEARNED
COMMUNICATE AIM STRATEGY

PROJECT FINDINGS
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL
To gather and validate the lessons Lessons learned help the improvement
AND FINANCIAL MATTERS learned and disseminate them within of both co-operation in terms of building
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT the Council of Europe and among relationships and continuity of thematic
partners to improve future operations. work and the Council of Europe as a
whole through building on experience
in connecting standards, monitoring and
TIMEFRAME co-operation.
■ Within three months of the end
Time should be allocated to meet with key
of project implementation
stakeholders and discuss what went well
GUIDING PRINCIPLES in a project and what did not (see page
■ Council of Europe 84, “Wrap up the implementing phase
strategy and values and quality control”).
■ Human rights approach The discussion should be structured to
■ Results-based management systematically cover the following issues:
KEY PLAYERS
• political
• technical
■ Project supervisor • co-operation
■ Senior management • substance
• financial
• participation
KEY REFERENCES
• governance
• monitoring
■ Project reports • design, etc.
■ Draft final report
■ Monitoring and evaluation reports
■ Lessons learned feed-
back and minutes
LESSONS LEARNED
TEMPLATES REPORT
REFERENCES
www.coe.int/pmm
http://goo.gl/3fU6Kp

Information gathered should be analysed according to
whether it relates specifically to a particular context or
whether it is generally applicable. This should provide a list
of lessons learned to improve Council of Europe practice
and co-operation programmes. The lessons learned should
promote improvement in their undertakings among
project stakeholders to increase the sustainability of
the project.
KEY STEPS
1 Use the ideas brainstormed and the monitoring
information in the monitoring plan and reports to
draft a lessons learned report to document the
workshop findings, lessons and recommendations.
2 Provide feedback to the participants.
3 Disseminate the report internally to promote good
practice and externally to enhance sustainability.

COMMUNICATE
CLOSING
PROJECT FINDINGS
A PROJECT
DOCUMENT AND SHARE

LESSONS LEARNED

PROJECT FINDINGS
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL
To record and file the complete Once all lessons have been recorded and
AND FINANCIAL MATTERS set of project results and other results validated, the project manager
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT findings and share and communicate should undertake final dissemination
all relevant project information, activities. The purpose of these activities
to add to the accumulated is to ensure that the final results are shared
knowledge of the Organisation. to strengthen their impact.
These events should also involve internal
TIMEFRAME stakeholders. A key audience of the
dissemination activities are Council of
■ Within three months of the end
Europe units, who should be able to
learn from the lessons highlighted in the
GUIDING PRINCIPLES workshop in order to apply them in other
■ Council of Europe projects.
strategy and values Dissemination activities involve, as a
■ Human rights approach minimum, project partners, internal
and external stakeholders, donors
KEY PLAYERS
and beneficiaries and focus on project
■ Project supervisor outputs, experiences, insights and
■ Senior management recommendations.
Furthermore, dissemination activities
KEY REFERENCES include an effective and timely
■ Project reports communication of the relevant information
■ Draft final report through the Organisation’s multimedia
■ Lessons learned report
platforms (e.g. website, social media,
newsletter, etc.).

KEY STEPS
GOOD PRACTICE
1 Consult the stakeholder engagement plan to
determine the relevant stakeholders (consider both A project in Kosovo* prepared an information video for the closing conference
internal and external dimensions). that presents the objectives and results. The video is the first item on the
project website encouraging viewers to learn more.
2 Determine how to reach out to internal and external
stakeholders and encourage continuing relations with * All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall
them by transmitting main project findings. be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and
without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
3 Explore options to present the project to others through
exhibitions, videos online, social media groups, etc.,
including promotional visits to headquarters from
the field if applicable.
4 Establish if other dissemination activities are taking
place with other projects of relevance to the project.
5 Ensure all results and reports are logged and filed in the
Organisation’s IT system for future projects to refer to.

CLOSE CONTRACTUAL
CLOSING
AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
A PROJECT
DOCUMENT AND SHARE

LESSONS LEARNED

PROJECT FINDINGS
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL
To close all financial commitments The reality is that activities often take
AND FINANCIAL MATTERS and contractual obligations and place in the final month of the project. The
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT transfer any assets to project project team should close purchase orders
partners, where applicable. through the settlement of payments to
the extent possible. For the remaining,
exceptional cases the project supervisor
TIMEFRAME should settle payments and close the
■ Within three months of the end purchase orders.
This should be in close co-ordination with
KEY PLAYERS the project supervisor to ensure a timely
■ Cost centre manager process in line with the planned reporting
■ Council of Europe office/finan- schedule.
cial units of central divisions The financial report is also drawn up as
■ Project supervisor soon as all commitments are closed and
■ Senior management it needs to be delivered and authorised
along with the narrative final report.
The transfer of equipment purchased
for projects to beneficiary partners may
need to be arranged. Often contractual
agreements define the procedure and
the exact list of organisations to which
equipment purchased with project funds
should be transferred.

KEY STEPS
1 Check any outstanding payments according to invoices
received and balances to be paid.
2 Obtain any outstanding invoices.
3 Archive relevant information regarding the partner/
subcontractor (i.e. contact information, skills/expertise
and performance) where appropriate/possible
according to Council of Europe regulations and data
protection standards.
4 Transfer project equipment to beneficiary partners
and finalise any asset registers.
5 Provide final reports for authorisation and submission
to donors.

SIGN OFF
CLOSING
THE PROJECT
A PROJECT
DOCUMENT AND SHARE

LESSONS LEARNED

PROJECT FINDINGS
CLOSE CONTRACTUAL
To officially sign off on the project The project needs to be officially signed
AND FINANCIAL MATTERS and identify possible new projects off, i.e. have the project status project
SIGN OFF THE PROJECT to support sustainability. changed to “completed”. Sound project
management requires good guidance and
achieving project objectives in accordance
TIMEFRAME with good practice and a human rights
■ Within 6-9 months of the end perspective. Programmes and projects
of project implementation should continue to make a difference in
the overall Council of Europe approach of
KEY PLAYERS
standards, monitoring and co-operation.
■ Project supervisor
■ Senior management The cyclical nature of projects and
programmes should be supported by
clear-cut endings that feed into future
developments and improvement. One
way to achieve this is through evaluation,
recommendations and action plans that
provide seeds for future projects. Enough
information and supporting evidence on
impact and intermediate outcomes needs
to be obtained to prove that the project
has made a difference.

KEY STEPS
1 Approve the final report.
2 Consider the entire project file and its key products
for the future:
. final report
. quality control reports
. lessons learned report
. any evaluations and references to the project and its
impact among target groups and end beneficiaries.
3 Arrange for the change of project status to “completed
project”.
4 Ensure sustainability through the conception of new
pertinent action.

GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Activity – An element of work performed during the course Effectiveness – The extent to which defined objectives are
of a project. An activity normally has an expected duration, an achieved.
expected cost and expected resource requirements. Activities
End beneficiaries – Individuals, groups, organisations and
are often subdivided into tasks against which purchase orders
authorities that directly benefit from project activities, outputs,
are raised. Activity is the lowest unit of a project’s related actions
outcomes and impact.
against which output results are assessed.
Equivalent actor – Organisations that fund or carry out similar
Assumption – Any external factors that are relied on to be true,
projects or activities, such as other international institutions
real and certain for the realisation of a project’s outcomes and
or civil society organisations.
impact, and long-term sustainability.
Evaluation – An objective assessment of the ongoing or
Baseline – Starting point before the effects of a project.
completed implementation of activities for the achievement
Beneficiaries – Those who directly/indirectly benefit from of the activity area objective and results. It aims to learn lessons
the improved capacity (skills, knowledge, etc.) and quality of for future activities.
services and products of the target groups.
External stakeholder – Individuals, groups and organisations
Coherence – The extent to which parts of a project form a whole. that are indirectly connected to a project but have an interest
in it.
Communication – The concerted effort to reach the target
audience with a specific message, using the most effective tools. Feasibility – The assessment of all issues that may affect the
successful implementation of the project.
Concept note – A one or two-page description of the main
idea of the project and its alignment to Council of Europe and Final beneficiaries – Individuals, groups and organisations
beneficiary governments’ programmes. that indirectly benefit from the project over the long term.
Direct cost – An operational cost in a project. Immediate outcome – Change as a direct result of the output
of an activity.
Duty-bearer – An individual, group, organisation or authority
that provides and fulfils a human right. Impact – The effect taking place after one or more intermediate
outcomes have been achieved. Long-term impact indicators
EU/Council of Europe Joint Programme – A programme that
are used to measure the systemic changes achieved and the
is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe
socio-economic impact for end beneficiaries/target populations
and implemented by the latter.
delivered.
Efficiency – The extent to which best value resources achieve
maximum results.

Implementation modality – The type, style, series, Project management cycle – Follows the life of a project
sequence and interrelations of activities that make up from the initial idea through to completion. It draws on
a project. evaluation to build the lessons of experience into the
design of future projects and/or programmes.
Implementer – Organisations running a project.
Project monitoring – Internal processes using
Indicator – Unit of measurement supporting the
performance data to track, review and regulate the
assessment of progress being made towards the
progress and management of a project.
achievement of a result or objective. It forms the basis
for results-based monitoring. Project objective – What the project is expected to
achieve. It should be defined in terms of sustainable
Indirect cost – A cost of managing the project.
benefits or positive change for the target group(s).
Input – Resources (financial, human, material or political)
Project partners – In some instances, Council of Europe
provided to implement a project and or a programme (e.g.
projects are executed with outside partners. This includes
as presented in the project budget or human resource
those who implement the project in-country, e.g. National
plan).
Academy of Prosecutors, Ministry of Justice, ministries in
Intermediate outcome – Change in behaviour and/ charge of various sectors, other governmental agencies
or action as a consequence of outputs and immediate and NGOs.
outcomes.
Provision – The percentage contribution by the Council
Internal stakeholder – Individuals, groups and of Europe for projects. This needs to be approved before
organisations that are directly involved in a project. the proposal can go ahead.
Intervention – An action or set of actions carried out by Quality control – A process to ensure project standards
the Council of Europe. meet the required levels.
Logframe – A structured representation of the logical Relevance – The extent to which objectives address real
step-by-step path presenting how inputs and activities needs.
follow each other and lead to results and change.
Result – Generic term used to express the effect of
Mainstreaming – The integration of an issue or principle implementing a project and or programme. Results
into as many aspects and phases of a project as possible. comprise outputs, immediate and intermediate outcomes
and impact.
Milestones – Markers that separate progress into
manageable sections. Rights-holder – An individual, group or organisation that
is entitled to a human right.
Needs assessment – Research into and identification of
the needs of different stakeholders to achieve objectives. Risk – Internal and external factors with the potential
to harm projects and their objectives and which may be
Objective – The changes aimed for by a project.
addressed by the project. They are graded according to
Outcome – A change in behaviour or practice as a their likelihood and the degree of impact they could have
consequence of an activity. if they materialised.
Output – An end product or service directly resulting Risk manager – The person responsible for identifying,
from a project activity. assessing and mitigating a risk.
Overall objective – Describes what the medium-term Risk mitigation – Employing measures to reduce risks by
reality should look like regarding the project/programme diminishing the likelihood or impact of those risks.
topic.
Risk owner – The senior manager that has the authority
Phases – A stage within the project cycle encompassing and responsibility for a risk.
a series of activities to be implemented and completed
Risk register – The list of main risks identified with details
in order to be able to advance to the next one.
of the measures taken to tackle them.
Problem analysis – The analysis of problems, causes
Stakeholder – An individual, group or organisation that
and drivers relating to human rights, rule of law and
has an interest in and/or is affected by the project.
democracy situations.
Steering committee – Most frequent type of project
Process – A set of interrelated actions and activities
board as a compulsory requirement for EU/Council of
performed to achieve a specified set of products, results
Europe joint programmes.
or services.
Strategic triangle – The mutually beneficial interaction
Project board – Governance structure that makes the key
between the Council of Europe’s standards, monitoring
decisions to direct and monitor the project, comprised
and co-operation programmes.
of the key accountable officers of the main institutions
involved. Support activities – Management activities that are for
implementation but do not result in project outputs.

Target group – Those directly affected by the project at
the activity level of the project, and directly benefiting
from the work of the Council of Europe. Target groups
include ministries, parliaments, local authorities, but also
institutions and organisations, both public and civil, and
professional groups (i.e. judges, prosecutors, lawyers, etc.)
and non-professional groups, acting as multipliers.
Theory of change – The logical step-by-step path
presenting how inputs and activities follow each other
and lead to results and change.
Visibility – The elements that can be seen at a glance,
such as the use of a logo, institutional text.
Work plan – Presents in a logical sequence the activities
to be implemented within a project and is used to assign
responsibility for the completion of each activity.

COMMUNICATION DESCRIPTION
ACTIVITY REPORT PLAN OF ACTIVITIES FINAL REPORT
TEMPLATES
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INCEPTION LESSONS MONITORING

REPORT LEARNED REPORT LOGFRAME PLAN
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PROJECT BOARD
PMM BUDGET PROGRESS TERMS OF PROJECT
TOOL REPORT REFERENCE PROPOSAL
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QUALITY QUALITY
CHECKLIST CHECKLIST
(IMPLEMENTING (INITIATING AND STAKEHOLDER
PHASE) PLANNING PHASE) RISK REGISTER REGISTER
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TEAM PLAN WORK PLAN
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Visit
www.coe.int/pmm

T
his handbook presents the new Council of Europe Project Management
Methodology. It contains guidance for the whole project team and step-by-
step instructions on how to conduct each phase of the project management
cycle, from initiation to closure. It links project management to organisational
strategy, results-based management and decentralised implementation. This
handbook also gives examples of good practice and is based on a human rights
approach to project management.
ENG
The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights
organisation. It comprises 47 member states, 28 of which are
members of the European Union. All Council of Europe member
states have signed up to the European Convention on Human
Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and
the rule of law. The European Court of Human Rights oversees
the implementation of the Convention in the member states.

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Council of Europe

PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY

© Council of Europe, March 2016 bürografik

PROCESS PROJECT MANAGEMENT ACTION PAGE PHASE

INITIATE A PROJECT MANAGEMENT CYCLE 18 Initiating a project

MAKE PROJECT BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 44 Planning a project

WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL 84 Implementing a project

SIGN OFF THE PROJECT 96 Closing ​a project

ANALYSE THE SITUATION 20 Initiating a project

SET OBJECTIVES 22 Initiating a project

FORMULATE IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES 24 Initiating a project

REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND PLAN PROJECT MONITORING 42 Planning a project

COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS 68 Implementing a project

IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE STAKEHOLDERS 26 Initiating a project

CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 28 Initiating a project

MAKE PROJECT BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 44 Planning a project

STAKEHOLDER PLAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 46 Planning a project

COMMUNICATE ON THE PROJECT 70 Implementing a project

WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL 84 Implementing a project

COMMUNICATE PROJECT FINDINGS 92 Closing ​a project

REFINE THE LOGFRAME AND PLAN PROJECT MONITORING 42 Planning a project

DRAFT A WORK PLAN 48 Planning a project

RUN AND MONITOR ACTIVITIES 64 Implementing a project

COLLECT DATA ON RESULTS 68 Implementing a project

WRAP UP THE IMPLEMENTING PHASE AND QUALITY CONTROL 84 Implementing a project

DRAFT THE FINAL REPORT 86 Implementing a project

DOCUMENT AND SHARE LESSONS LEARNED 90 Closing ​a project

PLAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 50 Planning a project

FINANCIAL MANAGE FINANCES AND FINANCIAL MONITORING 62 Implementing a project

MANAGEMENT MAKE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS AND SETTLE EXPENDITURE 72 Implementing a project

MONITOR AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL INFORMATION 78 Implementing a project

CLOSE CONTRACTUAL AND FINANCIAL MATTERS 94 Closing ​a project

DESIGN THE PROJECT TEAM 34 Initiating a project

IDENTIFY RISKS 36 Initiating a project

INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 9

A second unique advantage is the strategic triangle of stan-

The Council of Europe has been carrying out co-operation

Council of Europe. On this basis, strategic co-operation

INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 11

HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

This handbook is structured according to the project

12 Council of Europe Project Management Methodology 2016

5 PHASES INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING FINAL

Project board terms of

B Problem and needs analysis

14 Council of Europe Project Management Methodology 2016

The evaluation of projects is a fundamental element IMPACT Minority protection

INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 15

KEY PRODUCTS KEY TOOLS

The project cycle begins with COUNCIL OF EUROPE PRINCIPLES FOR

INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 17

ANALYSE THE SITUATION AIM STRATEGY

18 Council of Europe Project Management Methodology 2016

Co-operation programmes are an integral part of the Council

INITIATING PLANNING IMPLEMENTING CLOSING 19

ANALYSE THE SITUATION AIM STRATEGY

20 Council of Europe Project Management Methodology 2016

The Council of Europe also co-operates with member states

SIGN OFF THE PROJECT 96 Closing a project

COMMUNICATE PROJECT FINDINGS 92 Closing a project

DOCUMENT AND SHARE LESSONS LEARNED 90 Closing a project

CLOSE CONTRACTUAL AND FINANCIAL MATTERS 94 Closing a project