11-15 February 2013, Vienna, Austria

The National Liaison Officers (NLOs) and the National Liaison Assistants (NLAs) are very crucial for the development and successful implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). The NLO/NLA is designated by the relevant government authority and recognised by the IAEA as the primary contact person between the IAEA and the Member State (MS) on matters relating to the IAEA, in particular the TCP. The effective planning, formulation and management of the TCP and other related IAEA activities strongly depend on the efficiency of the NLO. Being in a pivotal role, the NLO's office is the helm of affairs of the country's TCP.

This workshop was carried out under the TC project RAF/0/040 aimed at enhancing a mutual understanding of the IAEA TCP for greater effectiveness and efficiency of the programme. It was carried out within a period of 5 days, attended by 16 recently appointed NLOs and NLAs from the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Mauritania, Niger, South Africa, Seychelles, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The main objectives of this workshop were to:

• To learn from good practices and identify and address challenges and difficulties related to the planning and implementation of the TCP in the region;
• To identify the methods to improve the delivery of the TCP and ensure smooth and timely implementation of the TC projects;
• To provide an update on the review and assessment process, with emphasis on the time lines and milestones for the preparation of the TC cycle 2014-2015.

These objectives are set to achieve the following outputs:

• Recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of the TC programme and;
• Mutual understanding of key issues, such as the clear roles and responsibilities of NLOs/NLAs in improving the implementation of the TC programme.

This workshop had presentations covering different areas and programmes that are carried out in TCAF such as: the role of NLOs and NLAs, TC Strategy, Quality in project development using the result-based approach, TC Finance, Field Procurement, Logical Framework approach Matrix (LFM), AFRA Projects, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture (NAFA), Isotope Hydrology, TC Implementation: Experts, Fellowships and Training Courses, Overview on Radiation Protection, TC Web, - TC Country Profile, TC Pride, Registration to Extranet and ?PCMF, Nuclear Medicine, Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics, Nutrition and Health-related environmental studies, Planning and economic Studies Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy, Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy, Legislative assistance programme, International Nuclear Information System (INIS), Coordinated Research Contract (CRP).

There was also a visit to the IAEA Laboratory in Seibersdorf giving the new NLOs and NLAs a tour of the laboratory and the work which is carried out there.

This workshop all in all, encapsulated the functions and role of both the IAEA through the TC Department and that of the Member States through the NLOs/NLAs. It is expected that the opportunity the workshop provided would develop better synergies and strong cooperation between the NLOs, NLAs, on behalf of the country and the Secretariat. It will further strengthen the collaboration which has been built throughout the years of cooperation giving more benefits for the sustainable development of the MS in the region of Africa.