## (2) Concrete Actions to Strengthen Functions at the Field Level

Japan has made efforts to strengthen functions at the field level mainly through the use of country-based ODA Task Forces (hereafter ODA-TFs). ODA-TFs consist primarily of Japanese embassies and the local offices of aid agencies such as JICA and JBIC. In order to further enhance functions at the field level, the following concrete actions will be promoted in the ODA-TFs and in Tokyo. In order for ODA-TFs to play a leading role in the process of policy-making and implementation of ODA, they will actively participate and will make proposals in relation to the following concrete actions. For its part, Tokyo will respect the proposals made by ODA-TFs.

Concerning recipient countries in which ODA-TF does not exist, similar efforts will be made by Japanese embassies abroad as much as possible by using communication tools such as IT in cooperation with Japanese aid agencies located in other countries that look after the recipient country concerned. Tokyo respects proposals made by the Japanese embassies.

### i. Research and analysis of development needs

ODA-TFs will scale up their functions in research and analysis of development needs and the recipient countries' own development efforts bearing in mind the political, economic and social situation in these countries. Japan will fully analyze local socio-economic conditions and other aspects through local interested parties. In such efforts, external human resources will be relied upon where necessary, and information will be exchanged with the local aid community, including other major bilateral donors and international agencies, NGOs and academia.

Tokyo will support such actions in the field by making more flexible use of policy-support studies and dispatching policy advisers.

### ii. Formulation and consideration of assistance policy

## (a) Participation in the formulation of Country Assistance Programs

Country Assistance Programs specify the direction, priority sectors and priority issues of Japan's ODA for a period of about the next five years based on an accurate understanding of the development needs of the recipient countries as described in (2) (i) above, bearing in mind the perspective of Japan's foreign policy. ODA-TFs will actively participate in the formulation and revision of Country Assistance Programs making maximum use of their knowledge and experience obtained at the field level, and will seek to align assistance programs with the development plans and development goals of recipient countries, as well as with the international development goals. Consideration will also be given to how best to collaborate with the local aid community, including other major donor countries and international agencies, NGOs and academia.

## (b) Participation in the formulation of assistance policies for priority issues and specific sectors

ODA-TFs will actively make proposals in the formulation of assistance policies for more concrete priority issues and specific sectors in line with the priorities specified in the Country Assistance Programs described in (2) ii. (a) and those clarified through policy consultations mentioned in (2) ii. (c) below so as to formulate and implement projects that reflect the true development needs of recipient countries. Tokyo will respect the proposals of ODA-TFs.

## (c) Undertaking of policy consultations

ODA-TFs along with participants from Tokyo as necessary will undertake policy consultations with recipient countries in order to share perspectives regarding medium term priorities and policy/institutional issues, as well as to iron out differences, so that the position on the medium-term measures specified in Country Assistance Programs and assistance policies for priority issues and specific sectors are reflected in the actual formulation, request and implementation of projects.

In the case of countries for which no Country Assistance Programs have been formulated, ODA-TFs will play a leading role in identifying the direction, priority issues and sectors of Japanese assistance through policy dialogues in accordance with the ODA Charter and Medium-Term Policy.