The project counterpart is responsible for the overall management and direction of a TC project in a country, and for ensuring that all stakeholders are involved. The counterpart formulates a project concept based on the Country Programme Framework and upstream planning work, and develops the project document together with the project team. Once the project is approved by the IAEA Board of Governors, the counterpart takes the lead in in achieving project results by organizing national support and inputs, and ensures long term sustainability. The counterpart interacts with the project team throughout the full project cycle, from formulation to implementation and reporting.
Within the Secretariat, the Department of Technical Cooperation is responsible for the management of the TC programme, and the technical work is managed and undertaken by the technical Departments (Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Science and Applications, Nuclear Safety). The Department of Safeguards is responsible for reviewing the programme for proliferation risk before it is approved. Other units within the Secretariat, such as the Office of Legal Affairs, also provide support to the TC programme.
The Programme Management Officer (PMO) is a staff member in one of the Technical Cooperation Department's regional Divisions. He or she is responsible for the management of the TC programme in one or more countries in that region. PMOs may also be assigned to manage regional or interregional projects. The PMO is the main IAEA point of contact with the NLO and project counterpart institutions. He or she advises on the Country Programme Framework process, coordinates Agency inputs and feedback, and assists in the formulation of national TC programmes, based on Member State plans. The PMO manages the delivery of IAEA inputs under approved TC projects based on agreed project work plans and ensures that Technical Cooperation Fund resources produce expected results. The PMO is also responsible for fostering networks and partnerships with national institutions and UN development agencies.
The Technical Officer is an IAEA staff member responsible for the technical integrity of TC activities. He or she determines the technical integrity of proposed TC projects, and is actively involved in their development and implementation. The Technical Officer interacts with project counterpart and Member States, in coordination with the PMO, to ensure projects are correctly carried out. He or she prepares expert missions and training courses, identifies host institutions and develops training programmes for fellowships, and specifies necessary equipment.
