Background:

In January 2002, by signing the Cairo Declaration, representatives of the ten Nile basin countries expressed their firm commitment to the establishment of the Nile Basin Capacity Building Network for River Engineering (NBCBN-RE) and to take an active part in its activities. The main leading role in the organization of the network was given to an advisory board (hereinafter called: “Steering Committee”), composed of the key players in the network. Each country node will nominate a representative in this board. The Steering Committee (SC) has the responsibility for the policy and strategy of the network.

Hereafter the composition, the function, role and responsibilities of and some operational procedures for the Steering Committee are elaborated in more detail.

Function, role and responsibilities

The function of the NBCBN Steering Committee is to take responsibility for the issues associated with the NBCBN network development process and the different support projects by giving asked or unasked advice. It will provide overall programmatic and strategic guidance to the Network Management and Project Management Team in relation to the respective network and project objectives. More specific the role and responsibilities of the NBCBN Steering Committee is to:

• advise on the set-up, the strategic development and activities of the network

• evaluate the performance of the network secretariat

• evaluate the performance of the various nodes and clusters active in the network

• advise on the relevance of research as proposed by the nodes and clusters

• advise on aspects of information and knowledge sharing

• advise on possible funding opportunities to support the various stimulation funds of the support project

• evaluate the procedures for allocation of funds to the different members and stakeholders

• advise on marketing tools and possibilities for advertisement and dissemination

Related to the KNNB project the responsibilities are to:

• Keep an oversight to ensure that the project objectives are achieved and the project remains within budget and on schedule

• Ensure collaboration with other NBI projects and programs and with other initiatives as appropriate.

• Advise on the Terms of Reference, composition and timing of a mid-term evaluation.

NBCBN Steering Committee Members