The objectives of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), reducing global poverty, ensuring peace and human security and preserving the environment, and its principles (democracy, human rights, dialogue based on partnership with developing countries...) are set out in the Development Cooperation Act. The Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management division of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) contributes to the practical implementation of these objectives in ADC programmes and projects.

Advises and manuals

Eleven specialists advise their colleagues in the country sections and coordination offices in all phases of the programme and project cycle. Manuals and defined quality criteria as well as regular upgrading activities ensure standardised operational procedures.

Support and analyses

Implementing the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness poses a major challenge for donors and partner countries. The personnel in Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management support this process through analyses, directions and further training. To do this, they exchange information and experience on a regular basis with international bodies and other development agencies.

For substantive quality assurance, ADA’s knowledge management aims at making the best use of available knowledge, systematically gleaning new knowledge and providing both to the right person at the right time. Cooperation and exchange with Austrian experts and executing agencies will play an even larger role in future.