IRG provides guidance to countries seeking to advance their regulatory, enforcement and investment climates through sound policy formulation. Additionally, it helps countries address the challenges of good governance, from establishing constitutional laws to promoting inclusive and participatory political systems and a politically active civil society that demands better government services. A key component of successful governance is the continued focus on transparency and accountability. Working with governments and other organizations to improve anti-corruption incentives, engage citizens, increase legislative strengthening and develop efficient processes, IRG is committed to strengthening the environment in which strong democracies can flourish.

Capabilities:

• Institutional Strengthening and Reform
• Program Planning and Implementation for Transitional States
• Transparency, Accountability, and Anti-corruption
• Promoting Good Governance at All Levels of Society
• Legislative Strengthening

Select projects include:

Strengthening the Judicial System in Afghanistan
In various capacities IRG assisted both the US Department of State and the US Institute of Peace to bring about policy change in Afghanistan. For the USIP, IRG convened Afghan and international experts to discuss specific challenges in advancing the rule of law in Afghanistan, and explored practical solutions to some of the important issues facing Afghan justice professionals. For the US Department of State, IRG in conjunction with Afghanistan's Judicial Commission, planned and implemented several conferences on Afghan and International Criminal Law and Procedure in Kabul. After the fall of the Taliban regime, IRG organized and synthesized Afghanistan's constitutional and religious, secular, and customary laws in time for the traditional gathering to choose national leaders, the loya jirga. Afghanistan: Judicial Conference, Legal Seminars, Legal Codes

Implementing Institutional Reforms for Improved Service Delivery
This activity supported USAID's strategic objective for decentralization and participatory government. IRG examined the structure and functions of an inter-governmental secretariat set up by three districts in Yogyakarta city, identified opportunities for improving the delivery of environmental services, strengthened the joint secretariat, improved the solid waste management system, and enhanced integrated water quality management. Indonesia: Decentralized Environmental Management for Yogyakarta

Rebuilding and Recovery in Transitional or Post-conflict States
Community Action Program (CAP). IRG managed the CAP program in Iraq which actively engaged its communities to address critical needs and promote grassroots democratization. Community groups set project priorities and organized community and local government contributions. Project activities covered small-scale infrastructure—including schools and clinics, income generation, social cohesion and war victims assistance.
Iraq Local Governance Program. IRG supported USAID in oversight of Iraq’s local governance project which strengthened and promoted the following vital components of rebuilding effective governance: local government institutions and service delivery; local and district councils; independent media; civil society; community engagement and outreach; and decentralization. Iraq: Implementation of Emergency Relief and Short-Term Rehabilitation Response

Translating Field Experience into Practical Policy and Programming Guidelines
IRG was tasked with developing four seminal policy papers entitled “What Does and Does Not Work in a Transitional State” for USAID. The papers were based on a survey of comparable activities among a wide range of transitional and post-conflict states to analyze critical policy issues, lessons learned and best practices in: electricity and its role in economic growth; subsidy reform and how to effectively implement it; social welfare reform; and, local governance, all with particular emphasis on their implications for Iraq. USAID Policy Guidance Papers