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

Transforming Industrial Standards in Asia
IRG received top marks for its technical support to the US-AEP Secretariat for a policy agenda aimed at achieving a clean industrial transformation in Asia. IRG technical assistance included policy analysis and network development, environmental sector assessment, and strategic planning. IRG worked with the Secretariat to co-sponsor a workshop featuring environmental benchmarking and information disclosure. Participants expressed interest in pursuing more technical aspects of corporate environmental benchmarking and Global Reporting Initiatives. One such study surveyed investment policies and practices and their effects on the environment in Taiwan. The greening of Industry Network/Asia, which IRG supported through US-AEP, made important connections among countries, sectors, ideas, organizations, and people. Under this contract, IRG brought together more than 300 international experts, researchers, NGOs, and policymakers at the Ninth International Greening of Industry Network Conference. Regional Asia: US-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) Environmental Policy Support

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

Restructuring Environmental Programs for Guatemala
To support USAID/Guatemala's strategic objective to improve natural resources and conserve biodiversity, IRG provided technical assistance on the national system of protected areas, inter-institutional cooperation and collaboration mechanisms, increased decentralization of the environmental sector, financial mechanisms and business plans, and overall assistance to USAID management. IRG helped Guatemala organize and establish its Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. In collaboration with key stakeholders, IRG conducted environmental analyses necessary for national ministries on protected area, forest, and environmental policies. IRG also assessed operational and structural policies in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. This assessment, along with a review of current intermediate results, led to a restructuring of USAID/Guatemala's environmental program. Guatemala: Environmental Policy and Institutional Strengthening Support of Selected Environmental Issues