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Module 3.5 Stages of the IEA process
2 3.5.1 Stage 1: Start-up

The start-up stage of the IEA involves initial contacts between the participating organizations in the IEA,
the determination of the need for the assessment, securing the necessary mandate and establishing the
scale and feasibility of securing funding to carry out the work.
9-12 December, 2013 The management of this stage may vary according to the institutional structures in any given country.

For instance, in small countries with limited resources, the process needs to be kept simple.

At this stage, it is important to decide which institutions need to be involved in the process, based on
their statutory responsibilities, and also, who will manage the process. Once the lead and participating
or technical support institutions are identified, the first start-up meetings are held to define the national
IEA goals, and the responsibilities of the parties.

Outputs at this stage include a conceptual framework and memoranda of understanding (MoUs)
between the parties involved in the IEA process. The conceptual framework is prepared with input by
the national environmental authority and the core team. The description of the conceptual framework
also describes what the IEA and its goals are, its general organization, methodology, the IEA process,
guidance for implementation, the resources required, and clarifies whether further fund-raising or in-
kind contributions are needed.

3.5.2 Stage 2: Institutional start-up

This section explains the activities and instruments required to establish proactive institutional
coordination through the process. It is important to identify suitable institutions with properly defined
roles in the process. It is important to involve institutions that can continue to lead the process for a
long time.

In many cases, national organizations lead the IEA process while UNEP-DEWA or GEO collaborating
centres provide technical support. Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate four possible institutional frameworks.
There are no generally applicable, rigid rules; so many variations are possible depending on national
organizational capacities and structures.

The focal point for UNEP-DEWA in most cases is the national environmental authority that
holds a legal mandate on environmental reporting. If another organization is going to lead the
process, the national environmental authority needs to be involved, or it needs to select such an
institution. UNEP-DEWA will provide assistance with developing the methodology and guidelines
for the process.

24 National IEA Process Design and Organization