Office of Program, Policy, and Management

The Office of Program, Policy and Management (PPM) coordinates critical issues among the Bureau’s nine offices supporting the Bureau’s global crisis prevention, response, recovery, and transition work. PPM assists in the day-to-day management of the Bureau and guides the Bureau’s policy formulation, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of programs, budgeting, financial management, staffing and professional development. 

Our Work

PPM manages funding for crisis prevention and recovery and is a leader in the Bureau’s work to empower vulnerable populations, especially in crisis situations. PPM works with the Bureau’s other offices to build resilience in vulnerable populations by reducing over-exploitation of natural resources, improving environmental health, and strengthening partner-country environmental governance.

Complex Crises Fund

Early intervention and the ability to respond flexibly and decisively helps mitigate escalating crises before atrocities occur. PPM manages the Complex Crises Fund (CCF), which totals $40 to $50 million annually, to help prevent crises and promote recovery in post-conflict situations during unforeseen political, social, or economic challenges that threaten regional security.

In Sri Lanka, for example, a CCF agricultural and livelihoods program maintained community stability during the resettlement of internally displaced persons. Nearly 120,000 acres of rice paddy seed were planted benefitting approximately 68,000 people—of which approximately 25 percent were single female heads of household.  The CCF resources accomplished far more than just agriculture production and crop yields.  It provided a foundation for a disenfranchised and highly vulnerable population to restart their life. 

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment reflects American values and promotes effective and sustainable economic development.  PPM coordinates and provides technical assistance for gender-related policy development and program implementation in crisis environments.

PPM played a key role in developing USAID’s implementation of the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. The plan will protect women and girls affected by conflict and empower women as equal partners in efforts to prevent conflict and build sustainable peace and security around the globe.

For more information, see Women, Peace, and Security.

Climate Change Resilience

Climate change programs can reduce the risks of climate impacts and build resilience for vulnerable populations in disaster-prone countries.  PPM manages the DCHA Global Climate Change funding (GCC), which totaled $8 million in FY 2012, to build resilience in a sustainable manner by integrating climate change adaptation with disaster risk reduction, conflict mitigation, and governance programs.

An innovative GCC project in the Borana region of Ethiopia is working to increase pastoralist communities economic and social resilience to climate change. The program is focusing on strengthening community governance structures and local peace centers as well as improving and sharing best practices for resolving natural-resource scarcity conflicts.

For more information on broader USAID agencies go to Global Climate Change.

Contact

For more information on the Office of Program, Policy, and Management, contact Frederick Bielke at (202) 712-1247 or fbielke@usaid.gov.