1. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 1 of 15
2400462v14
Developing a Country Strategic Framework or Joint
Commitment for Development
GUIDELINE
Last updated: 21 September 2011 Owner: Aid Effectiveness Team, DSE
Approved: 20 August 2010 Policy approved by: Deputy Secretary
Publication approved by: Deputy Director, Aid Effectiveness
About this document
This document provides guidance to MFAT staff managing the New Zealand
Aid Programme on developing a country strategic framework:
• For Pacific countries, a Joint Commitment for Development (JCfD).
• For other countries, a Country Strategic Framework for Development
(CSFfD)
It supports the process Develop a Country Strategic Framework for
Development.
Contents
What is a Country Strategic Framework for Development? ..........................2
Process Overview...............................................................................................3
Timeframe ..................................................................................................3
Business rules ............................................................................................3
Outputs.......................................................................................................3
Roles and Responsibilities................................................................................4
Main Stages.........................................................................................................5
1. Developing a work plan.........................................................................5
2. Preparing the rationale..........................................................................6
3. Making a submission to the Minister outlining the concept...................7
4. Preparing the country strategic framework ...........................................8
5. Developing the results framework.........................................................9
6. Conducting a peer review .....................................................................9
7. Completing the country strategic framework.......................................11
8. Finalise a JCfD or CSFfD....................................................................12
9. Arrange signing of the country strategic framework............................12
Content of a Joint Commitment for Development ........................................13
Content of a Country Strategic Framework for Development .....................15
Related Documents ..........................................................................................15
Acronyms ..........................................................................................................15

2. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 2 of 15
2400462v14
What is a Country Strategic Framework for Development?
Country strategic frameworks for development convey New Zealand’s
development assistance strategy in each country in which it provides aid and
reflect the New Zealand government’s policies and priorities. While each
country has a strategic framework its format and level of agreement depends on
whether it is a Pacific or non-Pacific country:
Types of country strategic framework
There are two types of country strategic framework for development:
• A Joint Commitment for Development (JCfD) is a strategic framework for a
Pacific country and is bilaterally agreed at the Ministerial level. For Pacific
countries for which there is a country strategy already under
implementation, a JCfD is prepared based on the existing strategy with
updating as appropriate.
• A Country Strategic Framework for Development (CSFfD) is a strategic
framework prepared for a non-Pacific country which is agreed at the
officials’ level and approved by the Minister.
What’s included
The frameworks for development support New Zealand’s country strategies and
describe how New Zealand can make the most difference in contributing to the
partner country’s development outcomes.
A country strategic framework identifies
• The country specific development challenges and New Zealand’s focus to
support the country address them.
• The focus of New Zealand’s development policy engagement to create an
environment for development
• What priority sectors New Zealand’s development assistance will be
targeted to, why those priority sectors have been chosen, which results we
wish to achieve and how results will be monitored.
• The nature and extent of other development partners’ engagement and how
New Zealand’s development cooperation complements and harmonises
with other donors.
• The mutual expectations of New Zealand and the recipient country.
• How we will collectively monitor and measure progress and results.

3. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 3 of 15
2400462v14
Process Overview
Timeframe
A country strategic framework should be completed within 6 months.
Business rules
The following actions and approvals are required when developing a country
strategic framework:
• Ministerial approval of the submission outlining the concept, and of the Joint
Committee for Development or the Country Strategic Framework for
Development
• Deputy Secretary approval of the Ministerial submission outlining the
concept and of the country strategic framework before they are submitted to
the Minister
• Steering Group review of the submission outlining the concept and of the
country strategic framework
• Peer review to ensure framework quality
Outputs
The papers and documents produced during the process of developing a
strategic framework are:
• Work plan
• Rationale
• Ministerial submission outlining the concept
• Country strategic framework
• Results framework
• Either a Joint Commitment for Development (JCfD) or a Country Strategic
Framework for Development (CSFfD).
• Ministerial submission accompanying the JCfD or CSFfD

4. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 4 of 15
2400462v14
Roles and Responsibilities
This table shows the main roles and responsibilities in developing a country
strategic framework for development.
Role Responsibilities
Minister • Approves the country concept and the strategic
frameworks
Deputy
Secretary
• Reviews and approves the Ministerial submission
outlining the concept
• Reviews and approves the final draft of the country
strategic framework paper and its submission to the
Minister
HOM • Identifies post representative(s) for participating in the
development of the strategic framework
• Ensures that post contributes to the development of the
strategic framework, on the steering group, and during
in-country consultations
• Manages the relationship with the partnership country
(as needed)
• Provides in-country oversight of the performance of the
strategic framework
• Ensures coherence between the overall post plan and
the development strategic framework
Director Reviews and approves:
• Work plan
• Ministerial submission outlining the concept
• Final draft of the country strategic framework and its
submission to the Minister
Deputy Director • Provides oversight of the process
• Chairs meetings of the steering group
• Quality assures and approves the rationale, ministerial
submission outlining the concept, results framework and
country strategic framework.
Development
Programme
Manager (DPM)
• Coordinates and is responsible for the development of
the country strategic framework
Steering group • Facilitates progress and quality
• Agrees to the scope of work
• Reviews documents and considers feedback received at
steps throughout the preparation process
• Provides advice on issues for analysis
Peer review • Reviews the strategic framework and provides
comments to the steering group

5. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 5 of 15
2400462v14
Main Stages
1. Developing a work plan
Template Work plan for country strategic framework for development
The DPM prepares a work plan which details:
• What will be done (step by step)
• Who will do what (e.g. specific staff member, consultants for tasks)
• The proposed timeline
• Membership of the steering group
(which must include the Deputy Director as the chair, a post representative,
a SAEG advisor, a M&E advisor and a policy division representative, with
additional members as needed to provide expertise/skills)
Note: A steering group provides for both post and the supervisory division
(PAC or GLO) to have input and to own the results
• Membership and chair of the peer review (see step 9, Conducting peer
review below)
Steps
Follow these steps to develop a work plan.
Step Who Action
1.1 DPM Prepares a work plan.
1.2 Deputy
Director
Approves the work plan.
1.3 Director Reviews and approves the work plan.

6. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 6 of 15
2400462v14
2. Preparing the rationale
Length No more than 2 pages
The rationale is a proposal for where New Zealand’s assistance is likely to be
most effective. It includes:
• Strategic objectives and priority sectors
• New Zealand’s niche and comparative advantage
• Alignment with partner country’s development plans and policies
• Harmonisation with other donors’ programmes and activities.
• Consideration of mainstreamed issues (gender, human rights, and
environment) especially potential positive (increase income of women) or
negative (environmental impact of infrastructure) impacts.
The rationale should reflect an analysis of the current country programme (and
evaluation if available) and additional relevant documents such as reviews,
performance reports, partner feedback. It considers:
• Success in achieving strategic objectives
• Contribution to achieving higher level development outcomes at the sector
or country level
• What worked, what didn’t and why?
• Implications for next strategy including potential new directions
The rationale should also reflect the current country context in key areas such
as economic status (e.g. macroeconomic indicators and prevalent sectors),
human development indicators (e.g. health, education, gender equality), and
governance (e.g. accountability, corruption, decentralisation, etc).
Follow these steps to develop the rationale.
Step Who Action
2.1 DPM Takes the lead in preparing the rationale for the
country strategic framework with input from other
MFAT division, posts and other IDG staff as needed.
2.2 DPM Consults and/or undertakes joint analysis with:
• Partner country stakeholders on objective and
priorities
• Other MFAT divisions
• Other New Zealand agencies (e.g. trade, military
or police)
• NGOs
• Civil society
• Private sector
2.3 Steering group Reviews the rationale.
2.4 Deputy Director Approves the rationale.

7. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 7 of 15
2400462v14
3. Making a submission to the Minister outlining the concept
Length 1-2 pages
Template Submissions template
The submission to the Minister outlining the concept is based on the country
context, issues and rationale. It identifies the proposed priorities and results,
and includes a synopsis of the country context, justification (rationale) for
proposed objectives and priority sectors, and proposed results.
Steps
Follow these steps to make a submission to the Minister outlining the concept.
Step Who Action
3.1 DPM Takes the lead in preparing the submission to the
Minister.
3.2 Steering group Reviews the submission.
3.3 Deputy Director Reviews and approves the submission.
3.4 Director Approves the submission.
3.5 Deputy Secretary Approves and signs the submission.
3.6 Minister Either:
• Identifies revisions to priority areas (go to step
3.1)
• Approves the submission (in which case, continue
from step 4, Preparing the country strategic
framework.

8. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 8 of 15
2400462v14
4. Preparing the country strategic framework
Length No more than 7 pages
Template Country strategic framework template
A country strategic framework for development includes a 1-page executive
summary and the strategic framework which contains
• Over-arching goal
• Joint outcomes linked to priority sectors/areas
• Strategic focal areas (joint outcomes)
• Alignment with partners policies and plans
• Harmonisation with other donors
• Implementation (e.g. modalities, mechanisms)
• Mutual accountabilities
• Coherence with other New Zealand agencies
• Budget scenarios
• Monitoring and results (see step 8. Developing the results framework).
The country strategic framework must be based on a simple programme logic.
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare the country strategic framework.
Step Who Action
4.1 DPM Once the concept is approved, the DPM coordinates
input into the draft country strategic framework.
The DPM organises focal group meetings and works
closely with the M&E advisor, with input from policy
division, posts, other IDG staff as needed and the
partner country representative.
4.2 Deputy Director Chair focal groups meetings (internal and external) for
input to the strategy.
4.3 DPM Consults with the partner country.
4.4 DPM Prepares the draft strategic framework.
4.5 Steering group Reviews the strategic framework.
4.6 Deputy Director Approves the strategic framework.

9. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 9 of 15
2400462v14
5. Developing the results framework
Template Results Framework: Joint Commitment for Development template
Guideline Developing a Results Framework for a Joint Commitment for
Development
The JCfD results framework includes:
• Target indicative results
• What to monitor and evaluate
• The process for monitoring, review and evaluation
Steps
Follow these steps to develop the results framework
Step Who Action
5.1 DPM Coordinates the development of the results framework
working closely with the M&E advisor.
5.2 Steering group Reviews the results framework.
5.3 Deputy Director Approves the results framework.
6. Conducting a peer review
Peer review contributes to the strengthening of the strategic framework. A peer
review is required after the drafts of the strategic framework and the results
framework have been completed. The peer review should only be undertaken
when the steering group is satisfied that the draft document has addressed the
key areas required in a strategic framework and is of adequate quality to be
considered for review.
Peer review participants
The peer review should include 2-3 participants to obtain a range of well
informed views. When selecting peer review participants the following should be
(or have been) considered:
• Participants have sufficient knowledge of the subject matter (country,
programme planning, relevant sectors) to be able to make a useful, sensible
and practical contribution, e.g. post staff, other country programmes with
development outcomes and results similar to those proposed
• Participants should not have played a direct role in developing the strategic
framework (in order to ensure contestability).
Terms of reference for the peer review
The terms of reference should specify that the peer review is intended to ensure
the overall quality of the country strategic framework including:
• Alignment of strategic framework with relevant New Zealand and partner
country policy and priorities
• Proposed outcomes and indicative results are clearly linked and likely to
lead to successful implementation
• Results are measurable and clearly stated
• Monitoring will be able to effectively measure progress towards results
• Mainstreamed issues have been adequately addressed

10. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 10 of 15
2400462v14
Steps
Follow these steps to conduct the peer review of the draft country strategic
framework.
Step Who Action
6.1 DPM Schedules the peer review at least two weeks in
advance with the peer review participants and chair
person listed in the work plan.
Provides key documents to peer review participants:
• Draft country strategic framework
• TOR (guideline)
• Other relevant documents of IDG and the partner
government
6.2 Peer review
participants
Review the draft strategic framework (including the
results framework).
Provide guidance and recommendations based on
their own experience through verbal contributions at
the peer review meeting and/or through written
comments.
6.3 Chair Consolidates the member’s comments.
Notes key issues and required actions/changes.
Makes specific recommendations on any areas which,
in the peer review’s opinion, need to be revised,
clearly stating the changes that should be made.
The written consolidated comments on the strategic
framework consider whether :
• The strategic framework and results framework
reflect the priorities of New Zealand and the
partner country
• Outcomes/ objectives and results are clearly
linked
• Results are measurable
• Robust monitoring processes are detailed
• Mainstreamed issues have been appropriately
addressed.
6.4 DPM Revises the strategic framework based on the peer
review recommendations.
6.5 Steering group Reviews the revised strategic framework.

11. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 11 of 15
2400462v14
Peer Review Roles and Responsibilities
Role Responsibility
DPM • Coordinates, in consultation with the Deputy
Director, the peer review including:
− Scheduling (revising initial work plan as
needed)
− Selection of members of peer review,
including chair
− Distribution of key documents to all peer
review participants.
• Communicates to the steering group the changes
recommended in the peer review report.
• Identifies actions and responsibilities to ensure
that the peer review recommendations are
incorporated into the final document.
Deputy Director • Makes the assessment, based on the
recommendation of the steering group, as to
whether the draft strategic framework is of
adequate quality for review.
• Decides based on peer review recommendations
and subsequent document revisions to proceed to
the steering group for review or further revise.
Peer review
chair
• Coordinates the preparation of the review report to
ensure that there is clear guidance on what should
to be done to meet quality requirements, including
recommendations to be incorporated into final
design.
Peer review
participants
• Review the draft strategic framework (including the
results framework).
7. Completing the country strategic framework
Steps
Follow these steps to complete the country strategic framework.
Step Who Action
7.1 Deputy Director Reviews the country strategic framework.
7.2 Director Reviews and approves the strategic framework

12. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 12 of 15
2400462v14
8. Finalise a JCfD or CSFfD
JCfD CSFfD
Length 5-6 pages Up to 7 pages
Template In development In development
Steps
Follow these steps to finalise a country strategic framework.
Step Who Action
8.1 DPM Coordinates the preparation of the country strategic
framework using the appropriate template:
If the country strategic framework is for:
• A Pacific country, then use the JCfD template
(for further guidance, see Content of a Joint
Commitment for Development on page 13)
• A non-pacific country, then use the CSFfD
template
(for further guidance, see Content of a Country
Strategic Framework for Development on page 15)
8.1 DPM Prepares a submission to the Minister for approval of
the country strategic framework (CSFfD or JCfD).
8.2 Deputy Director Reviews the JCfD or CSFfD and the submission.
8.3 Director Approves the JCfD or CSFfD and the submission.
8.4 Deputy
Secretary
Approves the JCfD or CSFfD and the submission
before it goes to the Minister.
8.5 Minister Approves the JCfD or CSFfD and the submission.
9. Arrange signing of the country strategic framework
Steps
Follow these steps to arrange signing of the country strategic framework by
each party.
Step Who Action
9.1 DPM, post, and
partner country
representative
Coordinate signing of the country strategic framework
by the signatories (as shown in the next step).
Sign the country strategic framework:
If… Then the signatories are…
JCfD The Minister and the partner country Minister
9.2 The signatories
CSFfD The senior officer at post and the partner
country representative

13. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 13 of 15
2400462v14
Content of a Joint Commitment for Development
Template JCfD template (in development)
Length 5-6 pages
A Joint Commitment for Development (JCfD) is a high level agreement, signed
at the Ministerial level which serves as the country strategic framework in the
Pacific.
The JCfD results from the work undertaken to develop the country strategic
framework. If there is already country strategy under implementation, a JCfD
can be based on the existing country strategy with appropriate updates.
A Joint Commitment for Development includes:
• A preamble
• Statement of joint commitments
• Policy and programme focus
• Joint management
• Attachments: Results framework
Section Content
Preamble
(objectives and
principles)
Notes alignment.
• Shared vision
• High level statements of New Zealand's commitment
• Partner commitment to xxx
Statement
of joint
commitments
Draws from country context and rationale and refers to the
relevant parts of national development strategies/plans.
• NZ commits to xxx, for example:
− Jointly determined programme of high quality
financial, technical and police support
− Long term and predictable engagement; support
partner countries’ implementation of their strategies
and programmes
− Performance based approaches
− Provide policy advice and technical support
− Offer financial resources
− To the extent possible, utilise the country’s systems in
delivering and managing assistance
− Assist with coordinating donor assistance
• Partner government commits to xxx, for example:
− Objectives of its national development strategy
− Improved civil and economic governance
arrangements
− Optimal use of aid
− Implement national development plan
− Integrate sector plans with national budgetary
processes

14. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 14 of 15
2400462v14
Section Content
Programme
focus
(priorities)
Listed under areas such as sustainable economic
development, human development, governance, and reducing
vulnerability.
Includes over-arching goal; priority areas, outcomes and
target/indicative results.
Sets our why the outcomes are important and what will be
achieved.
Example: Reflects the four areas of the Pacific Strategy (2007-
2015) (unless amended by the Minister] and the agreed upon
priorities under the appropriate area.
Note: Partnership commitment will develop over time.
Consider new requests for progressive strengthening and
extension, through jointly decided arrangement for
governance and review.
Joint
management
(governance
and review)
Mechanisms for review, e.g. annual meetings to review
progress, issues to be addressed and recommendations
Example:
• Annual joint reviews of progress to planned outputs to
development outcomes in each programme focus area.
• M&E: Process and criteria (for indicative results);
• Regular and evidence based review of progress against
outcomes of this partnership and the joint commitments
and performance measures; joint review drawing on
independent evaluation or review in xx years.
Partner discussion (e.g. annual meeting)
Joint Commitment for Development report to appropriate
Ministers and forums.
Attachments
(results
framework)
Attach the results framework showing priority outcomes,
results, and implementation/delivery strategies and target date
for achievement.
Example: For an example, see step 8, Developing the results
framework

15. Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development Page 15 of 15
2400462v14
Content of a Country Strategic Framework for Development
Template CSFfD template (in development)
Length Up to 7 pages
A Country Strategic Framework for Development (CSFfD) is a strategic
framework prepared for a non-Pacific country agreed at the officials’ level and
approved by the Minister.
A Country Strategic Framework for Development contains:
• Executive summary (1 page)
• Strategic framework , including the results framework (5-6 pages)
• Attachment (optional)
Section Content
Executive Summary
Strategic Framework • Over-arching goal
• Joint outcomes linked to priority sectors/areas
• Alignment with partners
• Harmonisation with other donors
• Mutual accountabilities
• Monitoring and results framework.
Attachment (optional) • Results Framework
Related Documents
• Develop a Country Strategic Framework for Development (process)
• Developing a Country Strategic Framework for Development (this guideline)
• CSF Work Plan template
• Draft Country Strategic Framework template
• Developing a Result Framework for a JcfD
• JCfD Results Framework template
Acronyms
Acronym Definition
CSFfD Country Strategic Framework for Development
JCfD Joint Commitment for Development
DPM Development Programme Manager
HOM Head of Mission
ODA Official Development Assistance