DUSHANEB, September 1, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (UCA IPPA) in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) under the President of Tajikistan launched its Certificate Program in Policy Analysis (CPPA) in Dushanbe on August 25, 2014.

According to press release issued by UCA, Dr. Abdulhakim Roziqzoda, IPA’s Rector, Dr. Madjid Khairullo, Deputy Head of Division on Strategic Planning and Reforms at President’s Executive, and Dr. Roman Mogilevskii, IPPA Head of Research welcomed course participants.  They reportedly provided an overview of the training and its value to students.

“The program is a unique initiative in the region.  It will allow civil servants and experts in Tajikistan to increase their capacity in policy analysis, filling a very real need for increased capacity in this area.  IPA is pleased to cooperate with UCA in providing this opportunity,” said Dr. Roziqzoda.

The CPPA is an executive program offered under IPPA’s Research and Public Policy Initiative (RPPI), supported by the International Development Research Centre and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.  RPPI aims to ground policy-making processes in Central Asia in sound evidence and policy analysis by building the capacity of researchers to conduct independent and critical studies and by expanding the ability of policy professionals to utilize such research in policy development.

The Program is targeted towards mid- to senior-level civil servants, independent analysts and staff at think-tanks and non-governmental organizations.  It is formatted to accommodate working professionals through a flexible, part-time schedule. Thirty learners are enrolled in the program in Dushanbe. Seventeen participants are currently enrolled in the program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which started in May 2014.

Taught by highly qualified staff, curriculum topics include modules on Policy Process in Government, Economics for Policy Analysis, Methods of Policy Analysis and Policy Monitoring and Evaluation.  Students will demonstrate their learning through a policy paper which will be evaluated at a colloquium by senior government officials.  The best papers will be published in IPPA’s Working Paper Series.

“This program gives both young and seasoned professionals a platform to refine their analytical skills and develop their personal capacity.  Through UCA’s partnership with IPA, we will provide students with the required technical expertise,” said Mogilevskii.

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a professional development Certificate in Policy Analysis.  It is a 25 credit European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) program.

IPPA was established in 2011 to strengthen public policy in Central Asia.  It provides in-depth analysis on current and emerging policy issues facing the region, and improves the analytical capacity of governments and civil society to use evidence in decision-making processes through professional development.  The Institute has produced a series of peer-reviewed original research papers on social and economic issues, public administration and public policy as they relate to Central Asia and Afghanistan.