ITE Days: promoting international technical expertise in the French cooperation and influence network
Mobilising French expertise on behalf of our donors and for our partners
In 2016, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) entrusted Expertise France with the implementation of its network of influence experts, who are international technical experts made available to its partners for long-term missions. In 2021, The Ministry of the Economy, Finance and the Recovery (MEFR) decided to build on this momentum by developing, with our support, a network of experts dedicated to economic influence. Agence Française de Développement (AFD), for its part, offers to assist its partners with the implementation of their projects through technical expertise which can also be deployed by Expertise France.
During the Presidential Council for Development held on 17 December 2020, it was decided to double the number of international technical experts (ITE) deployed on behalf of the MEAE by the end of 2023. This announcement by the French President shows the importance given to this network and the desire to increase French influence around the world using this mechanism. In addition to the increase in the number of ITE, the main objective is to strengthen our presence, in particular in new sectors, geographical areas and institutions considered as strategic and priorities. The doubling of the staff will result in about 300 ITE positions managed by Expertise France by the end of 2023. The MEAE’s Directorate General for Globalisation, Development and Partnerships handles the strategic management of this network. It carries out planning work which provides a framework for the creation of new positions. This programmatic planning has defined a geographical and thematic mapping to support the ramp-up of the network (over 150 positions created between 2021 and 2023). This contributes to the achievement of the objectives of France’s development, influence and economic diplomacy, as well as to the implementation of our priorities in the field of global issues.
Our experts have a twofold mission on behalf of France: they provide advice and technical assistance to partner countries and organisations, as much as they contribute to the influence of our country by promoting its values, standards and expertise in the context of a relationship of close cooperation, dialogue and trust with the partners where they are deployed.
“We build a close relationship with the experts we recruit, deploy and follow up in the field. To gradually give shape to this community, which is a key tool for cooperation and influence for France around the world, our donors have given us a mandate to promote and coordinate it.”
ITE days: the quality of the exchanges and very useful nature of these days unanimously welcomed!
The “ITE Days” were designed as a time for exchanges and conviviality. The objectives were to allow our main donors to present their ambitions and expectations and to give the floor to experts, in order to discuss the conditions for carrying out their mission based on their experience. The proposed programme aimed to address these two objectives by facilitating the debate and reflection with our donors: think together about the challenges facing the world of today and tomorrow in order to interact better with our partners! The opening panel discussion, along with the debates and workshops were marked by a very active participation throughout these two days.
The first morning gathered representatives of the three main donors in this network with Rima Le Coguic, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at Expertise France as moderator of the institutional panel discussion, along with Mrs. Drita Abdiu-Halili, State Secretary for European Integration of North Macedonia, and Laurence Coste, a lawyer specialised in development at the World Bank and a former international technical expert in this same institution.
Rima Le Coguic pointed out that our network of experts deployed at the request of our donors was part of the much more extensive cooperation and influence strategies which mobilise administrations and their officers in Paris and in the field on a daily basis. She wanted to ask them about their expectations of this network, its added value and the means required to develop synergies with all French operators at all levels of operation.
Philippe Lacoste, Director of Sustainable Development at the Directorate General for Globalisation, Development and Partnerships at the MEAE, reaffirmed the importance of ITE for France: “You are a major pillar of our international solidarity policy”. He also underlined their role with the partner institutions which they contribute to strengthening. In a context of increasingly competitive cooperation: “The increase in resources allows us to maintain staff in the priority areas, but also to work in new geographical areas such as the Indo-Pacific region.” The growth in the network headed by the MEAE is thereby strengthening France’s presence in its priority areas of operation and developing it where it was previously less present. To do so, we need to convince our partners and demonstrate our credibility and the added value of our cooperation services compared to our competitors.
Paul Teboul, Deputy Director of International Business Finance at the Directorate General of the Treasury, spoke about the ambitions of the MEFR for the deployment of its network of experts: “At full capacity, we’ll have about 40 ITE. They will provide support for the exports and internationalisation of French companies. Their presence will help bring about ambitious high-quality projects for the partners and will promote cooperation with French economic actors.”
Addressing the audience, Cassilde Brenière, Deputy Executive Director of Sustainable Development Solutions at AFD, underscored the interest of the mechanism: “You play an essential role, you have in-depth knowledge of the field, your expertise is invaluable to us. So, we need to endeavour to get to know each other well and work together to coordinate our projects with your missions.”
To reflect the expectations expressed by the donors, it seemed important to hear the views of a partner who benefits from the support of our network. The Secretariat for European Integration of North Macedonia has been hosting an international technical expert, Solange Maslowski, since November 2021. The moderator of the panel discussion, our Deputy Chief Executive Officer, asked about the value of this presence, the way in which the cooperation is organised and to what extent, in her opinion, the presence of a French ITE strengthens the secretariat in its integration process.
Minister Drita Abdiu-Halili highlighted the importance of this support and the quality of the work with our expert. In a competitive environment, she emphasised the importance of France’s presence for the values it upholds and the role it plays in the European Union and its institutions. She welcomed the recent progress made by her country in the integration process, an even greater priority in view of the current context in the region. During the open discussion, Mrs. Abdiu-Halili wished to stress the reciprocal nature of the cooperation relationship. The presence of our experts can clearly help convey the values, standards and expertise championed by France, but is also an excellent way to discover and build on the responses, practices and solutions developed by our partners, which are often highly instructive for us.
It would not be possible to fully understand our mechanism without the views of its main actors, the experts themselves. In this respect, the account given by Laurence Coste was very important. What she firstly retains from her experience in an international organisation benefiting from a very strong institutional culture is the importance of ensuring the best possible integration. In these organisations, the position of our experts is not always immediately understood and it is mainly up to them to find their place. To do so, experience and skills are, of course, crucial to giving the expert legitimacy, but the support of the cooperation and influence network is also a very important factor. A close relationship with the permanent representation in the organisation and with the services in Paris is essential. Mrs. Coste concludes that this special position can become an advantage when it is assumed and if the integration is successful. Indeed, it can make it possible to avoid certain institutional, organisational and hierarchical constraints that are difficult for the institution’s staff to overcome and opens the door to a more cross-functional approach.
In conclusion to the various interventions and rich exchanges with the audience, Rima Le Coguic stressed the importance that needs to be given to the integration of experts in the cooperation and influence network in the field and in Paris, as well as the absolute necessity of strengthening the potential synergies between all the actors in the interests of effectiveness and coherence. Finally, she also wished to stress her total agreement with Mrs. Abdiu-Halili concerning the reciprocal nature of cooperation. We are not the only providers of solutions, our partners also constitute resources for us, we need to learn to learn from others.
The discussions and thematic workshops organised throughout the two days gave insight into the realities of the experts everywhere they work. In conclusion to the exchanges on strengthening France’s presence in international organisations, Antonin Cœur-Bizot, Director of the Bilateral Cooperation and Mobilisation of Expertise Department at Expertise France, summarised the main lessons: “The need for coherence and a consideration of the expectations of the host institutions, the importance of sharing information and capitalising on it, the integration in Team France, and a consideration of the sometimes sensitive position of experts in the field.”
The highlight of these days was the discussion led by Marc Hecker, Director of Research and Communications at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). The objective was to consider the participation of international technical experts in the overall effort of cooperation and influence. It also involved putting into perspective the objectives of our international policy and the realities of our experts’ action in the institutions they serve: “Influence, from the shared ambition to the reality of experts in the field.”
Based on a clear-sighted observation of changes in international relations around the world, the MEAE’s roadmap for influence sets a strong ambition for the entire French cooperation and influence network. While our country has “major” strengths allowing it to assert its interests, it must adapt to a changing world marked by the emergence of new powers and the return of a form of “brutality” in the power relationships that drive the relations between countries. Among the means and tools for an all-conquering diplomacy, the network of international technical experts made available to foreign governments or structures, or to international organisations, is referred to as a “major channel of influence”.
The MEAE’s Centre for Analysis, Forecasting and Strategy (CAPS) made a significant contribution to the development of this roadmap. To measure the role our network can play in this framework, it was important to understand the reasons behind the need to rethink France’s influence strategy, how it has been redefined and the main issues it aims to address. It also seemed useful to know how the overall French cooperation and influence network takes this up and works to achieve the objectives set for it. Finally, it seemed necessary to know what, within this overall framework for action, is expected from the ITE network taking account of its specific characteristics.
Following a brief presentation of the most significant work on changes in influence strategies in relations between countries, the moderator, Marc Hecker, asked Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, Director of the MEAE’s Centre for Analysis, Forecasting and Strategy (CAPS), to present the MEAE’s roadmap for influence. This roadmap is designed to adapt the French strategy to the new realities of international relations which are mainly marked by more aggressive forms of influence, increasingly involving, with a one-size-fits-all approach, what used to be appropriate to call “hard” and “soft” power. In a context of confrontation between competitive models, there is a need to maintain the means of influence in environments that are more or less closed or authoritarian. The ITE, who are both providers of solutions and channels of influence, are deployed in these competitive environments with contrasting systems of values and norms that are more or less different from ours.
Eric Samy, an expert at ASEAN in Indonesia, looked back at his integration process in an institution which usually only receives experts in connection with projects and programmes. While the advisory position defined in his job description, which was new for the institution, initially made it more difficult for him to settle in, he now views it in very positive terms. Indeed, the relations built at the highest level over time allow him to act as an interface and intermediary, which is expected of him in the institution, in conjunction with all the actors in the French network.
Serge Allou, Technical Advisor to United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in Spain, regretted the fact that the roadmap for influence remains relatively unknown. While stressing the high quality of the analysis and clarity of the ambitions defined, he pointed to the importance of new regional and global alliances which mobilise new particularly dynamic actors who are independent of state logics. After four years at UCLG, he also notes that over time, his position has given him certain liberties in the institution which he has been able to take advantage of. Finally, he emphasised the relationship of trust and mutual recognition which it is essential to build. While this relationship is first and foremost dependent on the quality of the expertise and skills, our action must be guided by passion, commitment, the spirit of solidarity and sincerity.
Using a few keywords selected by the participants, Salvatore Pappalardo, Head of the Expert Relations Unit, looked at the specific position of ITE, what it involves, its added value and its “potential” from the perspective of influence. The dual loyalties of experts require the talent of a “tightrope walker”, a lot of agility and adaptability skills. A position of dialogue which requires “knowing how to listen” but also “to be listened to” within the network of cooperation and influence. An expert is a “resource” through their ability to understand our partners, their dynamics, the interplay of actors which drives them, their solutions and their approaches. But the expert also needs “resources” from the entire network to be effective and act in full knowledge of the situation. In any case, avoid “isolation”, facilitate their integration and ensure the “coordination” of their action with all the actors of Team France. To fully play their role, the experts must be integrated “into the network” of French cooperation and influence and “networked”, facilitating access to information, mutual support and solidarity between experts!
Jérémie Pellet, Chief Executive Officer of Expertise France, and Cyrille Pierre, Deputy Director for Globalisation, Culture, Education and International Development at the MEAE, concluded these two days.
Jérémie Pellet welcomed the organisation and success of this first edition, which has clearly “created links, facilitated exchanges and added value to the network”. Setting a date, he lent his support to the organisation of the second edition of the days in 2023. These days have measured “the crucial need for a coordination of the mechanism”, which Expertise France is fully committed to. The development of the portal for the mobilisation of expertise is among the tools which the agency intends to acquire to facilitate the international mobilisation of expertise and strengthen the capitalisation. He called for a better integration of experts in the French cooperation and influence network, right from the preparation stage for the departure.
Setting the ITE Days, from their very first edition, in the agenda of the major annual events of the network (Ambassadors’ Conference, Meetings of the Institut Français, AFD’s Summer and Winter Meetings, etc.), Cyrille Pierre wished to stress the importance of technical expertise for the MEAE: “You embody this all-important human link, values and expertise, in a world where cooperation is not practised in the same way by all countries.” Recalling the developments in technical assistance since the mid-20th century, he especially highlighted the renewal and dynamism of the mechanism deployed today. A network strategically coordinated by the MEAE, based on clear objectives and involving all the services and embassies at the earliest possible stage. “We are in a new era of expertise” where it is no longer question of imposing models or replacing beneficiaries, but of a form of “hybrid” expertise, based on partnership and reciprocal exchanges.
Women and men committed to partners in the field!
The ITE generally work for a renewable period of two years in various sectors, in line with the priorities of Official Development Assistance and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“After working for seven years in Réunion as manager of the R&D component at the Regional Centre for Tropical Cyclone Forecasting, in February 2021, I took up my position at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. I’m mainly based in Port Elizabeth and my mission is to develop and implement international research partnerships and programmes to strengthen French-South African cooperation and, more generally, regional cooperation in the field of marine science” - Olivier BOUSQUET, researcher and project manager at the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (iCMR) at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa
[…] “It’s an exciting mission, but can sometimes be complex due to the geopolitical situation and the cultural and structural differences between the various countries in the region.”
In this respect, Expertise France recruits experts in thematic areas including Health and Sustainable Development, Governance, and Education and Culture. They are made available to foreign institutions or international organisations requesting expertise, such as ministries and administrations, public institutions, research institutes, international or intergovernmental organisations and universities.
“I’m deployed as a regional advisor at the regional support office for West Africa and the UNAIDS centre. In the office, I work on prevention, screening and care issues, with a special focus on innovations such as PrEP and self-testing.” - Mach-Houd KOUTON, Public Health and HIV Advisor to UNAIDS in Senegal
[…] “Thanks to the combined efforts, the responses to HIV now include offers of PrEP, community testing, self-testing, a community-based and multi-month provision of ARVs, etc.”
Ken DE CHADIRAC, project management expert in vocational training at the Central African Agency for Vocational Training and Employment (ACFPE)
“The Project to Support the Development of Learning (PADA) is a project cofinanced by AFD and ACFPE to provide sandwich course training for 1,754 out-of-school young people aged between 16 and 22. We propose about 30 occupations in the construction, agriculture and service sectors.
My role is to support the coordination of PADA for the administrative and financial management and partnership relations, as well as to ensure that AFD procedures are respected. I also assist the team with the technical implementation of the project and the development of training engineering.
We started in December 2021 with a first cohort of 600 apprentices and I was very surprised by the enthusiasm created by this project. We received about 20,000 applications for 600 available places, which showed me the extent of the need to train and have a job among Central African youth.
Sandwich course training is a new training method in CAR and is not yet regulated. I’m very proud to be able to experiment through this project and I hope to contribute to giving the keys, firstly to make it a legally recognised system and, secondly, for the rapid integration of young people.”
Find a full report on AFD’s website along with the portraits of three beneficiaries of the project: Carine, Martin and Victorine!
Matthieu GARDON-MOLLARD, Advisor to the Permanent Secretary of the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) since December 2020
“OHADA is at the origin of the establishment of a harmonised and integrated legal framework which covers around 10 areas of business law, with a view to developing the economic activities of its 17 Member States. OHADA Law is innovative and open to alternative dispute settlement methods. It today stands as an example in Africa.
My role is to assist OHADA with the implementation of its strategic priorities, in particular through the dissemination of OHADA law and tools to facilitate exchanges and investments.
I also assist OHADA with the development of institutional partnerships and new projects, in particular with AFD, the European Union and GIZ.”
Jonathan DRUBAY, Innovation Expert at the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan
“Our world today faces a number of environmental, societal and technological challenges. The bad news is that these challenges are global and everyone is concerned. The good news is that everyone is concerned and many people are seeking solutions. My objective is to ensure that these people, who are tackling the same problems, tackle them together and not separately.
I am posted at the Taiwanese Ministry of Science and Technology where I provide the support and coordination required to strengthen exchanges between France and Taiwan. I also help identify our complementarities on innovative and promising themes, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things. This unique and atypical position makes it possible to maintain close relations with Taiwanese and French public and private actors.
In practical terms, the implementation and promotion of cooperation and financing mechanisms and the organisation of study and prospecting missions between France and Taiwan are tools which connect these actors of innovation. About 20 Taiwanese young talents will participate in the VivaTech 2022 trade fair from 15 to 18 June in Paris, which will provide an opportunity to showcase ‘Taiwan style’ innovation.”