Field Support Services Project (FSSP) - Colombia and Ecuador

The objective of the Field Support Services Project (FSSP) is to help improve the efficiency of the work of program and project stakeholders, as well as the impact of Canada’s international assistance in Colombia and Ecuador.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) Canada’s bilateral development programs have historically relied on outsourced support services in the field to enable them to deliver programming and achieve results in countries that receive Canadian development assistance. In 2012, the Department developed the Field Support Services (FSS)—a coherent, robust and arm’s length approach that provides specific local knowledge and expertise that will inform the design of sound development strategies and ensure due diligence in the field. The use of local specialized expertise, language capability and local networks increases the effectiveness of Canadian development assistance. The FSS delivers a range of services such as technical analysis and advice in line with Canada’s priority themes, sectors, and initiatives, including cross-cutting issues; monitoring of Canada’s development assistance investments, including results reporting, capturing lessons learned and risk assessment; and support for emerging Canadian development priorities.

The FSSP will focus its activities mainly in Colombia (approx. 75% indicative) and will also cover Ecuador (approx. 25% indicative). The expected results of the FSSP are to enhance the relevance of Canada’s programming in Colombia and Ecuador by addressing local development challenges and opportunities that will benefit the most marginalized and vulnerable in both countries.