First External Management Review of ISNAR, 1986

Report of the External Management Review (EMR) of ISNAR in 1986, conducted concurrently with the EPR. The panel chair was W. E. Tossell. The document includes transmittal letters from the CGIAR Executive Secretary and the panel, and the comments of ISNAR's Board of Trustees.The review found that ISNAR, having completed an initial five year trial period, warranted permanent CGIAR support. In common with the EPR, the panel recommended clarification of ISNAR's mandate to emphasize its role in the development of NARS. Panel recommendations included decentralization to reduce the workload of the Director General, and reducing the board from 15 to 11 members. Project leaders should become more involved in formulating project budgets and managing staff. There was need for a more comprehensive medium term plan and strategy. ISNAR required additional senior staff specialized in human resources and financial management. Additional grades should be introduced, and more senior scientists recruited from developing countries, Africa in particular.ISNAR should work to reduce dependence on its two primary donors and to stabilize secure core funding. The panel urged full recovery of all special project costs. The organizational structure should evolve toward a matrix management system, involving either a Deputy Director General or creation of three departments headed by directors with line management responsibilities.The EMR report was discussed at TAC 38, and at the CGIAR Meeting in May 1986.