What is a Technical Assistance Project (TAP) in the context of the Probabilistic Disaster Risk Modeling (CAPRA) initiative?

A TAP is a technical assistance process to provide training on probabilistic hazard or disaster risk modeling utilizing the CAPRA platform, applied to a specific risk management process or development program that contributes to the definition of public policies and programs for disaster risk reduction. A TAP is established in an agreement for collaboration between the World Bank’s Latin America and Caribbean Region Disaster Risk Management team and one or more institutions leading a project. The World Bank provides training and technical support during the execution of the TAP.

The risk management process or development program for which the TAP is executed is decided by the institutions in keeping with their needs and priorities. Based thereon, specific modeling needs and available resources (data, time, and technological, among others) are identified and the scope and objectives of the TAP defined.

At least three preconditions are required for the execution of a TAP:

• An existing institutional process in development areas where hazard and disaster risk data is required.
• Institutional commitment to form a multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional team that will receive the training on the use of the CAPRA platform and implement a modeling process.
• Institutional interest in using the results of the probabilistic hazard or risk modeling in defining and implementing risk reduction policies.

Why execute a TAP?

TAPs are strategies for building institutional capacity in the region to generate disaster risk and hazard models and incorporate them in defining risk management policies in development programs. TAPs designed under the CAPRA initiative are based on the following main premises:

• Hazard and disaster risk modeling is primarily a concern of institutions or government entities with responsibility for making decisions related to disaster risk.
• Technical assistance should be closely linked to the institutional processes, needs, and priorities of the country concerned.
• The probabilistic approach affords a series of advantages in modeling complex and uncertain phenomena. However, at times, it should be understood as a tool complementing other approaches.
• Acquiring knowledge of the phenomena and assessment of the hazard and risk is a gradual process. Therefore, the scope of the models should be geared to national capacities and resources.
  
   

What is the process for defining and executing a TAP?

The following are the main steps in defining and executing a TAP:

1. Identification of the project: Identification of specific hazard or disaster risk data requirements of one or more development projects or programs where a lead institution is interested in furthering and building its technical modeling capacity. At this stage, preliminary consultations are carried out with institutions or subnational governments potentially to be involved.  Priorities, institutional stakeholders, and possible available resources are identified.  
2. Preparation of the terms of reference for the TAP:  Preparation of a technical document stipulating the scope of the project and details of technical and related institutional aspects. This document constitutes the framework of agreement and for participation by the institutions and the World Bank in executing the project.
3. Setting the start date and defining the preparatory activities: When the terms of reference have been agreed, the lead institution and the World Bank set the start date and define the preliminary activities required to begin execution of the TAP, such as forming the technical team and carrying out the required administrative procedures.   
4. Execution: The execution stage varies widely from one TAP to another, depending on its scope. Execution normally lasts from six to eight months. In general, it involves “hands-on” training, that is, the technical team receives training as modeling activities are carried out. Technical assistance from the World Bank essentially consists of this training and ongoing technical support until project end.

General outline of the terms of reference of a TAP

The terms of reference constitute a guidance document defining the actions and responsibilities of the entities involved in achieving project outcomes.  To that end, it is essential to prepare a document containing the following items: