UNCTAD provides the institutional framework for the PMC, which is composed of UNCTAD staff, the Project Management Commitee (PMC) assistant and the NPC in each beneficiary country. The PMC has the responsibility of executing COMPAL in a coordinated manner and will introduce changes to the activities and annual work plans (POAs) as required.

National Project Coordinators (NPCs) will have specific functions under the PMC and will be responsible for the implementation of the planned activities at local level in accordance with the time schedules. They will be in charge of the execution of the operational plans. This task will be closely coordinated with UNCTAD. In this regard, the managerial responsibilities of the Programme will be shared between NPCs and UNCTAD. The latter will guide the implementation of the annual operational plans (POAs) and will provide support to local institutions in achieving each project objective.

UNCTAD, represented by the Programme Manager, will have managerial responsibilities regarding the overall supervision of COMPAL and managing the project budget in order to ensure that the project proceeds, as planned, in an efficient and orderly fashion. The management and control of the master budget will be undertaken in line with UN administrative and financial procedures using the UN internal management information system (IMIS). In this regard, budget expenditures and control of procurement procedures will be conducted in accordance with UN regulations.

Furthermore, in close coordination with the NPCs, UNCTAD will undertake monitoring activities in accordance with UN regulations and procedures, as well as the operational framework set out herein. UNCTAD will also assist each NPC in the development of its POAs and strengthening NPCs' role and other functions as required.

Finally, in coordination with the donor, UNCTAD will revise the set of planned activities every year taking into consideration accomplishments and expected circumstances.

The Programme will benefit from the experience of international and national consultants, who will contribute to project activities (studies, seminars and workshops, etc). In this regard, UNCTAD has prepared a document entitled "Proceedings for recruiting and selecting national, regional and international consultants, experts".

Furthermore, COMPAL requires general guidelines from institutions that provide support. Consequently, a Strategic Direction Committee (SDC/CDE) has been established whose members comprise SECO, COMCO and UNCTAD. This Committee will ensure the achievement of the ultimate goal of COMPAL. It is worth noting that Swiss representatives at the local level will participate on behalf of SECO.