Enhancing Project Implementation for Education & Lifelong Learning

The Outline

The Special Implementation Unit for Educational Activities (SIU) of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports was responsible for implementing and coordinating key education projects under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2007-2013, specifically within the Operational Programme “Education and Lifelong Learning”.

To ensure the smooth execution, monitoring, and coordination of these projects—both as a direct beneficiary and as an overseer of other implementing agencies—the Ministry required specialized technical support to cover all project phases.

The Challenge

Managing a portfolio of co-funded education projects under the NSRF requires addressing several critical challenges:

• Ensuring compliance with NSRF regulations and financial guidelines.
• Coordinating multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and implementation agencies.
• Streamlining project execution across different phases to avoid delays.
• Supporting audit procedures, ensuring projects withstand external evaluations.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer, building internal capacity within SIU for future programs.

Our Approach

To address these challenges, we provided comprehensive technical support across all phases of the project life cycle. Our services were structured into six work packages, each focusing on a key area of project management:

Project Structuring & Risk Assessment – We guided SIU in defining project objectives, creating implementation plans, and aligning with NSRF guidelines, ensuring feasibility and risk mitigation.

Contracting & Compliance Oversight – We provided expertise in procurement, legal frameworks, and funding regulations, ensuring contracts met all NSRF requirements.

Performance Monitoring & Risk Control – We developed monitoring systems and reporting frameworks to keep projects on track and within budget.

Audit & Compliance Support – We prepared SIU for external audits by ensuring financial, operational, and administrative compliance.

Knowledge Transfer & Capacity Building – We facilitated training and process documentation, equipping SIU for future project execution.

Project Closure & Reporting – We supported the finalization and evaluation of projects, ensuring compliance with NSRF accountability requirements.

By providing structured support across all project phases, we enabled SIU to implement critical education projects effectively, ensuring their impact on students, educators, and the broader educational landscape.

Outcomes and Impact

Our collaboration with SIU resulted in stronger project execution, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight, ensuring that education projects delivered real impact across Greece. By integrating best practices in project management, we created a repeatable framework for future initiatives, driving efficiency and long-term success.