We continuously strive to make our work even better. As part of these efforts, we use a quality management system based on the PDCA cycle. PDCA stands for ‘plan, do, check, act’ and is an ongoing process. It helps us to review results systematically, work more efficiently and uphold our responsibility to our clients, commissioning parties, partners and the German public.
Systematic quality management
At GIZ, we define quality in consultation with our clients, commissioning parties and partners in a way that aligns with our values. We champion this as a company and with every single project. An insight into how we work.
Our understanding of quality
GIZ’s Quality House provides a framework for reviewing and improving our standards on an ongoing basis. It is based on five pillars:
- Positive results achieved
- Economical use of resources
- Compliance with rules and regulations
- Efficient steering
- Sustainability-based values
Quality standards for projects
We are guided by four quality standards in our projects, derived from our understanding of quality:
- Effectiveness – we achieve what we set out to accomplish
- Cost-effectiveness – we make careful use of resources
- Partner orientation – we work closely with our partners.
- Accountability and compliance – we comply with all rules and are accountable for our results.
Our aim is to further enhance our expertise and remain innovative and competitive. We want clients, commissioning parties, partners, employees and the general public to be satisfied with our work.
How we protect people and the environment
The contexts in which we work are often complex and marked by climate change, conflict, fragility and inequality. A project in one sector or region can have unintended effects on people and/or the natural environment in another area.
Our Safeguards+Gender Management System ensures that our projects avoid or reduce negative impacts, and actively foster positive effects. Our approach unites social responsibility, environmental protection and economic success. We hold ourselves to this standard. And we expect this from our clients and commissioning parties, too.
All projects address the following questions in the preparation and implementation phases:
- How will the project impact the environment and the climate – and vice-versa?
- How will the project affect the human rights situation?
- What role do conflicts and violence play?
- How can we prevent gender-based discrimination and promote gender equality?
If potential risks and/or opportunities are identified, we examine them closely using in-depth analyses. If necessary, we adapt our project approaches and activities to leverage opportunities and avoid risks. In each project, we actively seek opportunities to promote equality between women and men.
Practical examples include: a project to reduce carbon emissions in the textile industry also considers the rights of women garment workers. Or: a project for more jobs in agriculture also takes climate protection into account.
Safeguard specialists from one of GIZ’s Head Office units support projects in applying the Safeguards+Gender Management System systematically to improve project quality.
We are satisfied only when we have done everything we can for the effectiveness of our projects. When they are socially responsible, sustainable and equitable.
Dieneke ter Huurne, Head of the Safeguards+Gender Management System Section, explains why GIZ ensures that its work is sustainable and social compatible, and how it does so.