Consists of high level representatives of the partners, donors and developing countries.

• Sets policy guidelines and provides policy oversight on the overall direction of the Facility;

• Provides guidance on programmes and the Facility's work agenda;

• Evaluates reports on progress of the Facility;

• Oversees efforts by the Working Group in the coordination of SPS related technical cooperation and the dissemination of good practice in this regard; and

• Seeks to develop a broader financial basis for the Facility through outreach to donors.

Consists of technical level representatives of partners, donors and developing countries, and includes participation by the Secretariats of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It is responsible for:

• Preparation of work programmes, including staffing requirements;

• Exchange of experiences in relation to the provision and implementation of SPS-related technical co-operation;

• Guiding the development of resources for coordination activities and dissemination of good practice;

• Review and approval of applications for funding by STDF or making recommendations to fund applications outside STDF;

• Support to fund raising activities;

• Appointing advisory committees for special purposes; and

• Preparation of reports on progress for the Policy Committee

The STDF Secretariat is provided by the WTO and consist of a team of professionals responsible for:

• Implementing STDF coordination functions and responsibilities;

• Helping beneficiary organizations in identifying and developing possible projects in priority areas for funding by the STDF or from another funding source;

• Conducting reviews of applications for funding and keeps records of applications received;

• Receiving project reports and oversight project implementing agencies;

• Identifying and participating in activities to disseminate information on the STDF;

• Assisting in identifying additional sources of funding for the Facility; and

• Assuming responsibility for the accounting and financial tasks to administer STDF funding.

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