The objective of this report is to provide government and donor partners with an overview of the main priorities and actions needed to re-establish core government functions in the immediate aftermath of conflict. It draws on the lessons of international experience to provide a selective synthesis of priority measures likely to be applicable in most countries emerging from violent conflict. It focuses on the first three years after the end of major internal violence when external actors have the mandate or authorization to engage, often through a resolution of the United Nations Security Council.

This is not an “off the shelf” toolkit or manual, and nor should it be. Rather, it aims to identify priorities on six core government functions - those functions required to make and implement policy - and to provide guidance on their execution. The six core government functions covered are: (i) executive decision-making and coordination at the centre of government; (ii) public revenue and expenditure management; (iii) government employment and public administration; (iv) the security sector; (v) local governance; and (vi) aid management.

This report forms part of a response to growing calls for the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to engage more systematically and coherently in fragile and conflict-affected contexts and indeed in major crises affecting security and development.