Coordination Session 2.5 WASH Cholera / AWD EP&R training

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 2 Learning objectives By the end of the session the participants will be able to: list the key strategies for effective coordination describe some of the common barriers to coordination write an invitation letter to a coordination meeting describe the role of the WASH cluster in coordination

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 3 Common barriers to coordination Autonomy is threatened Perception is that coordination will reduce participants’ freedom to make decisions and run their own programmes Too many players involved Concern that too many decision makers or organisations will complicate the process and make any consensus and/or agreement difficult to achieve Decision makers do not take part Leading to agencies constantly have to refer to headquarters before making a decision etc. Unilateral actions Cluster participants ignore established coordination mechanisms and processes Coordination process not working well Cluster has unclear objectives and is seen to waste time without obvious benefits to those participating in it.

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 4 Common barriers to coordination cont Coordination process not working well Cluster has unclear objectives, and is seen to waste time without obvious benefits to those participating in it. Cluster agencies protect their domain: Cluster actors contest the involvement of other organisations, selection of beneficiary groups, priorities, and programme approaches, and compete over visibility and areas of geographic or thematic focus. Knowledge, language and working practices are assumed: Cluster actors will have different levels of knowledge, technical expertise, working practices, and command of language, affecting decision making.

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 5 Common barriers to coordination cont Slow or insufficient mobilization of human, financial or material resources: Limited ability to mobilize collective resources or capitalize on opportunities. Lack of authority to address poor performance Lack of confidence: Cluster actors are hesitant to share information, opinions or concerns in public, or have concerns over their legitimacy. Information management constraints Quality and flow of information

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 6 Strategies for successful coordination Be Inclusive Built Relationships Share Information And Collaborate Respect Differing Complement And Strengthen Built trust Successful Coordination

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 7 Exercise in pairs / threes Your organisation is aware of risks associated with the coming rainy season as watery diarrhoea outbreaks have often started during the rainy season. You want to call key actors in your area to a coordination meeting to discuss about the challenges you may be facing with the coming rains. Work in pairs and write an invitation letter. Use your past experience and the handout as a guide.

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 8 What is a Cluster? A group of organisations or other stakeholders working together to address needs in a sectoral area, i.e. in the WASH sector Global clusters have been established to support the country level activities. Used in 30 countries since 2006

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 9 Goals CLUSTER APPROACH Adequate capacity and predictable leadership in all sectors HUMANITARIAN COORDINATORS Effective leadership and coordination in humanitarian emergencies HUMANITARIAN FINANCING Adequate, timely and flexible financing PARTNERSHIP Strong partnerships between UN and non-UN actors Building a Stronger, More Predictable Humanitarian Response System

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 10 Who participates UN Agencies, INGO, national NGOs, Governments (at country level) Not MSF and ICRC Governments remains responsible. Clusters support government efforts

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 11 The 11 global clusters Cluster Lead AgricultureFAO Camp Coordination/ManagementUNHCR Early RecoveryUNDP EducationUNICEF/SC Emergency ShelterUNHCR/IFRC Emergency TelecommunicationsOCHA/UNICEF/WFP HealthWHO LogisticsWFP NutritionUNICEF ProtectionUNHCR Water, Sanitation and HygieneUNICEF

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training WASH Cluster Coordination Training Responsibility of Global Cluster Leads Standards and Policy Setting (including best practice) Building Response Capacity (including training (national/international), surge capacity, standby roster, stockpiles) Operational Support (capacity assessment, emergency preparedness, technical expertise, advocacy & resource mobilisation, partnerships for enhanced response)

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 13 Global WASH Cluster: who is in it? NGOsACF, CARE, Concern, CRS, IRC, Mercy Corps, NCA, Oxfam, RedR, Tearfund, WVI Red C/C IFRC, ICRC UNUNICEF, WHO, UNEP, UNHCR,UNRWA, Consortia InterAction InstitutionsCDC Donors OFDA, DFID, ECHO. Active Global Cluster Working Group Participants:

WASH cholera / AWD EP&R training 14 Learning objectives By the end of the session the participants will be able to: list the key strategies for effective coordination describe some of the common barriers to coordination write an invitation letter to a coordination meeting describe the role of the WASH cluster in coordination