1. The Functioning of NGO DRR Networks
BOND DRR Working Group &
Afghan DRR Consortium
Oenone Chadburn – Oct 06
13/11/2018

2. Introduction Two different national level DRR networks
Developed and developing country contexts
Both relatively new in undertaking activities
Both have seen a role for
Advocacy
Good Practise & Shared Learning
Co-ordination & Collaboration
This presentation wont necc undertake a compare and contrast, but will just talk about different examples
My relationship to both networks
Two different sets of opportunities and issues to address as well, especially in the advocacy arena
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3. The BOND Network Vision & Goals of British Overseas NGOs for Dev
UK's broadest network of voluntary organisations working in international development founded in 1993
Aims to improve the UK's contribution to international development by promoting the exchange of experience, ideas and information
Function & Role of BOND Working Groups
Thematically focused
Member-led and self-managed
Guidelines based on accessibility, transparency & accountability
Secretariat support provided by BOND
Specific Learning Point – review of BOND on the effectiveness and support to their WGs, the time of the meetings, and their initiative to set up a network of networks review to try and synergise better some of the issues that seem to have sprawled out
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4. Learning from Working Groups
Structure must be fit for purpose – don’t shoe horn your objectives into a structure
Clarity around representation (BOND, WG or individual sign up)
Potential of saturation of networks – research mapping of one issue and how many networks are dealing with it
Seasonality of availability and internal organisational demands of NGOs
Optimum time for meetings between 2-4 on Thursday afternoons!
Management Guide for Networks 140 pages long, and 10 chapters.
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5. BOND DRR WG ToR Objectives Structure Share information
Closer collaboration & co-ordination
Advance public policy on DRR
Co-ordinate Advocacy
Contribute towards the development & implementation of Hyogo
Structure
Separate Chair & Co-ordinator
Members meet formally 4 times a year
E-group to share information (over 100 on list)
Specific Learning Point – Separation of Chair and Co-ordinator in an attempt not to let the responsibilities and direction of the network lie with one agency
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6. Areas Covered in 2005/6 Review of Group ToR ISDR Presentation on Hyogo
Relationships with other disaster related networks
Discussion on National Platform
VCA Tools
Climate Change & DRR
Review of TEC evaluation
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7. Sub Working Groups DFID Sub-Working Group
Comprised of 6 agencies, all with grants from the DFID Conflict and Humanitarian Fund
Came together for co-ordination and debate on common implementation issues
Co-funding a joint consultancy on development of community based indicators for Hyogo
Principles in Recovery Working Group
Evolved from the TEC evaluation
To develop high level principles and their practical outworking, as well as explain key concepts
Specific Learning Point – endorsement of the need for networks to be practically active
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8. BOND DRR WG - Added Value
Conceptual learning and sharing
Interaction between donors, academia and practitioners (members & associate members)
Debate and discussion on good practise
Sharing of VCA tools
Effective grassroots practise and case studies
Development of standards
Relationship between DDR and Climate Change Adaptation
Advocacy opportunities
Activities e.g. Community Research for Hyogo
Momentum on the “DRR debate”
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9. Afghan DRR Consortium Thinking initiated from
Need for coordination
Support the facilitation of funding
Development Afghan national policy
Deliberately limited and strongly framed start
Desire to integrate local NGOs to ensure shared learning and the development of capacity, but issues of resources and politics
Strong links with ACBAR
Co-ordination needed initially within the NGO community, but it was in part a case of “get your own house in order before you go and complain about others”
Note that there will be political contexts in each country that will mean each network potentially has its own sub set of hidden agendas
Quite a long time spent debating the ToR and the way the group will be structured administratively…
…Specific Learning Point - in part due to high turn over of international staff
Specific Learning Point - the facilitation of funding so that donors have a more co-ordinated mechanism to negotiate with
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10. Consortium Objectives
Enhance information sharing
Advocate for the inclusion of DRR in development projects
Lobby governments and donors for funding to be channelled towards DRR
Collect and share best practise
Participation in the National Disaster Response Network
Capacity Building of NGOs and CBOs including training materials and the facilitation of workshops
Voice for the community
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11. DRR Consortium - Added Value
Potential for Impact
Strong recognition of the beneficiaries of the organisation and the different needs they have
Single independent voice and representation
Strict criteria for membership ensures common standards and commitment
Mapping trends, and contribution towards EWS and disaster response mechanisms
Early Issues
Recent UN external review on disaster mechanisms, there was no reference to the network
Specific Learning Point – need to “market” network
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12. Learning for the Consultation
BOND’s ongoing learning on the effectiveness and imporvement of NGO networks
Inclusiveness for all levels of NGOs & CBOs
Need for networks to be practically active
Use of NGOs networks to facilitate larger funding opportunities
Need for institutionalisation of networks and not ones that are based on individual strengths
Need to “market” networks to both other NGOs and other institutions/organisations
Responsibility not just to advocate but advance policy
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13. Conclusions
Initial favourable interest on behalf of the BOND DRR WG towards the development of a Global Network
DRR Consortium would favourably contribute to and receive from a Global Network
Thank You
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