1. SYNTHESIS PARTNERS GROUP

2. Opportunities / Strengths Solid relationship based on a long history (>10 years) Trust do exist (what’s its level?) Very successful capacity building process Understanding of CI dynamics by partners (CARE USA/Norway, donors, etc.) Good understanding and buy-in of the program approach implications by partners

3. Challenges CARE is extremely rigid (Procedures!!!) Delays (signing protocols, procurement, HR, etc.) “CARE is still an elephant and we are the mouse” No negotiation on hand over of equipments after the end of projects Social change / movement Vs Activities Dependent Vs Independence Learning is not happening enough

4. Key Recommendations Independence of partners from CARE Social / policy change agenda High-level joint and systematic dialogue and decision making forums (CCDP in Mali) New capacity and competencies needed Become more efficient Our procedures (key and urgent)??? Staff attitudes and behaviors

5. Feedback on tools Too CARE-centric Simplify (limit to few key areas) Make them more adaptable to various contexts (be as much open as possible) Do more relevant and sophisticated analysis and learning

6. Lessons It takes time Strategic commitment in LRSP Limit the # of partners Follow up both quality of partnership and the program implementation It is necessary to pay attention to follow-up actions and decisions Capture the best practices from our work and find a way to sustain them