Coordination

Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at the Country Level

Author(s)
IASC
Topic
Source
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/
Description
Following the recommendations of an independent Humanitarian Response Review in 2005, the cluster approach was proposed as one way of addressing gaps and strengthening the effectiveness of humanitarian response through building partnerships. The cluster approach ensures clear leadership, predictability and accountability in international responses to humanitarian emergencies by clarifying the division of labour among organizations and better defining their roles and responsibilities within the different sectors of the response. It aims to make the international humanitarian community better organised and more accountable and professional, so that it can be a better partner for the affected people, host governments, local authorities, local civil society and resourcing partners.
However, the strength of the cluster approach relies on an understanding that this approach is not the only humanitarian coordination solution. In some cases, the cluster approach may co-exist with other “non-cluster” coordination solutions – whether national or international – or an alternative sectoral approach may be preferable. An indiscriminate application of all clusters in every emergency may waste resources and reduce opportunities for governments to exercise their primary responsibility to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need.

Bridge Builders: Strengthening the role of local faith actors in humanitarian response in South Sudan: A two-way model for sharing capacity and strengthening localised response

Author(s)
Olivia Wilkinson, Wani Laki and et al
Source
https://www.csrf-southsudan.org/repository/bridge-builders-strengthening-the-role-of-local-faith-actors-in-humanitarian-response-in-south-sudan-a-two-way-model-for-sharing-capacity-and-strengthening-a-localised-response/
Description
This report outlines and analyses the implementation of the Bridge Builder Model. This is a two-way, capacity-sharing model aimed at bringing together local faith actors (LFAs) and international humanitarian actors to increase understanding, trust, coordination and collaboration.

The model was developed by the Bridging the Gap Consortium (Tearfund UK, Tearfund Belgium, Tearfund in South Sudan, RedR UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Islamic Relief in South Sudan, the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities [JLI] and the University of Leeds) and piloted in 2018–2019 in South Sudan.

The overarching goal of the model is for a more effective and timely humanitarian response that best supports those affected by humanitarian crises, in part by integrating LFAs into the response. The model responds to gaps in localisation, where international humanitarian actors have not built partnerships with LFAs and efforts often run in parallel rather than being coordinated. The model provides capacity strengthening for both LFAs and international humanitarian actors, supported by a number of other activities such as small grants and mentoring for the LFAs, and networking workshops for the international humanitarian actors and LFAs.

The report highlights findings from our research and recommendations from the pilot of the Bridge Builder Model for humanitarian organisations and donors seeking ways to increase localisation in humanitarian response