Regional humanitarian networks

ALNAP Biannual Meeting Madrid, 3rd June

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Networks are essential for effective humanitarian action Networks are seen as increasingly important as a way of enhancing

the management, delivery and evaluation of both humanitarian assistance and recovery programmes.

Evidence shows that improved networking can build trust, establish effective ways of working, and strengthen engagement outside the affected region and with non-relief actors

Networks can therefore provide an important means for a range of actors to collaborate, share ideas, identify common problems and develop a basis for collective action

See “Strengthening Humanitarian Networks”, a collaborative piece by ALNAP, ICVA and ODI: http://www.icva.ch/doc00002887.pdf

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Regional networks have a particularly vital role to play in disaster response and reduction Networks can also act as an important enabler to for reducing the impact of

disasters and in making communities more resilient to future disasters

Due to their close proximity with vulnerable areas and vulnerable communities, regional networks are in well positioned to understand local conditions and context and harness local resources and capacities

The Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (TEC) synthesis report stresses the importance of finding ways of optimising local ownership of projects and programmes and to build local capacities to this end the TEC ambitiously called for a ‘fundamental reorientation of the

international relief system’

However, such change does not happen as the result of a single intervention or the actions of a single actor

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ALNAP is doing preliminary work, in line with its 5 year strategy ALNAP has recognised the, as yet, untapped

potential that regional networks could bring to more effective relief and recovery, especially through improved learning and accountability among and on behalf of member organisations

In line with the current ALNAP strategy, preliminary investigations have been undertaken to identify the best ways in which they can be supported

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Specific types of support provided to networks - I Specific funding for meetings includes making funds

available for seminars, workshops and meetings which allow network members to engage with other networks, donors etc

Access to training and capacity building efforts support to organisational development efforts of network members

Specific funding for monitoring and evaluation funds to monitor and evaluate projects, undertake research, generate lessons learning

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Specific types of support provided to networks include - II Non-monetary support includes mentoring and

guidance provided to network and members staff e.g. HR, finance, administration, research, other technical support. Mentoring does no necessarily refer to a top-down support but can include the support of peers within the same network of community of practice

Mediating: acting as an intermediary or broker between national and regional networks and agencies and donors outside the region

Core funding core grants provided for strengthening the network’s ability to achieve its strategic goals and to improve activities to build members

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There is a strong rationale to further explore the potential collaborating with regional networks

Southern networks have been identified and consultedACHA, SADMP, ADRRN, PARINAC, RedHum

A number of northern based networks have been involved / consulted and have expressed a strong interest in collaboration, and in providing different kinds of support to the networksPeople in Aid, ICVA

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A concept note is under discussion which outlines a number of areas where effective regional networks can contribute to improved humanitarian responses

More analysis on exactly how regional networks can be supported by which donors, in what ways, and with what outcomes

There is much for “Northern” networks to learn from regional networks, and vice versa

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Next steps

Initial ideas and inputs from across ALNAP membership

Finalise concept note, activities, results framework, budget

Develop implementation plan, focusing on small, achievable steps with interested donors