Types of sub-national activities The of reference of sub-national clusters should follow the core functions of the cluster at the country-level, while at the same time being streamlined and tailored to local operational realities. Accordingly, the working methods of sub-national clusters must be light and focused on service delivery and operational activities; ensuring reporting and information sharing with the national cluster and, through that mechanism, other sub-national clusters; and promoting the involvement of the affected populations in cluster activities to ensure that humanitarian actors respond adequately to their actual needs. Coordination meeting at Agok in Warrap state, South Sudan. Thousands of residents of Abyei settled in Agok after being displaced by armed clashes in 2011. Credit: OCHA/D DeLorenzo 9 Sharing Leadership within the Cluster Approach A number of evaluations and reports have that clusters that share leadership between UN, NGOs, Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and other key humanitarian actors, including IOM, generally produce positive benefits by improving partnership, advocacy and information for a better response. Sharing leadership ensures stronger engagement and better coordination. This is especially true in remote field locations where a UN presence may be limited or non-existent, and where often NGOs may have a strong and consistent presence. In addition to access, NGOs can also bring technical expertise; different approaches on accountability to affected people; community involvement and understanding; and an expansive partnership potential to any leadership role. Sharing leadership Shared leadership is an approach which allows for an equitable and meaningful distribution of either Cluster Lead Agency or cluster coordination responsibilities at the global, national and/or sub-national levels. It is accompanied by clear roles, mutual understanding and defined accountabilities. The appropriate and transparent sharing of leadership amongst different actors is a true reflection of the interdependency of the humanitarian community to ensure an effective strategic response. While dependent on the context, sharing leadership will require actors to go beyond the norms of participation and implementation, and to define together clear and leadership roles and responsibilities. No matter what the level, an examination of the leadership role to be shared, and its accompanying responsibilities must be undertaken as part of a joint terms of reference development. This should cover the complementary roles of the Cluster Lead Agencies, the Cluster Coordinators and the cluster participants, ensuring that key aspects - such as accountabilities, strategy, representation, advocacy, fundraising and visibility - are clear to all parties. Examples of shared leadership
Types of sub-national activities The of reference of sub-national clusters should follow the core functions of the cluster at the country-level, while at the same time being streamlined and tailored to local operational realities. Accordingly, the working methods of sub-national clusters must be light and focused on service delivery and operational activities; ensuring reporting and information sharing with the national cluster and, through that mechanism, other sub-national clusters; and promoting the involvement of the affected populations in cluster activities to ensure that humanitarian actors respond adequately to their actual needs. Coordination meeting at Agok in Warrap state, South Sudan. Thousands of residents of Abyei settled in Agok after being displaced by armed clashes in 2011. Credit: OCHA/D DeLorenzo 9 Sharing Leadership within the Cluster Approach A number of evaluations and reports have that clusters that share leadership between UN, NGOs, Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and other key humanitarian actors, including IOM, generally produce positive benefits by improving partnership, advocacy and information for a better response. Sharing leadership ensures stronger engagement and better coordination. This is especially true in remote field locations where a UN presence may be limited or non-existent, and where often NGOs may have a strong and consistent presence. In addition to access, NGOs can also bring technical expertise; different approaches on accountability to affected people; community involvement and understanding; and an expansive partnership potential to any leadership role. Sharing leadership Shared leadership is an approach which allows for an equitable and meaningful distribution of either Cluster Lead Agency or cluster coordination responsibilities at the global, national and/or sub-national levels. It is accompanied by clear roles, mutual understanding and defined accountabilities. The appropriate and transparent sharing of leadership amongst different actors is a true reflection of the interdependency of the humanitarian community to ensure an effective strategic response. While dependent on the context, sharing leadership will require actors to go beyond the norms of participation and implementation, and to define together clear and leadership roles and responsibilities. No matter what the level, an examination of the leadership role to be shared, and its accompanying responsibilities must be undertaken as part of a joint terms of reference development. This should cover the complementary roles of the Cluster Lead Agencies, the Cluster Coordinators and the cluster participants, ensuring that key aspects - such as accountabilities, strategy, representation, advocacy, fundraising and visibility - are clear to all parties. Examples of shared leadership
Cluster_Coordination_Reference_Module_II_rev_1_14june2013.docx