Q&A: Participatory Monitoring, DDR, Contracts, Fundraising databases, MED in insecure camps, Managing from a distance

Topics included:

• Participatory monitoring
• Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
• Contracts with contractors
• Online grant/donor databases
• Micro enterprise development in insecure camps
• Managing from a distance
• Addressing demands for programme inclusion

Can you offer any insights or pointers to useful information/contacts on these topics? Thank you.

Responses to the previous questions are summarised below. Please continue the discussions online at Aid Workers Forum or e-mail exchange@aidworkers.net

New Questions

PARTICIPATORY MONITORING

Yakob Adugna needs to develop a forest management monitoring and evaluation system for communities to use, not governments, and the system must be simple. What experience can we share with Yakob? Join the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND REINTEGRATION

Paul Currion asks, "Does anyone have examples of good practices in DDR?" Join the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

CONTRACTS WITH CONTRACTORS

Greg Vaz wants to know how to negotiate a contract with a contractor. "What items should be in a consultant's contract with a contractor?" Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum.

NEWS UPDATE:

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Responses

ONLINE GRANT/DONOR DATABASES

Several websites have resources to find funders and guidelines for applying. Before contacting donors, however, you must complete preliminary steps. Jayne outlines them: first prepare a written proposal that details your project’s activities, goals, stakeholders and their input, and evaluation methodology and lists collaborating organizations who endorse the project. Dominic has reservations about donor websites, but he offers this advice: research donors before approaching them; some refuse uninvited applications. Build a relationship with international NGOs and donors in other countries by applying for small grants through their embassies. Find donor agencies who are active in your area or fund very similar programs to yours elsewhere. Kamran recommends "Towards Financial Self-Reliance: A Handbook on Resource Mobilization for Civil Society Organizations in the South," by Richard Holloway. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

MICRO ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN INSECURE REFUGEE/IDP CAMPS

Both Garrett and Tamsin tell us of Concern Worldwide, which has a post-conflict microfinance action-research program with print and online materials. Tamsin summarizes key principles: People prefer saving over borrowing as it reduces vulnerability. Even tiny savings foster dignity and self-reliance. Small 1- or 2-day loans help traders and help ensure repayment. Set up systems where staff do not handle cash. For example, members save equal amounts and each takes the pot of money once. Separate relief from microfinance systems. Research and design a ‘product’ (savings or loans) that people want. Keep it simple and plan well. Wayne advises designing a scheme that is context specific. Ton's evaluation of income generation programs in post-conflict, rehabilitation situations revealed that sustainable economic opportunities are often available. But if borrowers default, the program is doomed and its fate may deter future programs. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

MANAGING FROM A DISTANCE

As an off-site consultant to a Senegal water project, John found that "management is about relationships, and relationships are not sustained by dry, impersonal communications." John used visits to his remote colleagues to establish relationships that helped avoid later misunderstandings. A documented project structure held people to stated commitments and allowed them to manage their own work. Project reports must receive rapid and meaningful feedback. Jayne’s experience in managing far-flung workers indicates that the success of the remote management relationship should be measured by the same indicators as conventional management. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

ADDRESSING DEMANDS FOR PROGRAMME INCLUSION

A well-managed, detailed claims process (to include people who missed an initial program registration) is labor-intensive but ultimately lightens staff workload and makes relations with applicants more transparent, although the situation will still be stressful. Planning a claims process requires close attention to its timing and sequencing, internal design, perception by external parties, and accommodation of security risks. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.