Advocacy and resource mobilisation - OneResponse

If there are a large number of cluster partners, it may be prudent to manage
project selection through a smaller advisory group. However, representation by
all cluster stakeholders will be needed, including government and local
organisations, in order to gain trust and legitimacy and to facilitate transparency.
A process dominated by international staff or agencies, or with inadequate
government representation, may lead to misunderstanding and loss of confidence
in the cluster and in the overall cluster approach. Furthermore, it may overlook or
undermine important local capacities.
260 | May 2010
Overcoming misunderstandings about project selection
� Provide clear guidance and supporting information about pooled
funding mechanisms and criteria (eg, core competencies, capacity,
prior presence in locality, targeting unmet needs, alignment with
cluster priorities).
� Emphasise that inclusion of projects within an appeal submission is
not a guarantee of funding.
� Establish a systematic process for the prioritisation of needs,
identification of gaps, and subsequent selection of project (refer to
section 7.3), and ensure broad representation of cluster partners in
this process.
� Request donor cooperation in abiding by cluster priorities and not
‘cherry-picking’ projects with particular agencies.
� Support local partners that may not have well-developed capacity
for writing fundraising proposals, particularly those subject to
language constraints.
Ten steps in funding the Education Cluster Response 52
1 The cluster agrees on a joint assessment of needs.
2 The cluster agrees on the prioritisation of needs and the priority cross-cutting issues
to be integrated throughout the project cycle. This may be done through a smaller
advisory group with representation of all cluster stakeholders.
3 The cluster develops a shared response plan/strategy with agreed responsibilities to
cover the priority needs identified, while minimising gaps and the risks of duplication
or competition.
4 Individual partners draw up project proposals with budgets for their part of the plan.
5 The Coordinator manages a process for prioritising cluster partner projects on the
basis of pre-agreed criteria, which should relate to the prioritised areas and the
priority cross-cutting issues. Selected projects are proposed for inclusion in the
52 Adapted from ECU (2008)Ten key points on funding the Education Cluster in the field