When it accepted the introduction of the cluster approach in pilot countries in 2005, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) called for an external evaluation to be performed after two years, to assess the mechanism’s progress and effectiveness. In 2007 the IASC designed the terms of reference for the evaluation (see annex 5), to be undertaken by an independent research team. The government of Sweden and OCHA provided funding for the study, which was administered by OCHA and overseen by a steering group consisting of IASC members and observers, and later a representative of government humanitarian donors. The evaluation commission was awarded to a joint team of researchers, experienced in evaluations and humanitarian coordination and reform issues. Team members represented the Center on International Coordination of New York University, the Humanitarian Policy Group of the Overseas Development Institute and the Praxis Group, Ltd. The TOR structured the evaluation process in two phases, of which this study represents the first. Phase 1 was tasked to provide ‘evidence of major achievements and shortcomings of the approach’, and to ‘assess concrete changes in operational response’ resulting from its application. The team was also asked to provide recommendations and a roadmap for Phase 2 of the evaluation, which is envisioned as an evaluation of the outcome and impact of the cluster approach at the beneficiary level.
This Article critically assesses the crucial but troubled system for the coordination of international humanitarian assistance—the UN “cluster approach.” Regardless of whether the cluster approach actually helps in disaster response, it exercises substantial power over affected populations by...
This guidance document provides a very detailed list of what to do when facilitating cluster coordination meetings. Many of the elements will not be relevant in all contexts nor to all NGO coordination bodies. Many of the actions required to facilitate a cluster coordination meeting, however, are...
This note clarifies leadership and coordination arrangements in the situation where a complex humanitarian emergency or natural disaster is taking place, a Humanitarian Coordinator has been appointed, and a UNHCR-led refugee operation is also underway. The detailed accountabilities, roles and...
