OUR WORK
OUR VIEW ON LOCALISATION
The so called “localisation” is an approach to more local ownership and leadership in humanitarian action. The term “Localisation” can be interpreted differently and also seen critically. Generally, it refers to a set of goals designed to increase local actors’ leadership and decision making in humanitarian response and improve their access to quality funding, coordination, capacity sharing and equal, trusted partnerships among other aspects.
In ToGETHER we focus on promoting the leadership and decision-making role of local and national actors in the context of the humanitarian system of their countries. We also stress the value of equal partnerships, accessibility to quality funding and sound coordination mechanisms.
International organisations need to rethink their role in the system and must be willing to accept a shift in power to national and local organisations. A lack of political will along with administrative obstacles can pose a challenge in terms of effectively implementing the localisation goals.
FOUR PILLARS
The ToGETHER program has four main components.
Leadership Role of Local Actors
The governance structure of the Programme reflects the leading role of local actors. At country level, the Country Steering Committees (CSC) consisting of representatives of each local partner are responsible for the strategic direction of the programme, setting and monitoring priority actions, and approving Humanitarian Operation and Innovation Facility (HOIFA) funding (see 2.). Each CSC sends one representative to the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) which assumes similar responsibilities for the strategic direction of overarching activities at international level involving all countries.
Capacity Strengthening & Sharing
From a capacity self-assessment, the 5 LHP per country develop joint capacity strengthening and sharing plans according to their set priorities. The plans are implemented jointly using tailored trainings, workshops, peer learning, mentoring and other identified capacity strengthening measures.
Funding for Innovation and Implementation of Humanitarian Action
The programme also includes the so-called Humanitarian Operation and Innovation Facility (HOIFA) which provides flexible funding to local partners for the implementation of emergency response activities or innovative humanitarian approaches. The distribution of the funds under HOIFA is assessed and approved by the Country Steering Committees.
Exchange, Learning and Advocacy
Reflection on roles and responsibilities, exchange of international and local humanitarian actors, evidence-based learning from all participating organisations, continuous dialogue among involved stakeholders (international organisations, local organisations, donors, authorities, and relevant networks) is organised at national, regional, and international level through different formats, such as workshops and conferences. This further serves to jointly advocate for prioritised aspects of the localisation agenda. The programme also develops country-specific activities to increase the representation of local actors in the national humanitarian system.