Learning in partnerships: experiences from Action Against Hunger Jordan

The following two case studies are intended to support Action Against Hunger staff in working with local partners, identifying and managing challenges they might face and strengthening their overall approach to working with local partners. This case study may be useful to both programme staff working at country level as well as staff working at HQ level involved in supporting Action Against Hunger’s local partnership work.

Published: 2023

Summary of key findings

1. Work closely with local authorities to avoid delays to programme implementation
Consider that the legislative and legal framework in Jordan for working in partnership with local organisations is constantly evolving and surveillance of local organisations’ engagement with international organisations is increasing.

2. Be prepared for specific donor requirements
This could include having a Unique Entity Identifier for each local partner (in the case of US Government donors). When donor regulations limit the ability to enter into partnership agreements with local actors, enter into service contracts instead but follow good partnership practices and principles. At the same time, advocate to donors, specifically to in-country focal points who have a better understanding of the context.

3. Identify and build partnerships at project design stage
To benefit from the partners nuanced understanding of programmatic and operational matters. The process of mutual planning can also help lay the foundation for a healthy working relationship between Action Against Hunger Jordan and the partner.

4. Take a holistic approach to capacity strengthening
This shouldn’t just be focused on programmatic needs.

5. Remain sensitive to the capacities and needs of each partner and adapt partnerships practices/tools accordingly
For example, our partnership agreements were long, wordy and in English, which was not suitable for CBOs. These were translated into Arabic and orientation workshops were organised.

6. Bring in dedicated partnership management staff

7. Learn from partnerships
And see how to improve and continue each partnership.