WASH partners

Communicate with WASH sector partners

Ensure briefing of new partners regarding WASH response and coordination system

Due to the high turnover and nature of humanitarian work, new staff deployed by WASH agencies to emergencies are initially often unaware of the humanitarian WASH coordination system, and of their responsibilities towards coordination. A package of three modules (see Key guidance above) have been designed by the GWC to ensure partners are properly briefed on the general and national humanitarian WASH coordination system. The modules can be downloaded from the key tools and guidance above. An example of webinar organized by GWC partners using the briefing modules I and II can be found in the Key external links below

Communicate with WASH partners

The WASH coordination platform must first maintain a contact list of all partners (see Contact management section). A high level of communication is then needed between the coordination platform and the partners, to build and maintain the sectorial partnership. General and bilateral email, plenary and face to face meetings and online information management platforms can be used. Partners have emergency response activities to design and implement, and should not be overwhelmed with unnecessary communication: online collaborative tools must be preferred to email to share documents and information.

Build and maintain partnerships with humanitarian and development actors 

In a cluster context, and although many partners have made commitments to coordination at global level, they do not have any legal obligation to collaborate with the coordination platform and follow their guidance and recommendations. Indeed then, as often is the case, the WCC must be proactive to make partners understand the added value of coordination for them and for the affected population. Building partnership with government is often key to achieving cluster local capacity building objectives. Having government taking an active role in coordination and validating documents also enforces the application of cluster guidance by partners. The WCC should foster the participation of other usually less vocal local actors (national NGOs or faith-based organizations, local academic institution etc.) to the coordination process.