Checklist: Improve coordination

Use this checklist to assess whether your approach aligns with Principle 5: Strengthen coordination and coherence of support across programme design, implementation, and review.

Apply it when designing programmes, engaging with other donors, and reviewing funding portfolios.

☐ Have you identified existing initiatives and actors to ensure the intervention is complementary and not duplicative?

☐ Are coordination mechanisms in place with relevant donors and partners, with clear roles, responsibilities, and ownership?

☐ Are funding approaches aligned with other actors to improve coherence, coverage, and predictability?

☐ Are reporting, compliance, and due diligence requirements harmonised or aligned where possible to reduce administrative burden?

☐ Have you assessed the cumulative administrative burden placed on partners, including multiple reporting systems and audit requirements?

☐ Are there systems in place for regular information-sharing and coordination across programmes and actors?

☐ Are joint approaches - such as pooled funding, co-financing, or shared frameworks - considered where appropriate?

☐ Are visibility, communication, and branding requirements coordinated to avoid conflicting expectations or increased risk for partners?

☐ Are coordination efforts designed to support efficiency without over-centralising decision-making or limiting flexibility?

☐ Are data, monitoring, and learning approaches shared or aligned to support collective understanding and improvement?

☐ Are digital tools or platforms used to support coordination, while ensuring appropriate data protection and security?

Common risk flags

• Duplication of activities or funding streams across donors

• Coordination dependent on informal or ad hoc relationships rather than structured mechanisms

• Multiple and conflicting reporting or compliance requirements for the same partners

• Excessive administrative burden reducing time for journalism or programme delivery

• Competition for visibility undermining coherence and collaboration

• Limited information-sharing leading to gaps or overlaps in support

• Lack of shared data or learning across programmes

• Coordination efforts that create additional layers of bureaucracy without reducing burden

Download and print the checklist from here:

Checklist - Improve coordination.pdf

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