Sub-national clusters may be established on operational needs basis and should be deactivated once those needs are met, or when local coordination capacity is adequate.  

Specific responsibilities: The overall role of the sub-national FSC Coordinator is similar to that of the national level Coordinator and will support similar core functions. However, he/she may have more of an operational function (while strategic decisions on the overall response and on the FSC are usually taken at the capital level) and should ensure linkages between the national and sub-national level. The sub-national Coordinator will also ensure active and meaningful participation of and close coordination with local authorities and partners (including local NGOs and CSOs) ensuring their activities are reported to the FSC (see 10.3 on localisation).

The sub-national FSC Coordinator reports both to the national-level FSC Coordinator and to FAO and WFP at sub-national level. Sub-national coordination is often supported by NGO partners (for example in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Bangladesh). See 3.6.1 below on NGO co-facilitators.