- 07 Dec 2023
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4.3.2 The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group: The Role of Inter-Cluster (Sector) Coordination
- Updated on 07 Dec 2023
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Clusters cannot operate in silos and coordination across clusters is critical during a humanitarian response considering the range of factors that collectively influences humanitarian response requirements. For example, the food security of an affected population can be impacted by multiple factors beyond the provision of food assistance and agricultural and livelihoods interventions. These include nutritional support, adequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene practices (WASH) facilities, availability of shelter and protection etc. Consequently, addressing food security concerns may require collective or, at a minimum, coordinated action from multiple clusters. Engaging actively in inter-cluster coordination as well as bilateral coordination with key clusters is a priority for the FSC coordination team.
The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group
As recognised by the IASC Transformative Agenda (see 1.2.6), inter-cluster coordination is essential to establish and achieve common objectives and to prioritise areas of need during (and after) an emergency. Inter-cluster coordination takes place through the inter-cluster coordination platform of the inter-cluster coordination group (ICCG) – or where clusters are not activated, the inter-sector coordination group (ISCG).
The ICCG enables clusters to work together to ensure:
- Assistance to affected people is delivered effectively and efficiently,
- A more coherent operational response by closing delivery gaps and eliminating duplication, and,
- An impartial, people-centred approach.
The ICCG is facilitated and chaired by OCHA (on behalf of the HC/RC, who may also chair meetings in some contexts). It is accountable to the HC/RC and reports to the HCT through OCHA (as ICCG chair). At the same time, the HCT guides the priorities of the ICCG and will task the group, as required.
The ICCG serves as a critical link between the HCT and the clusters and facilitates continuous two-way communication. The ICCG will ensure that the HCT is informed of key strategic and operational concerns requiring resolution at HCT level and that clusters (and cluster members) receive overall strategic guidance from the HCT.
If needed, the ICCG may be replicated at sub-national level and/or for a specific geographic area.
Key Roles of the ICCG at Country-Level include |
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For a detailed overview of ICCG responsibilities, see the ICCG Terms of Reference (2017). |
- Participate in ICCG meetings. The meeting frequency varies – it can be daily in the beginning of an emergency response, when coordination and agreement is required on baseline data, common indicators, planning of assessments, and coordinating for example a Flash appeal (9.5.1) and/or CERF application (8.4.3).
- Ensure the ICCG is informed of all relevant issues, the collective FSC response, gaps, challenges, strategy and priorities are expressed and key FSC messages are shared with the HC.
- Ensure updates on relevant strategic and operational issues are fed back to the FSC members.
- Ensure FSC representation in joint inter-agency initiatives such as needs assessments and monitoring missions.
- Ensure participation in (and necessary follow up with FSC partners on) ICCG discussions on addressing priority cross-cutting issues, contingency planning, emergency preparedness, early recovery, and joint advocacy issues, e.g. import taxes, registration etc.
- Advocate for and apply any IASC guidance within the FSC, which are promoted by the ICCG (and HCT).
See also 4.3.1 above on OCHA vs FSC Coordinator roles.
Resources:
- For details on purpose, roles and responsibilities see the ICCG Terms of Reference (2017).
- The Global Cluster Coordination Group (see 1.4.5) has produced several resources under the “Inter-cluster Coordination: Breaking Down Silos” initiative (OCHA, 2017) including a Webinar and a Tip Sheet focused on strengthening inter-sectoral coordination (links may change once content on HumanitarianResponse.info shifts to ReliefWeb during 2023).