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    4.3.2 The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group: The Role of Inter-Cluster (Sector) Coordination
    • 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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    Article summary

    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: 

    1. Assistance to affected people is delivered effectively and efficiently, 
    2. A more coherent operational response by closing delivery gaps and eliminating duplication, and,
    3. 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
    • Developing a clear and coordinated multi-sectoral approach and coherent operational response plan through joint planning, with synergies being encouraged between sectors.
    • Jointly monitoring and regularly reviewing the response. 
    • Planning and implementing (as needed) joint assessments and validate joint analysis (e.g. the HNO). 
    • Developing response strategies, including targeting, planning, monitoring, are coherent with agreed priority geographical areas and target populations.
    • Flagging response gaps and duplications; and identify specific intervention areas and responsibilities for each of the clusters or for inter-cluster collaboration.
    • Appropriately mainstream and consistently address cross-cutting and thematic areas e.g. protection, preparedness, early recovery etc. The ICCG - based on HCT guidance - can also establish thematic working groups or sub-groups to address specific cross-sectoral issues. 
    • Identifying resource gaps impacting operational delivery and sharing relevant updates with the HCT. 
    • Identifying core advocacy concerns emerging from the operational response and ensuring advocacy strategies are consistent.
    • Encourage participation (or leading roles, if relevant) of national and local actors in coordination mechanisms. 
    • Commonly agree on coherent transition and deactivation strategies for clusters (where relevant), (3.8). Where appropriate and the context allows, develop joint humanitarian-development analysis and joined-up planning and programming, including the development of collective outcomes (10.2).

    For a detailed overview of ICCG responsibilities, see the ICCG Terms of Reference (2017). 

    The Role of the FSC Coordinator: The FSC Coordinator plays an active role in the ICCG, and it is his/her responsibility to:
    • 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: 

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