Towards a Global Nutrition Cluster Advocacy Strategy

GNC strategy 2014-2016: Strategic pillar 1: Partnership, communication, advocacy, and resource mobilization Advocacy priority activities: Develop an advocacy plan that addresses advocacy with external partners in nutrition (UNSCN/SUN/REACH) and inter-cluster linkages (WASH/Health/Food Security clusters).

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION The Advocacy Cycle ADVOCAY CYCLE PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION STRATEGY ELABORATION ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION M&E Related to GNC vision What? Who? How?

Timeline for development of GNC Advocacy strategy March 2015 Annual meeting + questionnaire April/May 2015 Responses to questionnaire analysed June/July 2015 GNC-CT&SAG workshop Sept 2015 Discussions on the sides of GNC Annual meeting October 2015 Finalisation & validation GNC Advocacy Strategy

What is Advocacy? UNICEF definition of advocacy: Advocacy is a deliberate process, based on demonstrated evidence, to directly and indirectly influence decision makers, stakeholders and relevant audiences to support and implement actions that contribute to the fulfilment of an individual’s rights. Education Cluster definition of Advocacy: Advocacy is about building relationships and using those relationships to engage people and influence opinion (Education cluster advocacy guidance tool) ACF definition of advocacy: Advocacy aims to make lasting changes to the policies, practices and intervention capacities in order to put an end to hunger and undernutrition and especially acute malnutrition in children under five by influencing political and economic decision makers and by mobilising public support. Advocacy identity – what advocacy approach, what core principles would underpin it based on unique organisational identity.

What is Advocacy? It is about influencing change (in policy, attitudes and practice) Aims to achieve lasting and positive change in poor peoples’ lives It is strategic. It is planned. With clear goals and objectives It is a long term process rather than a one-off event It is not an end in itself Draws legitimacy and credibility from our knowledge and experience (evidence base)

HOW DO WE MEASURE SUCCESS? CONCEPT OBJECTIVE TARGET AUDIENCE HOW DO WE MEASURE SUCCESS?   ADVOCACY Change in policies, practise or power structures Decision-makers Desired changes in policies, practice and power structures COMMUNICATION Build consensus through raising public understanding and generating well-informed dialogue among stakeholders General public, supporters, other specific target audiences Improved public perception COORDINATION Increase efficiency to achieve specific objectives through the synchronization and integration of activities and responsibilities For whom is the coordination meant Efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of activities

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION The Advocacy Cycle ADVOCAY CYCLE PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION STRATEGY ELABORATION ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION M&E Related to GNC vision What? Who? How?

Group work Areas of work (10 mins) SWOT analysis (20 mins) Identification of advocacy issues (20 mins) Feedback to plenary (5 mins per group)

Problem identification GNC vision: To safeguard and improve the nutritional status of emergency affected populations by ensuring an appropriate response that is predictable, timely and effective and at scale.

Problem identification Overall advocacy aim: Improved nutrition for vulnerable population sustained in the long term Proposed areas for GNC advocacy: Support principled and effective humanitarian action Ensure adequate funds for nutrition in humanitarian responses to reach all in need Raise the profile of nutrition as an essential intervention to support development gains Any others?

SWOT analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Identify the Nutrition Cluster potential and capabilities as an advocacy voice STRENGTHS   WEAKNESSES Issues around legitimacy, credibility, accountability, preparedness, resources Who does the GNC speaks for? Is the GNC seen as trustworthy, knowledgeable and expert? To whom are GNC members accountable? How do we communicate our progress to others externally? What relevant advocacy experience does the GNC have? Do we have access to research to underpin our advocacy messages? Do we have the right skills and experience for advocacy? OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Political, economic and social factors, external processes, institutions, public accountability What political opportunities are coming up that can help make change happen– processes, influencing opportunities? What political alliances exists and how do we engage with them? Do we have access to governments and key influencers? Can we use media to support our advocacy messages? What are the potential risks for the GNC?

Identification of advocacy issues   + (Relevant for the strategy) Impact on your issue - + Probability of occurrence in your context