The Role of the GNC and Country Clusters Technical Support Consultancy for the GNC Geraldine le Cuziat & Jacqueline Frize 14 th October 2015

Session Overview Methodology Working definition of Technical Role Technical gaps and expertise Models for Technical support Role Key questions arising Consultation process with participants today

Methodology – 6 main components 1.Desk review of key documents provided by GNC-CT 2.Development of criteria for country level visits for consultation Mali plus 2 remote consultations: Myanmar, Turkey/Syria 3.Design and administration of a 46 question online survey for all NCCs and IMOs (12 day turnaround Thank you) 4.Key Informant Interviews within the GNC collective, with NIE expertise, and from other cluster sectors (Thank you) 5.SAG member update on progress 6.Presentation at GNC annual meeting & consultation on the Technical Role of the GNC collective

Working Definition of Technical Role No IASC guidance on the definition 2013 GNC Governance Review definition (Gostelow) o Technical support - responding to questions and queries from NCCs; this is a reactive function. o Technical training - offering teaching/instruction on technical aspects of NIE; this is proactive. o Technical guidance - filling gaps in policies and guidelines regarding NIE approaches

First main finding – “Technical Role” Mixed views of the definition of “technical role” observed during 26+ Key Informant interviews and document review. Missing elements raised: o “Grey area” more than support but not yet guidelines (e.g. MAM decision tool) o Advocacy for NIE o Setting standards and quality for NIE o Broader capacity building beyond training o Operational research for NiE

Second main finding – Communication channels for raising technical issues Ad-hoc processes at country level at the moment TWG: preferred way to address technical issues at country level - adapted to context No clear classification or “go to” to access technical expertise outside country level Chosen communication channels seem to be linked to being a dedicated NCC/IMO or not (dual system?)

Technical support for activated clusters “Relevant cluster members, the CLA in country, the RO, or the Global Cluster may provide technical support and guidance” Source: UNICEF Cluster Coordination Guidance for Country Offices 2015

Technical Gaps and Expertise Online Survey Findings

Profile of country level nutrition cluster survey respondents n:26 NCCs & IMOs 87% response rate : Responses from 21/24 countries with activated cluster / sector Dedicated NCC/IMO staff: 60% Activation status : 50% activated for over 3 years 29% not activated (sector) Coordination structure : 75% co-leadership CLA led with Gvt Sub- national clusters : 65% have more than 4 TWG : >60% have Assessment, CMAM, IYCF Existence of SAG : 50% Technical resource mapping: 87% (2/3 of which need updating)

TWG in countries

How to quantify the Technical GAP at country level? Q. 19 Are there technical areas in NIE that are not being addressed using country level nutrition cluster members and CLA staff?

How to qualify the Technical Gap at Country level?

List of technical issues per area Over 60 specific technical issues were specified for the 13 technical areas listed in the previous slide (handout) More issues addressed in country than pending (did not collect information to verify this) Technical issues related to Assessment, CMAM/IMAM and IYCF-E the most frequently cited in both categories

Examples of specific technical issues listed CMAM caseload prediction Propan studies to look at food composition Provision of MNPs to children also receiving fortified food baskets Nutrition Surveillance System trend analysis Using MUAC only for admission and discharge Use of Rapid SMS Forecasting Vitamin A targeting and coverage

CC levels of addressing Technical areas

Main reasons for not accessing technical expertise in country

Experience of accessing technical support successfully

Models for technical support

Technical Requests Flows

Possible Models for Technical support to CCs 1.No technical role for GNC collective (coordination and IM only) 2.UNICEF as CLA to take lead role on all technical NIE issues to be dealt with internal expertise or outsourcing mechanisms 3.Mainstreaming requests through GNC-CT and exploring a number of options…….. 4.Other

Mainstreaming requests through GNC-CT options: Raising technical issues during monthly calls with NCCs Hosting Community of Practice Hosting NiE helpdesk Hosting on-line forum Pre-agreed partnerships for specific areas of expertise with technical institutions and for a Sending technical surge experts to L3s Including technical visits to CC

CC preferences: The GNC Collective should…..

Key questions arising so far..... Why is there no clear guidance from IASC on the Technical Role of the global clusters? Why are current systems to provide technical support ad-hoc? Is Coordination and IM possible without a level of nutrition technical expertise What role does the GNC collective have to address the technical gaps at country level?

Thank You. Any clarification questions?

Group Task – What is the GNC collective Technical Role? Questions to be discussed in peer groups by function

Technical Role grey area & boundaries

Answer the following questions and prepare to present findings in plenary 1.Do you believe the GNC collective has a Technical Role to play ? (Give reasons why). 2.Using the list of technical areas, identify what the scope of the GNC collective should be? 3.How should the GNC collective address those gaps?

45 minute Task Stay in Meeting Room - GLCBreak out Room - JF 1.UN agencies 2.UNICEF (non NCCS/IMOS) and MOH 3.INGOs 4.Donors 5.Technical Experts/independents GNC - CT SAG NCCS IMOS RRTs