Exploring Key Steps to Conflict Sensitive Implementation

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Purpose 2 Time 3 Participants 4 Materials 5 Process 6 Note 7 Source 8 Handout 1 9 Handout 2 10 Handout 3 11 Handout 4

Purpose

• To introduce the key steps to conflict sensitive implementation;
• To generate examples of conflict sensitive implementation;
• To connect the content introduced to participants’ experiences.

Time

60 minutes, more if needed.

Participants

The activity works better with four triads or larger groups, with up to seven participants per group.

Materials

• Copies of Handouts 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see below);
• Papers and pencils for participants;
• Flip chart papers and markers.

Process

I) Introduce the theme treated in the activity, shortly (2-5 minutes). You can refer to the Resource Pack on Conflict Sensitive Approaches, Chapter 3, Module 2, p. 1. Make sure to include the following information in your presentation:

“Implementation is the process of achieving objectives by undertaking activities designed in the planning process. It involves regular progress reviews and adjustment of activities as required.

Conflict sensitive implementation additionally involves close scrutiny of the operational context through regularly updating the conflict analysis, linking this understanding of the context to the objective and process of achieving it, adjusting the activities accordingly.”

II) Divide the plenary into four working groups. Distribute copies of a different handout to each group (see below), together with blank papers and pencils.

III) The groups’ task is explained in the handout: to generate three examples, preferably from their experience, that illustrate conflict sensitive implementation as described in he handout. Ask groups to take note of their findings.

IV) Start group work and assign sufficient time - assist if needed.

V) After group work return to the plenary and invite each group to present their findings. Instead of having a full presentation from each group, you might choose to start with one example from one group. Invite participants to ask, comment, critique and discuss. Boost the discussion by introducing information from the Resource Pack on Conflict Sensitive Approaches, Chapter 3, Module 2, pp. 2-6. Then continue with another example from another group and follow the same process.

During the discussion you might find it useful to register relevant issues and findings on the flip chart paper.

Note

Alternatives to this process include:

• If your plenary is smaller than 12 participants you can assign couples to work on the handouts, or assign two handouts to each group.

• If your plenary is larger that 20 participants, you can assign more groups to one handout.

Source

This activity has been designed with reference to the Resource Pack on Conflict Sensitive Approaches, Chapter 3, Module 2. The text of the handouts is adapted from pp. 2-6.

Handout 1

The first key step to sensitise the implementation process is to refer back to the conflict analysis.

Conflict analysis should have been done at the planning stage and you should refer to it when implementing the project. Though, if time has elapsed between the planning and implementation stages, the conflict analysis should be reviewed and updated. The conflict analysis might suggest changes of the decisions made during planning (such as beneficiaries, area of intervention, timing, etc.)

Your task: Generate three examples, preferably from your experience, that illustrate an application of this step to conflict sensitive implementation.

Handout 2

The second key step to sensitise the implementation process is to set up the project, more specifically:

• Engage all parties when developing operating plans.

• Choose sub-contractors and other partners on the base of the conflict analysis.

• Decide where to locate the office/s and negotiate access to specific areas, being aware that these decisions might have effects on the conflict dynamics.

• Co-ordinate with other agencies to share information, avoid overlapping and rationalise efforts.

• Decide security procedures when staff, partners or beneficiaries are posed serious threats to their safety.

Your task: Generate three examples, preferably from your experience, that illustrate an application of this step to conflict sensitive implementation.

Handout 3

The third key step to sensitise the implementation process is to monitor and adjust the intervention. A challenge here is to struck a balance between original plans and the need to adjust the intervention based on the findings of conflict sensitive monitoring. This might be especially delicate when working with donor’s pre-purposed funding and according to an approved plan. Flexibility might be problematic, an agency’s “freedom of movement” might vary from donor to donor.

Your task: Generate three examples, preferably from your experience, that illustrate an application of this step to conflict sensitive implementation.

Handout 4

The fourth key step to sensitise the implementation process is to phase out in a conflict sensitive way. The exit strategy should be determined at a planning stage, but a mutating conflict environment might require to review the original plans and re-define the project/programme’s exit strategy.

Your task: Generate three examples, preferably from your experience, that illustrate an application of this step to conflict sensitive implementation.