IIJD - Criteria for Partnerships

Programs and Initiatives

Criteria for Programming and Partnerships:

Given the diversity of contexts and challenges that exist in various parts of the world, finding the right balance with the options available is less important than finding the right "fit" with the current issues and priorities in a particular country. Therefore, civil society groups’ participation in the implementation of our reform program is essential.

These principles, approaches, and criteria are meant to guide the IIJD’s programs. They are designed to advance the international targets for health, nutrition, water, and sanitation to make a real impact on the health and nutrition of the world's poorest people.

Addressing the root causes of justice and development issues:

The IIJD supports programs that actively address the root causes of Africa’s development crisis, its persistent poverty and insecurity. Some of these causes include, but are not limited to: weak institutions, dysfunctional and corrupt systems of governance; poor leadership; the debt crisis and the resulting international interventions; an unfair international trade system for developing countries; as well as the widespread lack of education, and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, and social, economic and political group.

Responding to demand and demonstrated needs:

IIJD programming focuses on those areas and populations where there is a demonstrated need based on a thorough analysis of country conditions including; government institutions, justice system and poverty indicators. When it comes to addressing the underlying causes of poverty, the IIJD development efforts are to support the participatory planning and development management in local communities while strengthening local formal and informal institutions by making them more inclusive, accountable and effective at meeting communities self-defined development needs. This approach includes the poor and marginalized in the definition and reporting of their needs. In this way, the IIJD focuses on countries and populations where the need is greatest and where it can expect to have the greatest impact.

Reinforcing local commitment and investment:

The IIJD’s programs concentrate on countries where the political will is clearly expressed by the leadership and where they have demonstrated their commitment toward making progress in priority areas for the poor and promising better chances for sustainability in the future. For example: willing to reinforce the democratic process; strengthening the Justice system; establishing more transparency and accountability in the administration; or the use of additional resources from debt relief at a country level for health and nutritional priorities demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable health improvement and poverty reduction or the existence of political will to reform the system of governance for more transparency and accountability.

Concentrating on effectiveness, or "evidence-based practice":

The IIJD supports initiatives on the basis of their effectiveness in preventing deaths or improving lives, such as those practices which have been proven through research and observed outcomes. On a small scale, the IIJD also supports selected research initiatives that explore new approaches in the priority areas, including community, government systems, and policy-level initiatives. This emphasis on knowledge-based development assistance includes the generation and dissemination of knowledge on good governance and institutional reform. The IIJD contacts and supports multilateral organizations that have a mandate to develop and produce the evidence-based policy work, norms, and standards that must address the underlying challenges our world faces and to underpin all programming and decision-making.

Weighing cost-effectiveness:

The IIJD prefers programs that have the greatest impact per dollar from the available safe and effective interventions. It is recognized, however, that there might be some tension between cost-effectiveness and sustainability. While short-term results are often easier to quantify and afford, comprehensive processes, which promote and ensure long-term sustainable outcomes, also need to be supported. The IIJD prefers long-term sustainability.

Promoting democracy, transparency and sustainability:

The IIJD supports options that contribute to building the sustainable capacity of local, regional, and national systems, through such strategies as capacity building, preventative measures, and development of sound public policy. IIJD’s objective is to institute democracy from bottom up in countries where serious abuses of office and top-down planning have been endemic. Empowered people can demand accountability from both the government and their neighbours while taking responsibility for the investment they deem important. The IIJD always relies on community processes and local organizations that interface with the civil administration. In some cases, local assemblies elected by communities participate directly in defining or selecting solutions to their development problems. By ensuring civil society participation, the involvement of local experts and the inclusion of community organizations, the IIJD embodies direct democracy where decisions are taken by all in the presence of all in the communities, guaranteeing the sustainability of the IIJD’s initiatives.

Promoting capacity-building and training:

Capacity-building, although not sufficient on its own, is a critical factor in building sustainable local programs and services. At the multilateral level, the IIJD supports initiatives that focus their attention on strengthening local capacities and joint initiatives that improve systems in developing countries.

Drawing from international expertise:

IIJD optimizes its contribution by building on comparative advantages and strengths. Where appropriate, the IIJD encourages others to share their world-class expertise in meeting key targets.

Encouraging global reach:

Where support is sought for international efforts, the IIJD encourages efforts that are global in scope, that focus on priority needs for the poor, and that work in a coordinated and collaborative fashion with national and local systems to deliver needed services and build sustainable community capacity.

Fostering new and innovative partnerships:

Wherever possible, the IIJD contacts and supports partnerships with a range of civil society, academic, and research organizations and institutions, as well as between the public and private sectors.

Using appropriate information and communications technologies (ICTs):

As part of the IIJD's Strategy on Knowledge for Development, the use and promotion of ICTs for development is encouraged. The IIJD supports efforts to use existing, new, and innovative technologies in all areas of development. These technologies must be practical, sustainable, equitable, and affordable, and must increase opportunities for the poor and marginalized. Special emphasis is placed on citizens located in communities in rural and isolated areas.