How can you align program design and planning with available networks and partnerships?

1 Identify your network and partnership needs

Before you start designing and planning your program, you need to identify what kind of network and partnership support you need. This could include technical expertise, financial resources, logistical assistance, advocacy, or outreach. Think about what gaps or challenges you have in your program and who can help you fill or overcome them. You can also use a stakeholder analysis tool to map out the different actors and groups that are relevant to your program and their interests, influence, and expectations.

2 Research and assess potential network and partnership opportunities

Once you have a clear idea of your network and partnership needs, you need to research and assess the potential opportunities that are available to you. You can use various sources of information, such as online databases, directories, reports, newsletters, or referrals, to identify and learn more about the organizations or individuals that could be your potential network or partnership allies. You need to evaluate their suitability, compatibility, and credibility based on criteria such as their mission, vision, values, goals, activities, reputation, capacity, and track record.

3 Establish and maintain network and partnership relationships

After you have selected the most promising network and partnership opportunities, you need to establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with them. You can do this by communicating clearly and regularly, setting mutual expectations and responsibilities, building trust and respect, sharing information and resources, acknowledging contributions and achievements, resolving conflicts and challenges, and providing feedback and evaluation. You also need to align your program design and planning with your network and partnership goals and priorities, and ensure that you have a shared understanding of the program objectives, outcomes, indicators, and activities.

4 Leverage network and partnership benefits

Finally, you need to leverage the benefits of your network and partnership relationships to enhance your program design and planning. You can do this by seeking and incorporating their input, feedback, and suggestions, learning from their experiences and best practices, adapting to their contexts and needs, collaborating on joint activities or initiatives, accessing their networks and resources, and promoting your program through their channels and platforms. You also need to monitor and evaluate the impact of your network and partnership relationships on your program performance, quality, and sustainability.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?