ISBN: 978 0 85003 863 7
Cluster Approach
Evaluation
Final
Submitted by a joint research team:
Dr. Abby Stoddard, Center on International Cooperation
Adele Harmer, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Katherine Haver, Center on International Cooperation
Dr. Dirk Salomons, The Praxis Group, Ltd. and Columbia University
Victoria Wheeler, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Evaluation Management contact:
OCHA Evaluation and Studies Section (ESS)
November 2007
9 780850 038637
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the
members/standing invitees of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee
Humanitarian Policy Group
Overseas Development Institute
111 Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7JD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0) 20 7922 0300
Fax: +44(0) 20 7922 0399
Website: www.odi.org.uk/hpg
Email: hpgadmin@odi.org.uk
ISBN: 978 0 85003 863 7
i
Contents
Acronyms
iii
Acknowledgements
v
Reference table: Summary of the cluster approach
vii
Executive summary
1
1. Introduction: goals of the study and methodological approach
3
1.1 Scope and objectives of the evaluation
3
1.2 Methods used
3
1.2.1 Document review
3
1.2.2 Interviews
3
1.2.3 Field visits
4
1.2.4 Survey
4
1.2.5 Note on terminology
4
1.3 Caveats
4
2. Background on humanitarian reform and the goals and expectations of the cluster approach
5
2.1 The cluster approach within broader humanitarian reform
5
2.2 Cluster approach conceptualisation and initiation
5
2.3 Past findings and early implementation
6
3. Effectiveness of the approach in identifying and filling gaps
7
3.1 Programming and coverage gaps
7
3.2 Larger operational and capacity gaps
7
3.3 Extending coordination capacity
8
4. Promoting predictable leadership and accountability
9
4.1 Capacity and credibility of lead agencies
9
4.2 Skills, seniority and time allocation of cluster coordination staff
10
4.3 Provider of Last Resort
10
4.4 Accountability: did the cluster approach clarify and improve leadership and
10
management accountability for response?
4.5 Advocacy, a