Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the ODI on Best-practice criteria for donors, recipients and NGOs
BEST-PRACTICE CRITERIA: A SYNTHESIS OF FOCUS-GROUP
DISCUSSIONS
How to be a good donor
— A clear development philosophy
— A wide range of instruments
— A high grant element
— Low tying of aid
— A jointly negotiated aid framework
— A capacity for policy analysis
— Constructive policy dialogue
— A long-term commitment
— A capacity for sector analysis and planning
— Cooperation with other donors
— A commitment to genuine recipient and stake-holder participation in project selection and design
— Systematic and transparent procedures for project appraisal and approval
— Decentralised decision-making and management
— High technical capacity in field offices and headquarters
— Continuity of project management
— Flexibility on the ground in project operations
— Quick, simple, open procedures for financing and procurement
— Effective monitoring and evaluation, leading to change
— A high level of accountability
How to be a good recipient
— Respect for human rights and liberty of press
— Internal peace and stability
— A commitment to development
— Clear long- and medium-term strategies
— A commitment to open and constructive policy dialogue at macro and sector levels
— A good working relationship with donors
| — The technical and administrative capacity to identify, prepare, and appraise projects for donor financing
— Clear lines of authority for decentralised planning and project implementation
— A commitment to beneficiary participation
— A commitment to meeting staffing and local provisions for projects
— The absence of corruption
— Good administration and accounting
— Timely monitoring and reporting
— A commitment to self-criticism and learning
How to be a good NGO
— Clear objectives
— Communication and coordination with government
— Capacity-building and use of local structures
— Flexibility
— Community participation
— Advocacy
— Attention to women's issues
— Accountability to the people, government, and donors
— Transparency
— Low overheads and good administration
— Compliance with government guidelines
— Ability to link relief with development by adopting an integrated approach
— Coordination between NGOs
— Use of local resources and structures
— Support to local NGOs
— Few expatriate staff and many employment opportunities for nationals
— Effective and efficient use of resources
— Quality and timeliness of reporting
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Source: Development in Practice, Volume 7, Number 4, page 411, November 1997.
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