Select Committee on International Development Minutes of Evidence


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
Source: Development in Practice, Volume 7, Number 4, page 411, November 1997.




 
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