The Cluster Approach was introduced as part of the 2005 reform of the humanitarian system led by the Emergency Relief Coordinator. The IASC requested an evaluation of its implementation in two phases. Phase 1 of the evaluation was finalized in 2007 and focused on processes related to the implementation of the cluster approach. Phase 2 focuses on the outcomes generated by the cluster approach and takes a country-level perspective to bring the reality on the ground back to decision makers at the global level.
The evaluation is guided by two main aims: First, to assess the main outcomes of the joint humanitarian response at country level, with particular reference to the role of the cluster approach and other components of the humanitarian reform process and the overall operational effectiveness of the cluster approach in facilitating and supporting the coordinated humanitarian response at country level. Second, to present suggestions on how the cluster approach can be further improved and strengthened. The results of this evaluation were presented to the IASC Working Group, which has established a Task Team on the Cluster Approach to develop a management response plan in response to the evaluation findings and recommendations.
The evaluation was managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with the support of the Inter-Agency Cluster Evaluation 2 Steering Group including representatives of Belgium, Canada, the European Union, Norway, the United Kingdom, Save the Children Switzerland, Action Against Hunger UK, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Care International, the International Federation of the Red Cross, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund, The World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It was financed by Germany, the European Commission, Belgium and Finland.
Please find below links to the Cluster Approach Evaluation Phase 2 Synthesis Report and the six country reports. This evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the performance of the clusters to date and a detailed look at the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Synthesis Report and the six country reports is recommended.
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