How do you identify and prioritize potential partners for program coordination?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you start looking for partners, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your program and what kind of support you need. Think about your program objectives, target audience, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes. Then, identify the gaps and challenges that you face and how a partner can help you address them. For example, do you need a partner to provide technical expertise, access to networks, funding, or advocacy?

2 Research and map potential partners

Once you have defined your needs and goals, you can start researching and mapping potential partners that align with them. You can use various sources of information, such as online databases, reports, websites, social media, referrals, or existing contacts. You can also attend events, workshops, or forums where you can meet and network with potential partners. As you research and map potential partners, you should consider their mission, vision, values, reputation, capacity, and track record. You should also look for evidence of their impact, credibility, and sustainability.

3 Prioritize and select partners

After you have a list of potential partners, you need to prioritize and select the ones that are most suitable for your program. You can use a simple scoring system or a matrix to rank and compare potential partners based on criteria such as relevance, compatibility, feasibility, and added value. You should also consider the potential risks and benefits of partnering with each organization. You should aim to select partners that share your vision and goals, complement your strengths and weaknesses, and offer mutual benefits and opportunities.

4 Establish and maintain relationships

Once you have selected your partners, you need to establish and maintain relationships with them. You should communicate clearly and regularly with your partners, setting expectations, roles, and responsibilities from the start. You should also develop a partnership agreement or memorandum of understanding that outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, such as the objectives, activities, deliverables, budget, timeline, and monitoring and evaluation methods. You should also foster trust and respect with your partners, acknowledging their contributions, celebrating their achievements, and resolving any conflicts or issues.

5 Evaluate and improve partnerships

Finally, you need to evaluate and improve your partnerships on an ongoing basis. You should monitor and measure the progress and performance of your partnerships, using indicators and tools that are agreed upon by all partners. You should also solicit and provide feedback to your partners, identifying what is working well and what needs improvement. You should also review and revise your partnership agreement or memorandum of understanding as needed, adapting to changing circumstances and needs. You should also recognize and appreciate your partners, thanking them for their support and collaboration.

6 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?