AcT seeks to ensure that our CSO partners have clearly defined outcomes and that they adopt realistic strategies to achieve them. To be realistic, strategies must above all be grounded in the political-economic context in which change is to take place. Organisations that undertake this level of thinking are well-placed to learn from the successes and challenges they face. They will be able to report on what they are achieving and what works in driving greater accountability. Those strengths will be of use to all partners and vital to AcT in fulfilling its reporting obligations.
Some organisations that we fund will already have done this level of analysis and we will not ask them to repeat the process. Many will have done some of this thinking but could further benefit from a process that really tests the robustness of their results and their strategies. Our preferred method of delivering that support is adapted from a tested methodology called the RAPID Outcome Mapping Approach (ROMA). This was developed by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) to be used for policy change initiatives. It builds on other approaches to Outcome Mapping, adding a component of political economy analysis.
The approach involves the use of a number of tools that guide an organisation through the following basic steps:
- Define and agree on the outcomes of the initiative (project or programme);
- Understand and map the policy context;
- Identify key policy actors;
- Develop a theory of change;
- Establish entry points and form a strategy;
- Analyse internal capacity to affect change; and,
- Develop tools for monitoring and learning.
The process is designed to be flexible and iterative. We will support a potential CSO partner through the process by assigning an experienced facilitator. We will also bear modest costs related to the facilitation process.
The facilitation is tailored to the specific needs of each organisation but usually involves an initial workshop of a couple of days, with follow-up meetings and workshops over a period of a few weeks. We anticipate that organisations will find the approach useful and will continue to deepen their analysis as they work through their strategies.
Influencing Change in Power Policy and Practice – A Resource Guide for AcT CSO Partners
Working with Logframes and Outcome Mapping in the Context of AcT
