Potential implementing partners can often be put off applying for VAWG programmes due to cumbersome application and reporting processes. All application processes will need to consider key programming constraints, for example around agency procedures for partner selection in different circumstances, any donor criteria on partner selection, documentation needed to contract partners, and maximum contract values. A meta-review of Spotlight Initiative’s approach in Latin America and Africa observed that developing joint calls for single, unified ‘Expressions of Interest’ across UN agencies made it easier for implementing partners with limited capacity to apply. It also allowed applicants to submit one application instead of responding to multiple calls, each potentially involving different UN processes.

When selecting implementing partners, it is important to ensure that interested organisations have enough time and support to develop quality proposals. Spotlight Initiative recommended allowing a minimum submission time of 4-8 weeks for proposals. Offering capacity-building support through the application process can be particularly helpful for smaller organisations that may be less familiar with donor processes and expectations for ‘Calls for Proposals’ and ‘Expressions of Interest’.

Too often, programmes struggle to move beyond the usual suspects to reach a wider pool of implementing partners. Smaller grassroots organisations often face barriers in applying to VAWG programmes due to limited resources, capacity constraints, language barriers, and competition with larger entities. They often struggle with complex application processes, limited access to information, and difficulties in meeting stringent compliance requirements. Exploring a small grants model, like the one used in several Spotlight Initiative countries for smaller CSOs, can help address potential barriers and improve the application process for smaller, more grassroots implementing partners. It can also be useful to issue special calls for partners working with marginalised communities at high risk of violence, such as women and girls with disabilities. Programmes can also put in place practical measures to address language and cost barriers, such as translating expressions of interest into local languages. Read more in the Spotlight Initiative Grassroots Action Plan

A key consideration when selecting implementing partners is whether their values and mission align with the programme's goals and are guided by feminist values. This alignment not only contributes to the effectiveness and shared vision of the programme but also reduces the risk of partners that may inadvertently perpetuate harmful gender norms or lack a gender-transformative approach. It is also essential to avoid selecting implementing partners who could compromise programme goals around inclusion, for example by discriminating against diverse women and girls. Practical suggestions here can include:

• Clearly articulating the programme values and objectives.
• Prioritising organisations committed to gender equality and transformative approaches.
• Evaluating potential implementing partners’ past projects and organisational values.
• Including alignment with programme values in evaluation criteria.
• Offering capacity-building sessions or workshops where potential implementing partners can deepen their understanding of the programme goals.

When selecting implementing partner(s), look for organisations that have an established record of working with women and girls, have institutional capacity to deliver and ideally have a significant local presence. While experience in violence prevention is useful, the reality is that the field is still young in many contexts, and it is not unusual for local organisations to lack expertise in areas like primary prevention. In such cases, consider selecting partners who bring a strong record in VAWG response and can work together with an organisation that can provide technical support on prevention. Invest time and resources in co-design and capacity-building for organisations that may lack expertise in VAWG prevention, but would make valuable partners, such as smaller CSOs and WROs.

When selecting potential consortiums, it is useful to consider the combined experience of partners and their history of effective collaboration. It is also important to assess their monitoring and evaluation capabilities, as this will help in assessing the impact of the VAWG program and making necessary adjustments.

Consider partners who actively involve community members in their projects. Organisations that engage with communities are often more effective in understanding local power dynamics, addressing specific needs and building trust. Select partners who have a good understanding of the local cultural, social, and political context. Ensure that partners are familiar with the specific challenges and dynamics related to gender-based violence in the target area.

When selecting consortiums, be mindful of situations where multiple layers of implementing partners are involved, such as when an INGO or private contractor engages a national NGO, which then involves smaller community-based or women’s rights organisations in project delivery. While this approach may address fiduciary requirements, it can lead to top-down, extractive approaches where smaller partners have limited opportunities to shape programme design.  

Look for consortiums that share common values, such as collaboration, accountability, respectful exchange, and feminist leadership. Other signs of a more equitable consortium partnership include diverse representation, mutual learning and capacity building, inclusive decision-making processes, as well as clear conflict-resolution processes. For research consortiums, it can be useful to look for signs of equitable partnerships between local researchers and international researchers, such as commitments to co-authorship, shared learning, and local dissemination.

Some countries have government policies or laws which restrict the implementing partners that can be contracted and the ways in which they can work. For example, there may be rules on international funding of national NGOs for advocacy work, NGO registration requirements, and restrictions on certain activities. When choosing partners, it is important to check and understand the national regulations and, if necessary, seek legal advice to ensure compliance.

An innovative way to increase the effectiveness of partner selection is to invite CSOs and WROs as participants or observers in review panels. Spotlight Initiative recommends inviting Civil Society Reference Group (CRSG) members to review panels to improve the panel’s understanding of the challenges of addressing VAWG and the contextual realities that partners have to deal with. When including civil society members, it is important to establish a clear code of conduct to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. Another interesting example is the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund’s regular funding cycle, where local CSOs are included in the selection of grantees.