Partnership brokering

1. Introduction

Partnership brokering is the process of building, nurturing, and sustaining effective and equitable partnerships. In international development, particularly in the Pacific, this means facilitating relationships based on mutual respect, cultural understanding, and shared outcomes.

This guide supports Catalpa in forming and managing partnerships with other organizations, communities, governments, and other stakeholders.

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2. Why Partnership Brokering Matters in the Pacific

• Local ownership: Effective partnerships ensure that initiatives are locally driven.

• Cultural context: Understanding Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian cultural nuances is essential.

• Long-term impact: Collaborative efforts lead to more sustainable and resilient outcomes.

• Trust-based relationships: In the Pacific, strong interpersonal relationships underpin effective partnerships.

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3. Principles of Effective Partnership Brokering

1. Equity – All parties contribute and benefit fairly.

2. Transparency – Open communication about goals, finances, and challenges.

3. Inclusivity – Engaging a diverse range of voices, especially local and community-based actors.

4. Mutual Accountability – Shared responsibility for successes and failures.

5. Cultural Respect – Deep understanding and integration of cultural practices and protocols.

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4. Stages of Partnership Brokering

A. Scoping and Building Relationships

• Stakeholder Mapping: Identify who is already active, who holds influence, and who may be marginalized.

• Initial Engagement: Ask, don't assume—let partners articulate their needs and priorities.

• Building Trust:

  • Show long-term commitment.

  • Be present—physically or virtually—in regular community or regional dialogues.

B. Designing the Partnership

• Co-create objectives:

  • Ensure alignment with national development priorities and community needs.

  • Use participatory tools like Theory of Change workshops.

• Define roles and expectations: Establish Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or partnership agreements.

• Agree on governance and decision-making:

  • Include government (or other local) representatives in leadership or steering committees

  • Design conflict-resolution mechanisms that reflect local values.

C. Managing and Maintaining the Partnership

• Regular communication: Use appropriate technology (e.g., WhatsApp, Viber, or radio) depending on local context.

• Joint monitoring and evaluation: Collect feedback from communities, not just organizations; and track both quantitative outcomes and qualitative insights (e.g., stories of change).

• Resource sharing: Share funding equitably and provide capacity strengthening where needed.

• Cultural brokerage: Designate roles for individuals who can “bridge” between cultures, such as local liaison officers.

D. Reviewing and Sustaining the Partnership

• Reflect on learnings: Hold joint reviews with honest feedback loops.

• Adapt and improve: Adjust partnership terms or activities based on new insights.

• Celebrate milestones: Publicly acknowledge shared achievements.

• Plan for sustainability or exit