Assignment Cycle

Process by which PeaceNexus facilitates the design and the implementation of each project from the initial engagement with the client to the final stages and exit strategy.

Phase 1: Exploratory/Inventory Stage

Following a request from an organization/business/state, PeaceNexus will work with the entity to establish a common understanding of the problem. Drawing on this, PN will conduct research and analysis to assess the in-house needs and capacities (and wants) of the client, and the role of PeaceNexus, the client and possible partners. This phase includes the collection and collation of all the relevant information required to effectively evaluate the client, the project, the context, best practice, and the PN role (see Internal Criteria for Project Consideration).

Participants: PeaceNexus staff, client, possible research partners.

Output: The culmination of this stage is an initial paper to lead a decision by the PN Board or Directorate (depending on meeting schedules and importance/size of project) on whether to move to the next phase.

Phase 2: Consolidation/Strategy Stage

This stage will pull together all the information gathered in stage 1, consolidate it, define the objectives, and create an initial strategy for PN to pursue in order to address the problem raised by the client. This stage will also involve defining the MOU and assignment framework, timing and financial impact of the solution, including possible cost-sharing mechanisms between the client and the foundation.

Participants: PeaceNexus staff, client, some evaluative partners, Board/Directorate

Output: A short strategy paper for PN laying out the proposed solution for internal consideration and for buy in from the client. The strategy must be agreed upon by the client and, depending on the size and importance of the project, by PN Board or Directorate.

Phase 3: Implementation Stage

Drawing on the strategy document from Phase 2, PN will bring together the relevant partners to build a team for the client to address the challenge proposed. These partners will meet with PN, together, and with the client to design a proposed solution for the client.

If necessary and as appropriate, PN staff will also work with the client on next steps for the client to implement the solution with partners or others.

Participants: Partners, PeaceNexus staff, client.

Output: The creation of a solution proposal/paper for the client, and the approval of the client of this paper.

Phase 4: Monitoring (as needed)

In some cases there may be an ongoing monitoring role for PeaceNexus to ensure that if the environment or context changes, the project is able to adjust appropriately and that, if necessary, the partners are brought together to reestablish links and integration of their efforts.

Participants: PeaceNexus

Output: Ongoing monitoring

Phase 5: Evaluation Stage

PN staff will go back, following the conclusion of the project, with the client and partners to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the project, and whether the objectives laid out were achieved.

Initial best practice methodology and lessons learned will also be gathered at this stage.

Participants: PeaceNexus staff, possibly partners, client.

Output: A short evaluation paper on the project for internal PN use. As appropriate also, best practice lessons learned.