Talking points Once funding is received, there is often pressure for programme managers and implementing partners to start programme implementation on the ground immediately after that funding starts. However, this rarely results in high-quality programming. This is one of the key difficult areas of dialogue with funders, but it is an essential conversation to have.
Depending on your overall programme approach (strengthen, expand, innovate, adapt, scale), your inception period will need to be a minimum of 6 months and may require 18 months. An inception phase is important for the following reasons:
- To select implementation sites and conduct detailed contextual analysis (e.g. formative research on drivers of VAW, social norms, understanding beneficiary needs, mapping service providers).
- To determine specific target populations and consult them.
- To select partner organisations with the capacity to implement the programme or strengthen partnerships established beforehand.
- To engage in detailed (co)design or adaptation of the programme interventions.
- To train partner organisations and staff so they develop the knowledge, skills and capacity to implement the programme.
- To develop and agree on a detailed budget, resourcing and workplan for implementation.
- To engage in implementation districts/communities to ensure access and build relationships
- To conduct the programme baseline.
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