WORKING DOCUMENTS

For

Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI)

(In collaboration with)

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Background

This is policy working document of the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI). The policy document is developed by CSCHEI as a working tool to facilitate collaboration, communication, and implementation of strategies for the accomplishment of organization’s objective (or specific tasks as the case may be). This document also provides standard operating procedures (SOP) on how specific tasks or processes are executed in a consistent manner, while guaranteeing inclusivity.

CSCHEI is an accredited non-profit organization based in Nigeria, that coordinates various registered Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that are providing community enhancement, humanitarian empowerment, dignity and societal values for development.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal

With respect to our mission, CSCHEI is committed to creating a positive and sustainable societal change through community development, and community empowerment. These are to be achieved through different sectors including: sustainable agriculture, health and wellbeing, education and empowerment, gender equality, environmental conservation, social equity and justice, sustainable environment, peace building and conflict resolution, and promotion of collaborations for development line with the SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17

Objectives

In line with our goal at CSCHEI, the following objectives are set out to be achieved.

To provide a platform for proper coordination and supervision of NGOs, CSOs, and FBOs in order to align completely with 2023 Global Agenda.

To continuously monitor, evaluate and guide NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs, using CSCHEI defined administrative working template within the framework of SDGs Agenda.

To periodically coordinate multi-stakeholders’ engagements through organization of regional retreat for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in order to have better understanding of the communities’ needs.

Strategies

The set objectives of CSCHEI would be achieved by a number of carefully outlined strategies which include the following:

CSCHEI to use its platform to provide a link and access to donor agencies and development partners for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs.

CSCHEI shall provide an institutional capacity building for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs.

CSCHEI to leverage and strengthen the structure across 774 Local Government in Nigeria to be a coordinating platform for dissemination of information to appropriate quarters in Nigeria.

As the link between the government (and private organization) and the masses, CSCHEI to interface between communities, and organizations (government and private) on corporate social responsibilities (CSRs).

CSCHEI establishes collaborative relationship with development partners and donor agencies for community development and humanitarian interventions.

All the above are managed and driven by the concepts of logic, science, and accurate data.

CSCHEI OVERVIEW

Historical Development of CSCHEI

The Civil Society Organisation on the Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) is the coordinating platform that mobilizes, organizes, supervises, and promotes Non-Governmental Organization, NGOs, Community Based Organisations, CBOs, and Faith-Based Organisations, FBOs within the scope of Social, Community, and Humanitarian Empowerment in Nigeria. There are more than 45,000 various registered NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria, out of which 25,000 are working within the scope of social, community, and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiatives. Out of this 25,000, CSCHEI has access to 17,000 who are working presently on social, community, and humanitarian sectors. Currently, CSCHEI is coordinating 3,400 NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs and aligning their daily working with SDGs Goals Agenda, most especially on Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17.

CSCHEI’s COORDINATING NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR NGOs, CBOs, AND FBOs

The CSCHEI has partnered with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the apex think tank for the country, to study the NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria, to determine their current state of affairs and identify gaps and challenges hindering their operations. Comprehensive assessment based on data collection and analysis on the present NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria reveals that:

There is lack of comprehensive supervision, mobilisation, and promotion for proper implementation of Global Agenda 2023, SDGs.

There is a lack of proper information dissemination on the implementation of SDGs, most especially in the rural areas and communities.

There is an urgent need to domesticate and Integrate Sustainable Development Goals Agenda in the working programmes and projects of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs.

There is need for capacity building framework for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs to be effective and efficient on their daily responsibilities, and for their continuous improvement.

There is a need for a link between Government, development partners, and donor agencies for both technical and financial support for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria.

The above underscored the need for effective resources allocation to address the identified gap for the NGOs, CBOs and FBOs to efficiently operate towards the achievement of CSCHEI’s goal in line with the Global Agenda 2030.

CHALLENGES

While CSCHEI is poised to facilitating positive social change through effective coordination of NGOs, CBOs and FBOs, to align with the Global Agenda 2030, it is however confronted with a number of challenges from diverse factors arising from social, economic, political and environmental factors. The current initiatives as well as the challenges against smooth implementation of CSCHEI programmes and projects are as listed below:

Technical challenges

The technical challenges faced by CSCHEI include inadequate capacity (training) to strengthen the local organizations and community members for sustainable development. CSCHEI also has challenges with climate resilient initiatives to address both the humanitarian needs and long-term sustainability measure for vulnerable communities affected by climate change. Furthermore, infrastructural deficit for clean water provision and sanitation, and transportation hinders the operation of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs and their coordination by CSCHEI There is a need for Development Partners and Donor Agencies in Nigeria working on SDGs Agenda to support CSCHEI in order to streamline the coordination accordingly.

Funding Challenges

Many of the community advancement and humanitarian empowerment initiatives are implemented with limited resources, hence the challenges of effective and timely response to emerging community issues. The prevalence of economic vulnerability and lack of livelihood opportunities undermines the efforts towards community empowerment.

Coordination challenges

Weak Stakeholders’ coordination of numerous NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs, operating in similar areas can lead to fragmentation and duplication of efforts, making the assessment more challenging.

Gender inequality

Gender-based disparities pose challenges to achieving comprehensive empowerment initiatives by CSCHEI. Gender discrimination must be addressed and equal opportunities be provided for both sexes.

Governance and Accountability Issues:

Some organizations struggle with governance issues, including transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, which can undermine trust and credibility within the sector.

Other challenges include socioeconomic disparities, cultural and religious sensitivities, lack of humanitarian access due to conflicts and security issues, and complex regulatory environment. Addressing these challenges requires holistic and collaborative approaches with multi-stakeholders’ involvement.

PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATIONS

CSCHEI is partnered with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on policy and development of frameworks for collaborations to link NGOs, FBOs, and CBOs working in line with CSCHEI’s goals and objectives with development partners and donor agencies for capacity development. The framework also provides platform for corporate organizations to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the NGOs, FBOs and CBOs working in line with CSCHEI objectives.

ORGANIZATION’S FINANCES

Sources of funding

With clear mission and impacts on the society, CSCHEI rely on the relationships and collaborations with development partners to support the implementation of its programmes and projects for sustainability of the initiatives. The sources of funding are; United Nations (UN) Agencies and Programs, Government Grants, International Aid and Development Organizations, Philanthropic Foundations, Community and Grassroot Fundraising, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, Social Impact Investment, and Multilateral Organizations.

Strategies for Financial Sustainability

Financial sustainability is considered vital for the sustainability of the activities of CSCHEI. Strategies for CSCHEI’s financial sustainability include:

Resource Mobilization

CSCHEI, as a coordinating platform, shall facilitate access to funding, technical assistance, and capacity building support for NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs to strengthen their capacity and sustainability.

Streamlined Coordination Mechanisms

We shall encourage collaboration and partnerships with development partners and donor agencies for an update on NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria.

Other strategies are; regular financial planning, cost-efficiency measures, social impact investment, outcome measurement and reporting, and establishment of endowment fund among others.

COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY

Communication Strategies

Strategies adopted by CSCHEI for communication include clearly articulated mission and vision statements that provide basic foundation and helps stakeholders to understand our purpose and goals. Other strategies employed are targeted messaging, participatory approaches, storytelling and testimonials, engagement of community leaders, and regular updates among others.

Advocacy Initiatives

CSCHEI engages in advocacy and policy dialogue at the sub- national, national, and international levels to promote the roles of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs. With the support of United Nations Development Partners and Donor Agencies, CSCHEI will be able to provide sustainable, effective, and efficient coordinating and supervision that will enable NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in Nigeria to align with the Global practice in implementing SDGs Agenda in their programmes and projects.

ADMINISTRATION AND DECISION MAKING

CSCHEI Management Board

The administration of CSCHEI is anchored on the management of team each of whom is charged with specific responsibilities related to his/her areas of competences.

Decision making processes

At CSCHEI, we adopt an inclusive decision-making approach that involves they key stakeholders including the community members, and gender representatives to ensure coverage of wider perspectives and to secure the stakeholders’ buy-in.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

CSCHEI has structured and identified need-based capacity building for community empowerment, staff development (through training programs), as well as seminars and knowledge sharing initiatives. The partnership with the National Institute is also geared towards the provision of the needed training to our members. To achieve this, CSCHEI shall seek support from Donor Agencies and Development on capacity development initiatives tailored to the specific needs of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs for administrative effectiveness and efficiency.

RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Risk identification

In the course of operation of CSCHEI and coordination of NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs, the CSCHEI has framework for appointment of risk management team comprising of individuals with relevant expertise related to our project and programme. This team is responsible for identification, assessment and management of risk that may hinder the operation of NGOs, FBOs, and CBOs working in the area of community advancement and humanitarian empowerment.

Risk mitigation plans

Upon identification of risk in our areas of operation, we have developed a number of mitigation plan which starts with the analysis of the risk prevention plan, and response planning in case of its occurrence.

Contingency planning

In our contingency planning, we have contingency response team that pay attention to trigger points, regular review of contingency plan, training and preparedness, and post event analysis in the case of incidence occurrence.