Multisectoral collaboration
Multisectoral collaboration involves multiple sectors and stakeholders intentionally working together in a managed process to achieve shared outcomes and goals. Examples of different sectors are the public sector, private sector, civil society, academia and media. Stakeholders can be individuals or organisations with a stake in the issue. They influence, or are influenced by, the problem and solutions. Multisectoral collaboration is essential for addressing complex or 'wicked' problems.
Sustainable health challenges, influenced by social, environmental, and economic factors, are “wicked problems” with no simple solutions. Single-sector approaches can create new issues. Multisectoral engagement leverages combined knowledge and resources for better outcomes. Effective coordination removes policy barriers, scales up solutions, and amplifies impact. Complex problems transcend borders, necessitating collaboration across sectors and countries.
Working multisectorally requires identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders to define a shared goal. Stakeholders must recognize the problem and the need for collaboration. Defining collaboration structure and execution plans is crucial. Monitoring and evaluation document progress, identify successes and failures, and suggest improvements. Continuous assessment ensures equitable and effective collaboration, adapting to challenges.
This tool is relevant for persons in Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Academic and Research Institutions, Community Organizations, Civil Society Groups as all these entities need inclusive and multidisciplinary approaches to solve increasing complex sustainable development challenges for which working in silos nolonger suffice.
The Toolkit
Our toolkit builds on several previous frameworks for multisector and multilevel collaboration proposed by Kuruvilla et al. 2018 and Mahlangu et al. 2019.
This toolkit consists of a 4-step process. We have expanded on the four steps, providing additional resources and supportive tools to help you achieve the goals outlined in each step.
The four steps, crucial for effective collaboration, move forward dynamically. The arrows emphasise the iterative nature of multisectoral collaboration, involving continuous learning and adjustment throughout the process. Below, we introduce the four steps and offer you the opportunity to delve deeper.
Having identified a problem you need to solve in a multisectoral way, it is time to convene stakeholders to obtain buy-in, jointly define the problem and agree on goals and how to attain them. These processes are important and should be consultative, allow for iteration and involve all stakeholders.
SUPPORTIVE SUB TOOLS
- 1.1 Stakeholder mapping/analysis (PDF): Using stakeholder matrix, this tool guides on types of stakeholders and how to tailor communications, engagement activities, frequency. Helps set priorities & opportunities, identify leverage and key logical actions (6 min read)
- 1.2 Jointly define the problem (PDF): This tools emphasizes systems thinking as key to solve wicked problems (4 minute read)
- 1.3 Jointly define the goals/objectives (PDF): This suggests that define the goals/objectives of the initiatives need to be done jointly with input from the stakeholders (4 minute read)
- 1.4 Jointly agree on how to achieve the goals (PDF): All decisions to be implemented should be decided upon by majority stakeholders to increase chance of positive outcomes (3 minute read)
Back to overview
Having convened stakeholders and jointly defined the problem, goal and how to achieve it, it is necessary to agree on its structure, leadership, mechanisms and processes, and administration of the multisectoral collaboration. These structures are essential in the day-to-day functioning of the collaboration and ensuring its effectiveness.
SUPPORTIVE SUB TOOLS
- 2.1 Clarify roles and responsibilities
- 2.2 Agree on leadership
- 2.3 Set up mechanisms and processes
- 2.4 Plan the administration
Back to overview
Here the collaboration implements activities and actions as per the agreed work plan within the available resources. This process, although challenging, is very critical to the success of the collaboration. Execution of the collaboration is anchored in good coordination, and constant reflection and learning are key in supporting the execution of tasks.
SUPPORTIVE SUB TOOLS
Back to overview
Monitoring is a continuous process during the collaboration and together with evaluation at different stages helps to take stock of whether the collaboration has been effective and the potential explanatory factors. These lessons should be used to adapt the collaboration and improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
SUPPORTIVE SUB TOOLS
Back to overview
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and Makerere University in Uganda