Core Functions of a CCCM Cluster

This guidance applies to CCCM Clusters and cluster-like mechanisms – i.e., also to CCCM Sectors and CCCM Working Groups working within the cluster system framework, supported by the Global CCCM Cluster. For ease, and space, the term ‘CCCM Cluster’ is used, although terminology used in some responses might differ (‘site management’ instead of ‘CCCM’, or ‘sector’ instead of ‘cluster’).  

Core Functions of a Cluster

There are “6 + 1” core functions of a country-level Cluster – as laid out in the IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination (see Related Resources). At country level, the Cluster Lead Agency (CLA) is accountable for ensuring that cluster leadership and its core functions are carried out effectively. The CLA appoints a Cluster Coordinator, who, with a cluster coordination team, works on behalf of the cluster to achieve its core functions. It might be useful to think of a cluster coordination team as service providers – tasked with delivering and facilitating the core functions and working for the benefit of Cluster members. This Toolkit provides guidance, templates, and tools to support a CCCM Cluster coordination team’s day-to-day work towards achieving these core functions. Refer to the "CCCM Coordination Checklist" resource under the resource section for a comprehensive overview of the essential elements that a CCCM Cluster coordination team should ensure are in place.

A CCCM Cluster should ensure integration of solutions throughout its work and in the CCCM response. Planning for durable solutions for affected individuals and communities is at the heart of the fundamental principles of CCCM. See Toolkit Section 8.8 Durable Solutions. 

CCCM Cluster & the Camp Coordination Function

The three CCCM roles for a camp-based response are important when considering the functions of the CCCM Cluster, its responsibilities towards CCCM partners, and inter-cluster engagement in relation to camps:  

Camp/Site Administration (CA) – carried out by the government authorities, responsible for providing protection and assistance to displaced persons on their territories. CA functions relate to oversight and supervision of activities, including designating camps, land rights, security. CA is usually represented at camp level. 

Camp/Site Coordination (CC) – functions across camps, most often at response level. Includes both strategic and inter-camp operational coordination. A CC is responsible for designing strategy, setting standards, contingency planning, and information management. Its primary objective is to create the humanitarian space necessary for the effective delivery of protection and assistance. The CC responsibilities are carried out by the CCCM Cluster when activated and may be led by national or local authorities. 

Camp/Site Management (CM) – operates at camp level. This function may be taken on by an NGO, Civil Society Organization, Red Cross and Red Crescent society, a national or local authority, or sometimes a UN agency . CM coordinates and monitors delivery of, and access to, services and protection to IDPs, and ensures maintenance of infrastructure. CM is also responsible for ensuring community participation, representation, and governance mechanisms, information dissemination, communication with communities, accountability to affected populations. 

Engagement with Government & Local Authorities

Appropriate engagement with government authorities at the national and local levels is a vital component of successful cluster coordination. Especially for CCCM, given the Camp Administration and Camp Coordination functions. The appropriate engagement of a cluster coordination team with government authorities is context-specific and might change over time. Engagement strategies are likely to differ at national and local levels.  

At the national level, engagement can vary from a government body taking on leadership of the Cluster, to a liaison supported by the Cluster Lead Agency (CLA). At the local level, the actors a national or sub-national CCCM Cluster engages with might differ from the national level.  

• See IASC Operational Guidance for Cluster Lead Agencies on Working with National Authorities, 2011 for guidance on national authorities’ responsibilities, scenarios of authorities’ willingness and ability to contribute to coordination, and strengthening national response capacities  
• See Toolkit Section 8.5 Capacity Building for examples of CCCM Cluster engagement with national authorities on preparedness and contingency planning.  

Related Resources