Inter-Cluster Coordination

Participation in Inter-Sector Coordination Mechanisms

As a CCCM Cluster team you should be proactively participating in the inter-cluster or inter-sector coordination mechanisms. Depending on the country setup, these might include:

• National Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG/ICWG) (national Cluster Coordinator & Co-Coordinator)
• Sub-national ICCG/ICWGs (Sub-National Coordinator & Co-Coordinator)
• Area coordination mechanisms (area focal points)
• IM Working Groups (Cluster IM team)
• Relevant thematic working groups and taskforces e.g. Communication with Communities or AAP Working Group, Cash Working Group, Gender in Humanitarian Action, PSEA, etc.[1] 

Attending different inter-sector mechanisms requires good communication within the whole coordination team, to share discussions and decisions taken for consistent representation of the Cluster. 

Where clusters are activated, inter-cluster coordination is supported by OCHA, in support of the HC, including facilitation of inter-cluster meetings, assistance to clusters to deliver parts of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, and providing inter-cluster information management tools.

Collaboration & the Camp Coordination Responsibility 

In addition to participating in formal and informal inter-cluster mechanisms, you should also aim to build relationships and collaborate directly with other clusters/sectors. CCCM is an inherently cross-cutting sector, and the camp coordination function of CCCM performed by the CCCM Cluster requires Coordinators to have good working relationships with other Clusters – to be able to raise, discuss, and address issues that can’t be resolved at site level, and to establish joint operational approaches and strategies as needed. It also requires good working relations with OCHA to ensure clear and common understanding on roles and responsibilities.

In addition to maintaining ongoing working relationships with other Clusters/Sectors, you will likely need to collaborate on specific topics – ongoing or for a one-off piece of work. For example: collaboration with the Protection Cluster to monitor protection incidents in camps on an ongoing basis; drafting a guidance note with the Education Cluster for partners on working with IDPs temporarily living in schools; joint advocacy document on relocation; creating a joint workplan with the GBV Area of Responsibility to conduct Site Safety Audits.

CLAs and Cluster Co-Coordinating Partners often expect Clusters/Sectors they lead to work closely with each other. This can be very beneficial for a CCCM response where, for example, CCCM and Protection Clusters, or CCCM and Shelter Sectors are encouraged to work together. However, don’t forget to also build relationships with other Clusters: CCCM-WASH, CCCM-WASH-Shelter, CCCM-Child Protection (for example) relationships and collaboration can also be vital in a response.

Roles & Responsibilities

Between CCCM & Other Clusters

CCCM & WASH – the Global WASH Cluster’s Inter-Cluster Matrices of Roles and Accountabilities lists the agreed respective functions of CCCM and WASH at camp level, and camp coordination / Cluster level.

CCCM & Shelter – Inter-Cluster Matrix: Proposed Responsibilities and Accountabilities between Shelter and CCCM at Country Level gives an example template to inform country-level agreements on respective roles and accountabilities between CCCM & Shelter Clusters. Includes site planning, camp design, collective centres, and camp decommissioning. Can be edited at country level to agree on specific responsibilities, based on the context and capacities. Find both in Related Resources.

CCCM Cluster & OCHA: Complementary Coordination

Where Clusters are activated, the CCCM Cluster has a complementary coordination function to OCHA. The CCCM Cluster (and, Cluster Lead Agency) includes coordination of roles and responsibilities in the overall camp response, complementing OCHA’s responsibility of facilitating and supporting overall coordination of the humanitarian response.

CCCM Cluster & OCHA – Roles & Responsibilities in Coordination[2]