Phase 2: Assess

Objectives of the Assess Phase

In the Assess phase, conduct a participatory assessment of risks and their impacts to inform solutions development. The assessment is carried out by using reliable data and stakeholders’ knowledge, skills, experiences and collective wisdom. In this phase, it is also important to begin defining the partnership’s its goals, processes and operationalization.

Elements and overview of the tools of the phase

1. Define the context and identify risks and impacts (Tool 10. Risks and opportunities assessment (must)). Scope actions that will address common needs. Using a participatory process, conduct technical and socioeconomic assessments of physical and geo-hydrological conditions, resources use, socio-economic conditions, and the policy and cultural environments. Identify and respond to any partnership-specific hazards relating to organizations’ dominance of the policymaking process or other risks of capturing public resources or institutions for private benefit (Tool 11. Assessment on risk of capture (must))
2. Determine the costs and benefits of specific interventions (Tool 12. Cost-benefit analysis (must)). Use an integrated assessment for decision-makers and stakeholders to jointly compare proposed projects and their effects. Assess the feasibility of the interventions and identify the groups affected (Tool 13. Checklist of potential beneficiaries (must)).
3. Shape the partnership. Based on your assessments, update division of tasks between partners and draft the proposed solutions. Engage the public sector, set measurable objectives, and leverage existing best practices where possible. Ensure that beneficiaries and affected groups are also represented at the table and undertake capacity-building exercises if needed to ensure their input. (Tool 2, 4, 6, 7 (update) (must)).

Transition key questions checklist

1. Have you identified specific environment related risks and their main impacts in the area as well as options for action?
2. Have you identified and responded to partnership-specific hazards relating to organizations unduly dominating a policymaking process, or otherwise capturing public resources or institutions for private benefit?
3. Have you assessed the socio-economic and environmental feasibility of the planned interventions?
4. Have you identified the groups affected by the risks that could benefit from measures and projects to reduce these risks?
5. Have you updated your understanding of which partners to bring on board based on the understanding of risks and opportunities?
6. Have you defined the goals and measurable objectives of the partnership?
7. Have you researched best practices that you can adopt, adapt, or learn from, and selected the ones to be implemented?

Key tools and case studies for this phase

Tool 10: Risks and opportunities assessment (must)

Tool 11: Assessment on risk of capture (must)

Tool 12: Cost-benefit analysis (must)

Tool 13: Checklist of potential beneficiaries (must)

Tool 2: Market scan (update)

Tool 4: Participants due diligence investigation (update)

Tool 5: Problem butterfly (update)

Tool 6: Value Proposition (update)

Tool 7: Project action plan (update)