This document discusses transforming partnerships at Oxfam in Bangladesh. It defines partnership as an ongoing working relationship where risks and benefits are shared. Effective partnerships require a common purpose, shared and individual interests, co-creation of solutions, mutual accountability, and adding value through collaboration. Partnerships are important because development challenges require different sectors to work together. Partnerships can lead to organizational innovation, improved efficiency, stronger human capital, and more effective services. The document advocates moving from traditional control-based approaches to new ways of working like appreciative inquiry, collaboration, and learning from each other. Small actions like appreciation, listening, and supporting partners can help transform partnerships. Overcoming challenges like differences, power imbalances, hidden agendas and competit

1. TRANSFORM
PARTNERSHIP
APPROACH AND BE
HUMANITARIANS
Program Team Meeting
Oxfam in Bangladesh
March 16 2020

3. Page 3
Partnership- A Common Definition
“An on-going working relationship
Where
risks and benefits are shared”
How does this compare to your own understanding of partnership?

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Partnership Attributes
 A common purpose
 Shared and individual interests
 Co-creation of design, of solutions
 Sharing risks and benefits
 A commitment to mutual accountability
 A principled approach to working together
 Add value ( 1 + 1 = 3 )

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Why Partnership
 Complex and interdependent world requires
various sectors to come together to effectively
respond to development challenges – no one
can do it alone
 Combining of organizational cultures and
competencies lead to innovative approaches
and solutions
 Diverse access to networks and relationships
through various sectors

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Partnership Benefits/ a step ahead
towards transformation
 Organizational innovation
 Improved operational efficiency
 Development of human capital
 Better access to information
 More effective / appropriate products &
services
 Enhanced legitimacy & credibility
 Increased access to resources (pooling)
 Increased participation – social capital!

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Traditional Vs New Ways of
Internalization towards Transformation
Traditional Thinking Thinking Diffrenetly
Policy Value Addition
Controls Scope of joint work (design, plan)
Compliances Respect (mutual)
Monitoring Join visit, joint monitoring mechanism
Auditing (including investigation) Appreciative Enquiry
Risk Risk shouldering (joint)
Quality of implementation /Blame Collaboration, Comprehensive plan
Capacity Learning (both way)
Donor Thinking beyond Box
Approach Listening skills
Comfort zone Partnership as a means to Leadership

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Let’s Hear From Our Valued Partners

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PARTNERSHIP APPROACH to Oxfam
 Inclusive and consensus building approach – not
imposing conditions (unfortunately we do at
some point)
 Legitimacy with governments, civil society
 Impartial – facilitating role
 Strong values – attracts partners
 Universality – scale up partnerships
 Development expertise
 Local knowledge

10. “If your actions inspire others to dream
more, learn more, do more and become
more, you are a leader.”
-John Quincy Adams
6th President of the United States (1767-1848)

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Close your eyes and take one minute to
think…...Transformation in Partnership
 Do my actions inspire others?
 Am I promoting Leadership (as a means to
Partnership)
 Do my role create spaces for Partners?
 What is my contribution towards “Partnerships
Transformation”?
 Am I adding value in a way Oxfam prioritized
“The Art of Partnership”
 Am I thinking beyond “the box”

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Quick Reflections
 From a Colleague working more than 05 Years
 From a Colleague working more than 02 Years
 From a Colleague working less than one Year
WHAT, HOW, LEARNING

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Small things matter towards Partnership Transformation
 Appreciation email (Partners physical availability
throughout Covid pandemic in ground)
 Note of thanks (immediate after any field trip,
completion of an event)
 Limit expectations and be focused
 Listening and welcome “Alternative Thoughts”
 Reflection with front liners
 Supportive attitude (we are here to support you
to perform tasks efficiently)

14. Common partnering challenge:
ANXIETY ABOUT DIFFERENCE
Key principle:
DIVERSITY
Leads to:
NEW VALUE

15. Common partnering challenge:
POWER IMBALANCE
Key principle:
EQUITY
Leads to:
RESPECT

16. Common partnering challenge:
HIDDEN AGENDAS
Key principle:
OPENNESS
Leads to:
TRUST

17. Common partnering challenge:
COMPETITIVENESS
Key principle:
MUTUAL
BENEFIT
Leads to:
COMMITMENT

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FINDING WAYS TOGETHER TO BUILD RESILIENCE

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Policy into Practice

20. SO....WHY ARE WE HERE?

21. MALA APA to Lead
Closing /Summarize
session