Transforming partnerships in Ukraine and Moldova: Learnings from World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response

Key findings: Transforming partnerships in Ukraine and Moldova

This assessment involved interviews with 40 World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response (WV UCR) staff and 15 partner organizations (10 in Ukraine and 5 in Moldova) to evaluate how WVUCR’s approach helps local partners assume stronger leadership roles in humanitarian efforts.

What Works Well:

• World Vision has implemented a strategic approach to partnerships, leading to capacity growth among local partners.
• Adequate funding is allocated for humanitarian activities, and local partners are actively involved in coordination forums.
• Local partners are engaged in advocacy and are credited in communication materials and reports.
• Affected communities are consulted on the assistance they receive.

Challenges and Gaps:

• There's a need to transition from sub-granting to more equitable partnerships.
• Support for organizational strengthening and overhead sharing is insufficient.
• Capacity-building efforts require a more tailored approach.
• WVUCR's support for accessing coordination systems and government liaison is limited.
• Lack of World Vision’s involvement of local partners in its advocacy work​.
• Some projects are designed prior to the understanding communities needs better​.

Key Recommendations:

• Reevaluate and tailor capacity assessment and development plans.
• Provide more tailored capacity-building support and share overhead costs with local partners.
• Secure funding for partners' operating costs.
• Strengthen relationships with government entities.
• Involve local partners more actively in advocacy activities.