Increase # of technical assistance providers within the network

All four commitments made by the SUN Civil Society Network are underpinned by its 2021-2025 strategy and theory of change (attached) which all individual members, civil society alliances, youth leaders, regional groups and steering group members align with. The strategy was developed in close consultation with all CSN members to ensure it is fit-for-purpose, context-specific and fully owned by all.

The SUN Civil Society Network Secretariat has its own fully-fledged workplan and Monitoring & Evaluation framework (see attached indicators) which will guide the implementation of its 5-year strategy and specific commitments made to N4G. In addition, the MEAL adviser is working with each of the four regional groups (Asia; East & Southern Africa; West & Central Africa; and Latin America & the Caribbean) to produce tailored workplans with SMART indicators. These will then organically trickle down to national-level Civil Society Alliances and individual member organisations who will ultimately implement the commitments, with support from the global secretariat.

The aim of this commitment is to ensure all CSN members can access training and technical assistance in areas in which they require upskilling. The Network responds to the needs indicated by regional groups, Civil Society Alliances (CSAs) and Youth Leaders by connecting them with learning, advocacy, networking and funding opportunities. Capacity building can be provided by the Secretariat or Steering Group, but through the course of the 5-year strategy, an increasing proportion of technical assistance will be delivered by one CSA to another, or within a CSA itself. To enable this, the CSN will develop communities of practice and expand the pool of country-level technical experts willing to share their skills in the service of the wider membership. The CSN Secretariat and Steering Group will continue to provide support where no country level expertise is available to ensure the smooth running of national and regional functions.

By facilitating the expansion of the pool of technical assistance providers, Network members will have improved access to the skills that they need. In turn, technical assistance providers will receive increased opportunities to showcase their skills internally and to gain certification for high quality technical assistance delivered.

As part of the 5-year strategy, experts who consistently deliver high quality technical assistance will be eligible to provide their skills to external organisations, thereby boosting their skillsets and earning ability, and reinforcing the reputation of the Network.