Cluster Approach

  • Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at Country Level (revised July 2015)

    Document Type: 
    IASC Product
    Product Category: 
    Cluster Approach
    Authoring Bodies: 
    IASC Transformative Agenda
    Published Date: 
    August 27, 2015

    The Cluster Coordination and Reference Module is one of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Transformative Agenda Protocols. This module outlines the basic elements of cluster coordination and intends to serve as a reference guide for field practitioners to help facilitate their work and improve humanitarian outcomes.

    The reference module includes eight sections:

    1. Cluster and Sector Coordination
    2. Cluster Activation
    3. Cluster Functions
    4. The Role of Clusters in Preparedness
    5. Cluster Management Arrangements
    6. Sharing Leadership
    7. Minimum Commitments for Participation in Clusters
    8. Inter-Cluster Coordination, Sub-National Coordination, Monitoring Cluster Coordination

  • Guidance Note on Using the Cluster Approach to Strengthen Humanitarian Response

    Document Type: 
    IASC Product
    Product Category: 
    Cluster Approach
    Authoring Bodies: 
    Working Group
    Published Date: 
    November 24, 2006

    The cluster approach is a mechanism that helps to address identified gaps in response and enhance the quality of humanitarian action. It is part of a wider reform process aimed at improving the effectiveness of humanitarian response by ensuring greater predictability and accountability, while at the same time strengthening partnerships between NGOs, international organizations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, UN agencies and the government.

    The guidance note includes: the aim and scope of the cluster approach, the cluster leadership at the global and country level, responsibilities of the global and country cluster leads, contingency planning and application of the cluster approach in major new emergencies, how to strengthening partnerships and complementarity amongst humanitarian actors and national authorities, accountability of sector/cluster leads to the Humanitarian Coordinator, ‘provider of last resort’, and the role of the Humanitarian Coordinator and OCHA at the country level. 

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