Accessing Facilitators: Building The Right Team For Your Adaptive Management Process

The planning team typically includes activity leadership, such as the Chief of Party or Contract/Agreement Officer's Representative, as well as Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialists. Team leads, who may be responsible for strategic approaches, components, or sites, also play a crucial role. The facilitation team may consist of USAID or partner staff, as well as external consultants, and may include sectoral or local experts. The facilitation team is responsible for convening and facilitating scoping and planning meetings to ensure the team meets important milestones. A process lead, often a member of the facilitation team, is designated to convene and facilitate these meetings. This position is critical in ensuring the team stays on track and meets its objectives. The process lead may be a member of the facilitation team or a separate individual with facilitation expertise. USAID or implementing partners may identify the process facilitator(s), and implementing partners can tap into their organizational resources or existing networks to find and engage facilitators. USAID staff in missions can also leverage internal facilitators or utilize an existing mission contract to provide the necessary assistance. If no facilitator can be sourced through these channels, USAID mission staff can reach out to Washington-based USAID staff for potential facilitation support. In some cases, a Conservation Coach may be necessary to provide facilitation support. The Conservation Coaches Network (CCNet) website offers a database of coaches with various areas of expertise, including facilitation. To find a suitable coach, users can search the Find a Coach database for coaches in their region, review the list for expertise relevant to their team's pause and reflect process, and contact the coach directly. If the desired coach is not found through the CCNet website, users can contact a network leader directly or send a message to the CCNet User Forum asking for the specific skills required.