Phase 2

Step 2.00 , Design

The Design Phase is undertaken to design a Water Fund which serves as a regional collective action platform where stakeholders from all sectors convene, coordinate and collaborate to help improve water security through science-based systemic change.

Video

Designing for Success

Fred Kihara from TNC describes how design decisions helped to make the case for the Nairobi WF

Learn more: Nairobi Water Fund

PURPOSE

What is the reason this Phase needs to be done?

To design a Water Fund which serves as a regional collective action platform where stakeholders from all sectors convene, coordinate and collaborate to help improve water security through science-based systemic change.

OBJECTIVES

What specific results do we aim to achieve?

  • To have a compelling, actionable Strategic Plan that articulates how the Fund will contribute to improved water security in a region, describing ways it will:
    1. build a reputation as a credible convener and collective action platform;
    2. use this reputation to increase it’s ability to influence relevant public policy; and
    3. with sufficient influence, ultimately unlock the potential for creating significant positive water security impacts at scale.
  • To have leadership (WF Director, Board and advisors) committed to the Fund’s strategy and plans with sufficient support from critical/priority stakeholders, donors/investors along with resources and/or commitments to move the Fund into the Creation and Operation Phases.


KEY DELIVERABLES / OUTCOMES

What are the tangible products resulting from this work?

  • Updated Situation Analysis: As previously described, but the Report is updated to include new information, insights and/or stakeholder details contributed by the Board, advisors or other trusted sources.
  • Design Studies: Design studies are technical analyses undertaken to inform design decisions related to the Water Fund’s: 1) portfolio of interventions, and 2) business case and long-term finance strategy.
  • Water Fund Strategic Plan: A long term (5-year) plan which aims to create clarity, focus and a shared roadmap for implementing important strategic choices made by a Fund’s leadership.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: a long-term plan which details the rationale, strategies, and costs for monitoring and evaluating the various projects being implemented by the Water Fund.
  • Resourcing Agreement(s): With donors and investors committing resources to finance the Water Fund’s creation and initial operation.

TRANSITION REQUIREMENTS

What conditions must be satisfied to move forward?

  • Clear and concise narrative of the region’s water security challenges and what contributions the Fund plans to make in helping address these concerns.
  • A Strategic Plan that is endorsed/supported by the Fund’s leadership.
  • Resources and/or sufficient financial commitments to create the Water Fund and operate it for up to 2 years.

Key Examples & Resources