Exiting an Activity that does not have an Exit Strategy
Exiting an Activity that does not have an Exit Strategy
If an Activity doesn’t have an exit strategy and it is ending and/or a handover is to be done, the exit needs to focus on the better ways of closing down.
Use the Activity Completion Report prepared by the implementing partner as the key reference document (see Annex F of the NZAID Guideline on Activity Reporting).
Key matters to focus on include:
- What will occur when the Activity end? Will there be a next phase, transition (e.g., to other modality), or handover?
- What will be in place? Who will take over key post-exit activities? How will these activities been funded?
- Has the exit been communicated to partners as early as possible [early warning given]? Are there opportunities for capacity development of partners [e.g., strategic and financial planning; income generation options, proposal preparation]?
- If the situation necessitates breaking existing agreements, has the justification been carefully detailed and if appropriate made public?
- Have all legal obligations been met?
- Is there detailed phase out and disbursement plans for each agreement in the Activity?
- Will NZAID’s reputation and relationships be put at risk by exit/transition decisions? Will the partners’ reputation be put at risk?
- What are the lessons learned? What worked well and what could have worked better?