Developing a Programme Strategy
Stage Four: Confirmation and Distribution
What is the Programme Strategy Approval process?
The final strategy document is appraised by the steering group plus one other (e.g. NZAID Adviser) and feedback must be sought from the NZAID Programme Committee based on a submission from the steering group. Refer to Programme Committee Guideline (this Tool is currently under development and will be made available to staff once the approval process is complete). NZAID approval of the strategy is made by the Director of the relevant Programme Group and confirmation is sought from partner governments in the case of country programme strategies. These are formally agreed with the partner government at high level consultations.
The finalised Programme Strategy is sent to the NZ Minister for Official Development Assistance for noting.
What about communications and distribution?
There will be many stakeholders interested in receiving information on and about the strategy. It is useful to create a communications/consultation plan. See Review of Africa Programme for NZAID Communications / Consultation Plan.
As early in the process as possible the steering group needs to give thought to key communications messages about the strategy. These can be a helpful foundation when consultation and other stakeholder communications occur.
NZAID Communications staff can advise of ways to successfully develop key messages and how to communicate them to different audiences.
Communications can also assist with preparations for consultations (powerpoints, handouts, speaking notes); information for websites; material for media and the final publishing and distribution of the strategy.
The strategy is distributed to interested parties including those involved in the consultation processes. It may be appropriate to translate the strategy, or a summary of it, into local language(s) for distribution through the post. Copies are filed and lodged in NZAID’s library and DEVZone library and posted on the NZAID website.