Guidelines for Developing a Strategic Planning Process
Duration: A good strategic planning process for NHRIs requires time: when consultations are included, the process can take about three months. Shorter periods are possible, but may compromise time for consultations, scenario building or action planning.
Internal Consultation: It is advisable to check in with other UNCT members, before starting. Are there other development-related initiatives that might be linked to strategic planning for the NHRI? Strategic planning training might serve as a platform for other UNCT colleagues to present aspects of their work that are relevant to NHRIs on topics like:
- Budget development support;
- Decentralisation initiatives; and
- Integrating thematic areas of focus, including HIV/AIDs, gender equality and women's issues.
To ensure integration with country programming, please see Chapter 6.
Consult with other intergovernmental and donor agencies who may be considering a similar programme: The worst possible outcome is to forget to check in with other organisations such as the EU or bilateral cooperation bodies, only to discover four separate strategic planning initiatives all underway at the same time - and that the NHRI has agreed to all four! This is not a far-fetched scenario - it has happened. If the project does becomes a cooperative one, where several organizations contribute to a joint project, ensure that the overall objectives of the organisations are shared and consistent. A MOU or relevant agreement is advisable.
Expertise: Depending on the country's level of development, nationals or other experts in the regional can train staff and senior officials. Staff should consult the NIRM Section of the OHCHR or the UNDP for available resources. The person selected should have experience in the region, and demonstrated practical expertise in handling strategic plans and coaching NHRIs specifically.
If local or regional resources are unavailable, an international expert may be required to oversee the process.
Ensure that there is a public consultation process: This is critical for buy-in, cooperation and as a promotional aspect of the NHRI's work. As well, broad-based consultation enhances the likelihood of identifying the most pressing issues.