IAAAP was a research-led, adaptive intervention asking "what works" for strengthening accountability in Somalia through a well-documented process of enquiry and experimentation. Sub-contracted through IAAAP partners conducted applied research and test methods on the ground for greater accountabillity across a range of themes, including civil society-state engagement, financial flows and extractive industries. Through implementation of strategic, on-the-ground action research interventions, IAAAP was able to provide, disseminate and put into use a robust evidence base that effectively informed and equipped the Somali public, civil society and administrations to secure more accountable institutions and processes. IAAAP offered a unique opportunity to test 'proof of concept' for a limited number of demand-driven prototype initiatives ('innovations') that are firmly grounded in, and shaped by, an on-going process of social research and systemic political economy analysis.
In addition to thematic technical advice on governance, empowerment and accountability, our role in the consirtum with BMB Mott MacDonald was to provide:
- A Helpdesk facility for IAAAP partners that responded to questions and offered advice on a range of technical issues.
- Design, convening and facilitation support to the IAAAP Peer Learning Community.
- Technical advice and support on gender and social inclusion.
The Helpdesk was staffed by SDDirect empowerment, voice and accountability specialists, available via e-mail, telephone and Skype to respond to queries from service providers on a range of issues including:
- Advice on programme design, linkages, coordination and collaboration across the various programme elements.
- Specific light-touch technical advice on good practice and resources in relation to empowerment, voice and accountability, gender dimensions and social inclusion.
- Advice on participatory methodologies and tools for stakeholder dialogue, convening and group processes.
The programme started in 2015 and ended in 2019.