5 years Country Strategy & Program Manual: South Sudan
Global Intervention for Health & Agricultural Development (GIHAD)
Country Strategy & Program Manual:
South Sudan
Version: 1.0 | Date: 2025-12-01
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction &
Organizational Profile
1.2 Vision, Mission, and
Core Values
1.3 Governance and Management
Structure
2.0 Problem Analysis and
Justification
2.1 The South Sudan Context:
A Nation in Fragile Transition
2.2 Humanitarian Needs
Analysis
2.3 The
Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Practice
3.0 Strategic Framework
(2026-2030)
3.1 Overall Goal and
Strategic Objectives
3.3 Guiding Principles and
Standards
4.0 Thematic Program
Strategies
4.1 Food Security &
Livelihoods (FSL)
4.3 Water, Sanitation, and
Hygiene (WASH)
4.4 Protection,
Peacebuilding, and Education
4.5 Shelter/NFI and Climate
Justice
5.0 Flagship Project Designs
(Logical Frameworks)
5.1 Project 1: Jonglei
Integrated Resilience & Livelihoods (JIRL)
5.2 Project 2: Upper Nile
Mobile Health & Nutrition Response (UNMHNR)
5.3 Project 3: Pibor
Community WASH & Resilience (PCWR)
5.4 Project 4: Bahr el
Ghazal Social Cohesion & Protection (BGSCP)
6.0 Five-Year Implementation
Plan
6.1 Detailed Annual Work
Plan: Year 1 (2026)
6.2 Strategic Work Plan:
Years 2-5 (2027-2030)
7.0 Cross-Cutting
Methodologies
7.1 Target Audience and
Stakeholder Engagement
7.2 Conflict-Sensitivity and
Protection Mainstreaming
7.3 Sustainability,
Ownership, and Exit Strategy
8.0 Monitoring, Evaluation,
Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
8.1 MEAL Framework and
Approach
8.2 Key MEAL Activities and
Tools
9.0 Management, Personnel,
and Budget
9.2 Indicative 5-Year Budget
Summary
This document outlines
the five-year strategic plan for the Global Intervention for Health &
Agricultural Development (GIHAD) in South Sudan, covering the period from
January 2026 to December 2030. As a national non-governmental organization
deeply rooted in the communities it serves, GIHAD is poised to address the
persistent and interconnected challenges of food insecurity, poor health
outcomes, conflict, and climate vulnerability. This plan provides a
comprehensive framework to guide our interventions, ensuring they are
strategic, coherent, and aligned with our vision of a self-sufficient,
resilient, and empowered South Sudan.
The strategy is
grounded in a thorough analysis of the post-conflict context of South Sudan,
recognizing the fragility of its institutions, the deep-seated humanitarian
needs, and the imperative for an integrated approach that bridges humanitarian
relief, development programming, and peacebuilding efforts (the HDP Nexus). Our
interventions are designed to be conflict-sensitive, locally owned, and
accountable to affected populations, adhering strictly to core humanitarian
principles and international standards such as the Core Humanitarian Standard
(CHS) and the Sphere Handbook [1].
Over the next five
years, GIHAD will focus on eight core thematic areas: Food Security &
Livelihoods (FSL); Health; Nutrition; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH);
Education; Protection and Peacebuilding; Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI); and
Climate Justice. Our overarching goal is to enhance the resilience and
well-being of conflict-affected communities in South Sudan by delivering
integrated, life-saving assistance and fostering sustainable pathways to
recovery and self-reliance.
To achieve this, we
have defined three Strategic Objectives:
- SO1:
To save lives and alleviate suffering by providing timely, principled, and high-quality
humanitarian assistance in FSL, Health, Nutrition, WASH, and Shelter/NFI
to the most vulnerable populations.
- SO2:
To build community and household resilience by strengthening local
food systems, diversifying livelihoods, improving access to basic
services, and promoting climate-adaptive practices.
- SO3:
To foster a protective environment and social cohesion by mainstreaming
protection, promoting community-based peace initiatives, and ensuring
equitable access to education and resources.
This plan details
flagship projects, such as the Jonglei Integrated Resilience & Livelihoods
(JIRL) initiative, designed to operationalize our strategy. These projects are
structured using the Logical Framework Approach, ensuring clear objectives,
verifiable indicators, and robust assumptions. A detailed first-year work plan
(2026) and a strategic outlook for 2027-2030 provide a clear roadmap for
implementation. The plan is supported by a sophisticated Monitoring,
Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework, adapted from best
practices within the UN system [5], to ensure adaptive management and
demonstrable impact.
With an indicative
five-year budget of approximately USD 25 million, this strategy represents an
ambitious yet realistic commitment to the people of South Sudan. It leverages
GIHAD’s unique position as a national NGO with deep local access and knowledge,
supported by a professional structure and a profound commitment to its core
values of compassion, integrity, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
This strategic plan
serves as the foundational document guiding the work of the Global Intervention
for Health & Agricultural Development (GIHAD) in South Sudan for the
2026-2030 period. It articulates our analysis of the context, our strategic
priorities, our theory of change, and the operational framework through which
we will pursue our mission. It is a living document, intended to provide
direction while allowing for the flexibility and adaptability necessary to
operate effectively in one of the world's most complex environments.
The Global
Intervention for Health & Agricultural Development (GIHAD) is a legally
recognized national non-profit, non-governmental organization operating under
the authority of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in South Sudan.
Headquartered in Juba, GIHAD was founded by a group of dedicated South Sudanese
professionals in response to the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on
the nation's health, agriculture, and livelihood systems. Our perpetual maxim,
“Nurturing Health & Agricultural Steps for life-saving and Zero Hunger,”
reflects a deep commitment to transformative change, moving beyond temporary
aid to foster long-term resilience.
GIHAD’s operational
footprint covers some of the most vulnerable regions of the country, including
Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal, Central Equatoria, and Jonglei states, with a
particular focus on the Pibor Administrative Area. Our status as a national
organization, led and staffed predominantly by South Sudanese nationals,
provides us with unparalleled advantages in terms of local knowledge, community
acceptance, access to hard-to-reach areas, and a long-term commitment to the
nation's future. This local identity is central to our principle of national
and local ownership, ensuring our interventions are culturally appropriate and
aligned with community priorities [3].
Our programs are designed
to combat food insecurity, improve farming practices, and promote sustainable
livelihoods. Core initiatives like General Food Assistance (GFA),
Community-Based Agriculture (CBA), and Resilient Livelihood Programs empower
communities to rebuild their lives. GIHAD also fosters economic recovery
through Village Saving Loan Associations (VSLA) and entrepreneurship programs.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of human well-being, GIHAD's mandate extends
to health, nutrition, WASH, education, protection, peacebuilding, shelter, and
climate justice. These proactive efforts are designed to build long-term
resilience and self-sufficiency, utilizing innovative solutions and sustainable
practices to help communities thrive.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Vision
GIHAD envisions a
future where communities in South Sudan are self-sufficient, resilient, and
empowered to overcome the systemic barriers to their development.
Mission
To uplift underserved
communities by implementing innovative and sustainable programs that enhance
food security, promote agricultural resilience, and improve health and
education outcomes.
Core Values
At the heart of
GIHAD’s operations lie its core values, which serve as the foundation for all
programs and initiatives. These values are not merely statements but are
actively integrated into our daily work and decision-making processes.
- Compassion
and Empathy: We
operate with a deep sense of compassion, ensuring that our interventions
are tailored to the unique needs and cultural contexts of the communities
we serve. This empathetic approach fosters trust and collaboration, which
are critical for sustainable impact. We recognize disaster victims as
dignified human beings, not hopeless objects, a principle central to the
ICRC Code of Conduct [1].
- Integrity
and Accountability: As
a legally recognized entity, GIHAD adheres to the highest standards of
transparency and accountability. We hold ourselves accountable to both
those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources [1]. Every
program is meticulously designed, implemented, and monitored to ensure
that resources are utilized effectively, ethically, and in line with our
commitments to beneficiaries and donors.
- Innovation
and Adaptability: The
organization embraces innovative solutions to address the dynamic
challenges of post-conflict environments. By leveraging technology, local
knowledge, and adaptive management techniques, GIHAD ensures that its
interventions are both relevant and resilient. We recognize the
experimental nature of humanitarian innovation and manage it responsibly
[1].
- Inclusivity
and Equity: GIHAD
prioritizes the most marginalized and vulnerable populations, including
women, children, persons with disabilities (PWD), and other disadvantaged
groups, ensuring that no one is left behind. Our programs are designed to
empower these groups, fostering social equity and cohesion. Aid is given
regardless of race, creed, or nationality, with priorities calculated on
the basis of need alone [1].
- Sustainability
and Resilience: Beyond
immediate relief, GIHAD focuses on building the capacity of communities to
sustain themselves. Our initiatives are rooted in sustainable agricultural
practices, health education, and economic empowerment, ensuring long-term
community and environmental resilience. We strive to reduce future
vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs [1].
GIHAD is committed to
principles of good governance, ensuring ethical leadership and robust
oversight. The supreme governing body is the Board of Directors, responsible
for strategic direction, financial integrity, and legal compliance. The Board
delegates day-to-day management to the Executive Director, who leads the Senior
Management Team and is responsible for implementing the strategic plan.
The organization's
structure is designed for efficiency and clear lines of accountability, with a
Program Department overseeing thematic coordinators and a robust Operations
Department providing essential support in Finance, HR, and Logistics. This
structure ensures that our field operations are well-supported and that
programmatic decisions are informed by operational realities.
Organizational Chart
Coordination and
Partnerships
GIHAD operates within
a complex ecosystem of actors and is committed to effective coordination to
maximize impact and avoid duplication. We are an active member of the South
Sudan NGO Forum, participating in its meetings and adhering to its Statutes of
Operation [4]. This engagement allows us to contribute to collective advocacy,
share information, and enhance the safety and security of our staff.
Furthermore, we are a dedicated partner in the UN-led Cluster System, ensuring
our programs in FSL, Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection, Education, and
Shelter/NFI are aligned with the national Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and
coordinated with other cluster partners.
South Sudan remains
one of the most fragile countries in the world, grappling with the protracted
consequences of civil war, sub-national violence, climate shocks, and
deep-rooted developmental deficits. Despite the signing of the Revitalised
Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan
(R-ARCSS) in 2018, the transition to sustainable peace is slow and fraught with
challenges. The operating environment for organizations like GIHAD is
characterized by:
- Persistent
Insecurity: While
large-scale political violence has subsided, localized conflicts over
resources like land and cattle, political power struggles, and criminality
continue to drive displacement, disrupt livelihoods, and create
significant access constraints for humanitarian actors.
- Weak
Governance and Institutions: Years of conflict have eroded state capacity.
Public service delivery, particularly in rural areas, is minimal. The
justice and security sectors struggle to provide citizens with protection
and recourse, leading to a reliance on informal or traditional systems and
perpetuating cycles of impunity.
- Economic
Crisis: The
economy is heavily reliant on oil revenue and highly vulnerable to global
price shocks. Hyperinflation, currency depreciation, and disrupted markets
have decimated the purchasing power of ordinary households, making basic
commodities unaffordable for a vast majority of the population [2].
- Climate
Vulnerability: South
Sudan is acutely vulnerable to climate change. In recent years, the
country has experienced unprecedented flooding across vast areas,
destroying crops, displacing hundreds of thousands, and exacerbating food
insecurity and disease outbreaks. This is interspersed with periods of
drought in other regions, highlighting the extreme climatic pressures on
an already fragile system.
- Mass
Displacement: The
country hosts millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees
who have fled their homes due to conflict and environmental disasters.
These populations live in precarious conditions, often in overcrowded
camps or host communities, with limited access to basic services and
livelihood opportunities.
This complex interplay
of factors creates a state of chronic crisis where humanitarian needs are
immense and recurrent, while the path to long-term development is consistently
undermined. It is within this context that GIHAD's strategy is formulated.
The scale of humanitarian
need in South Sudan is staggering. Drawing on data from sources like the IOM's
Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and IPC analyses, the situation remains
critical across GIHAD's areas of operation [2].
Food Security and
Livelihoods
Food security is the
most pressing need for the majority of the population. According to recent
analyses, a significant portion of the population faces crisis levels of acute
food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), with pockets of the country at risk of
famine-like conditions during the lean season [2]. The primary drivers are
conflict-related displacement, which prevents farming; climate shocks (floods
and droughts) that destroy harvests; and soaring food prices that make market
purchases impossible. DTM reports consistently show that over 80% of IDPs cite
food as their primary need [2]. Many households have exhausted their coping
strategies, resorting to selling off productive assets, borrowing money, or
skipping meals, which further deepens their vulnerability.
Health and Nutrition
The health system is
on the brink of collapse, with less than half of the population living within
5km of a functional health facility. The country suffers from some of the
world's worst health indicators, including extremely high maternal and child
mortality rates. Preventable and treatable diseases like malaria, diarrhea, and
respiratory infections are leading causes of death. Malnutrition rates are
consistently above emergency thresholds in many parts of the country. The
convergence of food insecurity, poor WASH conditions, and low immunization
coverage creates a perfect storm for high rates of both Moderate Acute
Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
WASH and Shelter
Access to safe water
and sanitation is critically low. The reliance on untreated surface water is a
major driver of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Open defecation
remains a widespread practice, posing significant public health and protection
risks. Following food, shelter and non-food items (NFIs) are among the top
three needs reported by IDPs [2]. Displaced families often live in makeshift
shelters that offer little protection from the elements or from physical
threats, increasing their vulnerability to disease and violence.
Protection
The protection crisis
is severe. Civilians, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of the
ongoing violence. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and gender-based
violence (GBV) are widespread and used as a tactic of war, leaving deep
physical and psychological scars [2]. Children face risks of forced
recruitment, family separation, and abuse. Vulnerable groups, including the
elderly and persons with disabilities, face significant barriers in accessing
assistance and are often left behind during displacement.
The traditional,
linear model of progressing from "relief to development" is
ill-suited for the protracted crisis in South Sudan. GIHAD's strategy is
therefore firmly rooted in the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus
approach. This means we do not see these three pillars of work as sequential
stages but as interconnected and concurrent priorities that must be addressed
simultaneously to build genuine, long-term resilience.
In post-conflict
settings, humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding activities must be
implemented concurrently. This paradigm, often termed 'developmental
humanitarianism', focuses on building resilience by addressing not only immediate
needs but also the underlying socio-economic and political factors that create
vulnerability.
GIHAD operationalizes
the Nexus in the following ways:
- Linking
Relief to Resilience: Our
interventions are designed to meet immediate needs while simultaneously
building a foundation for future self-reliance. For example, our General
Food Assistance (GFA) prevents starvation in the short term, while our
integrated Food for Assets (FFA) programs pay community members with that
food to build or rehabilitate vital infrastructure like irrigation canals
or feeder roads. This meets an immediate need (hunger) while creating a
long-term asset that boosts agricultural productivity and market access.
- Integrating
Peacebuilding into All Sectors: We recognize that aid can inadvertently fuel
conflict if not delivered carefully. Every GIHAD project, whether in WASH,
Health, or FSL, is designed through a conflict-sensitive lens. Before
drilling a borehole, we conduct a conflict analysis with the community to
understand how the new water point will affect relations between different
clans, or between pastoralists and farmers. Beneficiary selection
committees are structured to be inclusive and transparent to prevent
perceptions of bias. This approach aims to "do no harm" and,
where possible, use our interventions as opportunities to build peace by
fostering cooperation around shared resources [2].
- Focusing
on Systems Strengthening: Instead of creating parallel service delivery
systems that collapse when funding ends, GIHAD works to strengthen local
systems and capacities. This involves training local Community Health
Workers instead of relying solely on our own staff, establishing and
training community-led Water Management Committees to maintain boreholes,
and building the capacity of local entrepreneurs and Village Savings and
Loan Associations (VSLAs). This approach contributes to the long-term goal
of state-building and ensures that the benefits of our work are
sustainable [3].
By embedding this
Nexus thinking into our program design and management, GIHAD aims to move
beyond a cycle of dependency on aid and help communities build a durable peace
and a more resilient future.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Based on the preceding
analysis of the context and needs in South Sudan, GIHAD has developed a
five-year strategic framework to guide its interventions. This framework
outlines our overarching goal, the key objectives we will pursue, our theory of
change, and the fundamental principles that will underpin all our work.
Overall Goal
(2026-2030)
To enhance the
resilience and well-being of conflict-affected communities in South Sudan by
delivering integrated, life-saving assistance and fostering sustainable pathways
to recovery and self-reliance.
Strategic Objectives
(SOs)
To achieve this goal,
GIHAD will pursue three interconnected strategic objectives. These objectives
are aligned with the HDP Nexus, ensuring our work addresses immediate
suffering, builds long-term capacity, and contributes to a more peaceful
environment.
SO1: To save lives and
alleviate suffering by providing timely, principled, and high-quality
humanitarian assistance in FSL, Health, Nutrition, WASH, and Shelter/NFI to the
most vulnerable populations.
This objective
represents our core humanitarian mandate. It focuses on the direct delivery of
life-saving aid to communities affected by acute crisis, whether from conflict,
displacement, or climate shocks. Success under this objective will be measured
by reductions in mortality, malnutrition rates, and morbidity from preventable
diseases.
SO2: To build
community and household resilience by strengthening local food systems,
diversifying livelihoods, improving access to basic services, and promoting
climate-adaptive practices.
This objective is our
commitment to development and long-term recovery. It moves beyond direct aid to
empower communities with the skills, assets, and systems needed to withstand
future shocks. Success will be measured by increased agricultural productivity,
improved household income, sustainable management of community assets (e.g.,
water points), and adoption of resilient practices.
SO3: To foster a
protective environment and social cohesion by mainstreaming protection, promoting
community-based peace initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to education
and resources.
This objective
addresses the peace and protection dimensions of our work. It ensures that our
interventions are safe and dignified for all, and that we actively contribute
to reducing conflict and strengthening the social fabric. Success will be
measured by improved community safety perceptions, increased participation of
women and youth in decision-making, and reduced incidents of local
resource-based conflict.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
GIHAD's Theory of
Change (ToC) articulates the causal pathway through which we expect our
interventions to lead to our desired long-term goal. It outlines how our
activities will produce outputs, which in turn will lead to outcomes and
ultimately contribute to impact. This ToC is based on a set of core assumptions
about the context and the nature of change in South Sudan.
IF GIHAD delivers
integrated, conflict-sensitive humanitarian assistance (SO1), strengthens
community-based systems and livelihoods (SO2), and fosters social cohesion and
protection (SO3),
AND IF we do this in a
way that is participatory, accountable, and builds on local capacities,
THEN communities will
be better able to meet their basic needs, manage local disputes peacefully, and
withstand economic and climate-related shocks,
BECAUSE they will have
improved health and nutrition status, more resilient and diverse sources of
food and income, stronger and more inclusive local governance and resource
management structures, and enhanced social capital,
WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY
CONTRIBUTE TO a more self-sufficient, resilient, and peaceful society in
South Sudan.
Key Assumptions
This Theory of Change
rests on several critical assumptions that will be continuously monitored
throughout the strategic period:
- Access
and Security: We
assume that GIHAD will be able to maintain sufficient humanitarian access
to target communities and that the security environment, while volatile,
will not deteriorate to a point where all operations become impossible.
- Community
Engagement: We
assume that communities are willing and able to actively participate in
the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects, and that local
leadership is supportive of inclusive processes.
- Market
Functionality: We
assume that local markets, although disrupted, will continue to function
to a degree that allows for cash-based interventions and supports
livelihood recovery.
- Political
Stability: We
assume that there will be no return to large-scale, nationwide civil war,
and that the national political framework (R-ARCSS) will continue to
provide a (fragile) basis for stability.
- Funding
Environment: We
assume that donor funding for integrated humanitarian, development, and
peace programming in South Sudan will remain available.
This ToC, inspired by
the strategic frameworks of partners like the UN [5], provides a logical and
coherent foundation for our programming and a clear basis for our monitoring
and evaluation efforts.
GIHAD's commitment to
quality and accountability is non-negotiable. All activities under this
strategic plan will be guided by a strict adherence to internationally
recognized principles and standards. These form the ethical and operational
bedrock of our organization.
3.3.1
The Core Humanitarian Principles
As a principled
humanitarian organization, GIHAD's actions are founded on the four core
principles derived from International Humanitarian Law [1]:
- Humanity: Human suffering must be
addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of our action is to protect
life and health and to ensure respect for all human beings. This is our
primary motivation.
- Neutrality: We do not take sides in
hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial,religious,
or ideological nature. This is essential for maintaining acceptance and
access in a polarized environment.
- Impartiality: Our assistance is
provided on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent
cases of distress. We make no adverse distinctions based on nationality,
race, gender, religious belief, class, or political opinion. All
beneficiary selection is based on transparent and objective vulnerability
criteria.
- Independence: Our humanitarian action
must be autonomous from the political, economic, military, or other
objectives that any actor may hold. While we coordinate with all
stakeholders, including government bodies, our decisions are made
independently to serve our humanitarian purpose.
3.3.2
The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability
The CHS provides a
practical framework for implementing our principles. GIHAD is committed to
integrating the Nine Commitments of the CHS into its project cycle management
[1]. This means we will ensure that our programs are:
- Appropriate
and relevant to needs.
- Delivered
in a timely manner.
- Safe
and do not cause harm, while building resilience.
- Based
on community participation and information sharing.
- Supported
by accessible and responsive feedback and complaints mechanisms.
- Coordinated
and complementary to the work of others.
- Continuously
improved through learning and reflection.
- Delivered
by competent and well-managed staff.
- Managed
with effective and ethical use of resources.
3.3.3
The Sphere Handbook
The Sphere Handbook is
our primary reference for technical quality. It provides the evidence-based,
universal minimum standards for life-saving interventions in our key sectors.
Adherence to Sphere is mandatory for GIHAD's technical staff to ensure our
interventions are effective, appropriate, and preserve the dignity of the
people we serve [1].
Our commitment to
Sphere means:
- In
WASH: Ensuring
that water points provide a sufficient quantity of safe water, are located
a safe distance from homes, and that sanitation facilities are sufficient
in number, culturally appropriate, and safe, especially for women and
girls.
- In
Food Security and Nutrition: Designing food assistance to meet caloric and
nutritional needs, ensuring that livelihood support is appropriate to the
context, and that our nutrition programs follow established protocols for
treating MAM and SAM.
- In
Shelter and NFI: Providing
shelter materials that offer adequate protection from the climate and ensure
personal safety, and distributing NFIs that meet essential household needs
for health, dignity, and well-being.
- In
Health Action: Ensuring
that our clinical services address the priority health risks of the
population, that our staff are properly trained, and that we have systems
for managing medical supplies and patient data effectively.
Figure 1: The Sphere
Handbook Structure, guiding GIHAD's technical interventions [1].
By embedding these
principles and standards into our organizational culture and operational
procedures, GIHAD ensures that our pursuit of strategic objectives is always
grounded in a commitment to quality, accountability, and respect for the rights
and dignity of the people of South Sudan.
GIHAD’s integrated
approach is delivered through eight core thematic areas. The following sections
outline the specific strategic focus for each area over the 2026-2030 period,
linking activities to our overarching strategic objectives.
Context: FSL remains the
most critical sector in South Sudan, with millions facing acute hunger.
Livelihoods have been decimated by conflict, displacement, and climate change,
creating a deep-seated dependency on aid. However, markets continue to function
in many areas, offering opportunities for cash-based interventions and economic
recovery [2].
Strategic Focus
(2026-2030): Our FSL strategy follows a dual-track approach that
combines life-saving food assistance with robust resilience-building
initiatives. We will transition from unconditional aid to more developmental
approaches as contexts permit, with a strong focus on climate-smart agriculture
and market-based solutions.
Key Initiatives:
- Life-Saving
Assistance (SO1):
- General
Food Assistance (GFA): In-kind food distributions in areas with acute
food insecurity and non-functional markets.
- Multi-Purpose
Cash Assistance (MPCA): Provision of unrestricted cash transfers in
areas with functional markets, allowing households to meet their diverse
basic needs with dignity and choice, stimulating local economies [2].
- Resilience
Building (SO2):
- Community-Based
Agriculture (CBA): Distribution
of climate-resilient seeds (e.g., sorghum, maize, cowpeas) and tools,
coupled with training through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on techniques
like conservation agriculture, post-harvest management, and pest control.
- Food
for Assets (FFA) / Cash for Work (C4W): Mobilizing communities to build or rehabilitate
productive assets (e.g., feeder roads, irrigation canals, flood dykes)
that enhance long-term food security.
- Livelihood
Diversification: Promoting
alternative income sources through support for fisheries (distribution of
kits), livestock (veterinary services, restocking), and small-scale vegetable
gardening.
- Economic
Recovery: Establishing
and strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to build
a savings culture and provide access to credit for small business
development.
Expected Long-Term
Result: Communities
have increased food production, diversified income sources, and enhanced
capacity to cope with food-related shocks, reducing reliance on humanitarian
aid.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Context: The health and
nutrition situation is dire, characterized by high mortality from preventable
diseases and pervasive acute malnutrition. Access to services is extremely
limited, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Strategic Focus
(2026-2030): Our strategy is to bring essential health and nutrition
services directly to underserved communities through a combination of static
and mobile approaches. We will focus on high-impact interventions targeting
mothers and children, while strengthening the capacity of community-based
health systems.
Key Initiatives:
- Primary
Health Care (SO1, SO2):
- Mobile
Health Clinics: Deploying
mobile teams to remote villages to provide primary healthcare
consultations, treatment for common illnesses, and maternal and child
health services (including antenatal and postnatal care).
- Expanded
Program on Immunization (EPI): Conducting routine and campaign-based
vaccinations to protect children against diseases like measles, polio,
and tetanus.
- Community
Health Worker (CHW) Network: Training and equipping a network of local CHWs (Boma
Health Workers) to provide health promotion, disease surveillance, and
treatment for simple childhood illnesses at the community level,
strengthening the local health system.
- Nutrition
Services (SO1):
- Community
Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM): Establishing Outpatient
Therapeutic Programs (OTPs) and Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programs
(TSFPs) to provide decentralized, life-saving treatment for Severe and
Moderate Acute Malnutrition.
- Stabilization
Centers: Operating
inpatient facilities for the intensive treatment of children with Severe
Acute Malnutrition with medical complications.
- Infant
and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Promotion: Conducting counseling
and support groups for mothers to promote optimal breastfeeding and
complementary feeding practices.
- Mental
Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) (SO3):
- Integrating
basic MHPSS into all health and protection activities, providing
psychological first aid, and establishing community-based support groups
to help individuals cope with trauma and stress. This approach is
inspired by successful pilots in other conflict contexts [5].
Expected Long-Term
Result: Reduced
child and maternal mortality and morbidity, lower prevalence of acute
malnutrition, and improved community capacity to prevent and respond to common
health problems.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Context: Lack of access
to safe water and sanitation is a primary driver of disease and malnutrition.
Women and girls bear the double burden of collecting water and facing
protection risks at unsafe water points or sanitation facilities.
Strategic Focus
(2026-2030): Our WASH strategy focuses on increasing access to safe and
sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure, coupled with intensive hygiene
promotion to drive behavior change. We prioritize community ownership and
management to ensure the long-term sustainability of WASH facilities.
Key Initiatives:
- Water
Supply (SO1, SO2):
- Infrastructure
Development: Construction
of new boreholes with handpumps and rehabilitation of existing
non-functional water points to increase the supply of safe water,
ensuring they meet Sphere standards for quantity and distance [1].
- Water
Management: Establishing
and training community-based Water Management Committees (WMCs) for each
water point. These committees will be trained on basic maintenance,
financial management (for collecting user fees for repairs), and conflict
resolution related to water use.
- Sanitation
(SO1, SO2):
- Community-Led
Total Sanitation (CLTS): Facilitating the CLTS approach to trigger
communities to collectively stop open defecation and build their own
household latrines.
- Institutional
Latrines: Constructing
gender-segregated latrines with handwashing facilities at schools and
health centers to promote safe sanitation and hygiene for students and
patients.
- Hygiene
Promotion (SO1, SO3):
- Hygiene
Education Campaigns: Conducting
community-wide campaigns using various channels (household visits,
community meetings, drama groups) to promote key hygiene practices, such
as handwashing with soap at critical times, safe water handling and
storage, and food hygiene.
- Menstrual
Hygiene Management (MHM): Integrating MHM into our WASH and education
programs, including the distribution of dignity kits and the construction
of MHM-friendly facilities at schools to ensure girls can manage their
menstruation with dignity and continue their education.
Expected Long-Term
Result: Reduced
incidence of waterborne diseases, improved public health, and empowered
communities sustainably managing their own WASH infrastructure, with reduced
protection risks for women and girls.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Context: The social
fabric has been torn apart by conflict, leaving a legacy of trauma, mistrust,
and violence. Protection risks, especially for women and children, are acute.
Access to education has been severely disrupted, depriving a generation of the
chance for a better future.
Strategic Focus
(2026-2030): Our strategy in this area is to actively foster a
protective environment and rebuild social cohesion from the ground up. We will
mainstream protection across all our programs, implement targeted peacebuilding
activities, and restore access to education as a tool for both personal empowerment
and long-term peace.
Key Initiatives:
- Protection
Mainstreaming (SO3):
- Ensuring
all GIHAD programs are designed and implemented in a way that promotes
meaningful access, safety, and dignity for all beneficiaries, with
special attention to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and PWDs
[2]. This includes safe distribution practices, accessible
infrastructure, and robust feedback mechanisms.
- Community-Based
Protection and Peacebuilding (SO3):
- Community
Protection Committees: Establishing and training committees to identify
local protection risks (e.g., GBV, child recruitment) and develop
community-led action plans to mitigate them.
- Community
Dialogues: Facilitating
structured dialogues between different community groups (e.g., farmers
and pastoralists, IDPs and host communities) to address grievances,
manage resource-based conflicts, and build consensus on shared solutions.
- Youth,
Peace and Security (YPS): Actively promoting the participation of youth in
peace processes and decision-making, in line with UNSCR 2250, by
supporting youth-led peace initiatives and creating platforms for
intergenerational dialogue [5].
- Education
in Emergencies (EiE) (SO2, SO3):
- Temporary
Learning Spaces (TLS): Establishing safe, temporary schools for
displaced children to ensure the continuity of their education.
- Accelerated
Learning Programs (ALP): Providing condensed, certified educational
programs for out-of-school youth to help them catch up and reintegrate
into the formal system.
- Vocational
Training: Offering
practical skills training (e.g., masonry, tailoring, carpentry) for youth
and adults to improve their employability and provide alternatives to
negative coping mechanisms.
Expected Long-Term
Result: Communities
are safer and more cohesive, with stronger local mechanisms for conflict
resolution and protection, and children and youth have improved access to
education and skills for a more peaceful future.
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Context: Displacement,
whether from conflict or floods, leaves families without basic shelter and
household necessities, exposing them to health and protection risks. These
crises are increasingly driven or exacerbated by climate change, which
disproportionately affects the poorest communities who have contributed least
to the problem.
Strategic Focus
(2026-2030): Our strategy is to provide immediate, life-saving shelter
and NFI support to newly displaced populations while integrating a climate
justice lens across all our programming. We will advocate for climate
adaptation and promote practices that build resilience to climate shocks.
Key Initiatives:
- Emergency
Shelter and NFI (SO1):
- Rapid
Response Distributions: Timely distribution of emergency shelter kits
(tarpaulins, ropes, tools) and essential non-food items (blankets,
sleeping mats, cooking sets, jerry cans, mosquito nets) to families
affected by sudden displacement, adhering to Sphere standards [1].
- Targeted
Support: Prioritizing
the most vulnerable households, such as those headed by women, the
elderly, or persons with disabilities, in distributions and providing
additional support for shelter construction where needed.
- Climate
Justice (SO2, SO3):
- Climate-Smart
Agriculture: This
is a core component of our FSL strategy, promoting drought-resistant crop
varieties, water conservation techniques, and agroforestry to help
farmers adapt to changing weather patterns.
- Disaster
Risk Reduction (DRR): Working
with communities in flood-prone areas to develop early warning systems
and construct small-scale mitigation infrastructure (e.g., dykes) through
FFA/C4W programs.
- Advocacy
and Awareness: Educating
communities on the links between climate change, resource scarcity, and
conflict. At a higher level, we will use our position in coordination
forums to advocate for policies that support climate adaptation and hold
major polluters accountable.
Expected Long-Term
Result: Displaced
populations have their immediate needs for shelter and basic household items
met with dignity. Communities have increased awareness and capacity to adapt to
climate change, reducing their vulnerability to climate-related shocks and
resource conflicts.
To operationalize our
strategy, this section presents the logical frameworks (LogFrames) for four
flagship projects that exemplify GIHAD's integrated, multi-sectoral approach.
These projects are designed based on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and
will be implemented in key operational areas, directly contributing to our
three strategic objectives. The templates are adapted from GIHAD's standard
format (Annex A) and best practices [2].
Project Summary: The JIRL project
is a 3-year initiative targeting 10,000 vulnerable households in flood- and
conflict-affected areas of Jonglei State. It aims to build resilience by
integrating FSL, WASH, and Peacebuilding interventions, moving communities from
humanitarian dependency towards sustainable recovery.
Logical Framework Matrix: JIRL Project
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Goal: To contribute to
enhanced resilience and well-being of conflict and flood-affected communities
in Jonglei State. |
- 20% reduction in households in
IPC Phase 3+ in target areas by end of project. |
- IPC analysis reports. |
- Major political or climate
shocks do not completely reverse development gains. |
|
Outcome: Target households
have improved food security, diversified livelihoods, and increased capacity
to peacefully manage local disputes by end of project. |
- 70% of target HHs report Food
Consumption Score of 'Acceptable'. |
- Post-distribution monitoring
(PDM) reports. |
(Goal-Outcome) Improved
household resilience contributes to broader community and regional stability. |
Logical Framework Matrix: JIRL Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Output 1: 10,000 vulnerable
HHs have increased access to food and agricultural inputs. |
- 10,000 HHs receive MPCA or GFA
based on market functionality. |
- Beneficiary registration and
distribution lists. |
(Outcome-Output) Access to
inputs, services, and peace mechanisms leads to improved household outcomes. |
|
Output 2: Community access
to safe water and hygiene practices is improved. |
- 20 new boreholes constructed
and 30 rehabilitated, each serving approx. 500 people. |
- Technical assessment reports. |
|
|
Output 3: Community
mechanisms for conflict resolution are strengthened. |
- 25 Community Peace Committees
(CPCs) established and trained on conflict mediation. |
- CPC training reports and
attendance lists. |
Logical Framework Matrix: JIRL Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Activities for Output 1: |
Inputs: |
- Financial reports. |
(Output-Activity) |
|
Activities for Output 2: |
|||
|
Activities for Output 3: |
Project Summary: The UNMHNR is a
2-year rapid response project targeting remote and underserved populations in
Upper Nile State with life-saving primary health and nutrition services. The
project will utilize mobile teams to reach populations cut off from static
health facilities due to conflict, displacement, or geography.
Logical Framework Matrix: UNMHNR Project
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Goal: To reduce mortality
and morbidity from preventable diseases and malnutrition among vulnerable
populations in Upper Nile State. |
- Under-5 mortality rate in
target areas reduced by 15%. |
- Health facility data (DHIS2). |
- No major epidemic outbreaks
that overwhelm the health system. |
|
Outcome: Target populations
have increased access to and utilization of essential primary health and
nutrition services by end of project. |
- 80% of children under 1 fully
immunized (Penta3 coverage). |
- EPI coverage surveys. |
(Goal-Outcome) Increased
service utilization leads to improved health and nutrition outcomes. |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Logical Framework Matrix: UNMHNR Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Output 1: Quality primary
healthcare services are delivered to 50,000 individuals through mobile
clinics. |
- 2 mobile health teams are
fully equipped and operational. |
- Staff contracts and asset
register. |
(Outcome-Output) Delivery
of services and information leads to increased and appropriate utilization by
the community. |
|
Output 2: Life-saving
nutrition services for screening and treatment of acute malnutrition are
available and accessible. |
- 30,000 children U5 and 10,000
PLW screened for malnutrition. |
- Screening records. |
|
|
Output 3: Community
knowledge on key health, nutrition, and hygiene practices is increased. |
- 200 Community Health Workers
(CHWs) trained on health promotion and referral. |
- CHW training reports. |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Logical Framework Matrix: UNMHNR Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Activities for Output 1: |
Inputs: |
- Financial reports. |
(Output-Activity) |
|
Activities for Output 2: |
|||
|
Activities for Output 3: |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Project Summary: The PCWR is a
3-year project in the Pibor Administrative Area, a region prone to both
conflict and extreme flooding. The project aims to improve public health and
build community resilience by increasing sustainable access to safe water and
sanitation, promoting hygiene, and strengthening community management
structures.
Logical Framework Matrix: PCWR Project
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Goal: To contribute to a
reduction in waterborne diseases and improved environmental health in target
communities in Pibor. |
- 30% reduction in reported
cases of acute watery diarrhea in children under 5 in target areas. |
- Health facility data (DHIS2). |
- Environmental factors (e.g.,
unprecedented flooding) do not completely negate sanitation improvements. |
|
Outcome: Target communities
adopt safe hygiene and sanitation practices and sustainably manage their WASH
facilities by end of project. |
- 80% of
rehabilitated/constructed water points are functional 12 months after
handover. |
- Water point functionality
surveys. |
(Goal-Outcome) Improved
practices and functional facilities lead to a tangible reduction in disease
transmission. |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Logical Framework Matrix: PCWR Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Output 1: 25,000 people
have increased access to a sufficient quantity of safe water. |
- 25 boreholes rehabilitated. |
- Technical assessment reports
(before/after). |
(Outcome-Output) Access to
hardware (latrines, water points) and software (training, promotion) leads to
sustained behavior change and facility management. |
|
Output 2: 20 communities
achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status through CLTS. |
- 20 communities are
"triggered" using CLTS methodology. |
- CLTS triggering reports. |
|
|
Output 3: Knowledge and
practice of critical hygiene behaviors, including MHM, are improved. |
- 50 hygiene promoters
(community volunteers) trained and active. |
- Training reports. |
Logical Framework Matrix: PCWR Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Activities for Output 1: |
Inputs: |
- Financial records. |
(Output-Activity) |
|
Activities for Output 2: |
|||
|
Activities for Output 3: |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Project Summary: The BGSCP is a
3-year project targeting communities in Bahr el Ghazal affected by
inter-communal tensions and high protection risks. The project integrates
protection, peacebuilding, and education to foster a safer environment and
strengthen community capacity for peaceful coexistence.
Logical Framework Matrix: BGSCP Project
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Goal: To contribute to a
more peaceful and protective environment for vulnerable communities in Bahr
el Ghazal. |
- 25% reduction in reported
incidents of local resource-based conflict in target areas. |
- Local conflict monitoring reports. |
- National/regional political
dynamics do not actively destabilize local peace agreements. |
|
Outcome: Target communities
have enhanced capacity to mitigate protection risks, resolve conflicts
peacefully, and access education by end of project. |
- 70% of community members
report feeling safer than at baseline. |
- Community perception surveys. |
(Goal-Outcome) Enhanced
local capacity for peace and protection translates into a measurably safer
and more stable community environment. |
Logical Framework Matrix: BGSCP Project (Continued)
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Output 1: Community-based
structures for protection and peace are established and functional. |
- 30 Community Protection
Networks (CPNs) trained on risk identification and referral pathways. |
- Training reports and
attendance lists. |
(Outcome-Output) Providing
platforms, training, and educational opportunities empowers communities to
drive their own peace and protection outcomes. |
|
Output 2: Displaced and
vulnerable children and youth have access to protective learning
opportunities. |
- 15 Temporary Learning Spaces
(TLS) established/rehabilitated and equipped. |
- Construction/rehabilitation
reports. |
|
|
Output 3: Youth are empowered
as agents of peace and social change. |
- 10 youth-led peacebuilding
projects (e.g., sports, drama) funded and implemented. |
- Youth project proposals and
final reports. |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
|
Intervention Logic |
Objectively Verifiable Indicators
(OVIs) |
Sources of Verification (SoV) |
Assumptions |
|
Activities for Output 1: |
Inputs: |
- Financial reports. |
(Output-Activity) |
|
Activities for Output 2: |
|||
|
Activities for Output 3: |
Logical Framework Matrix: BGSCP Project (Continued)
This section
translates the strategic objectives and thematic strategies into a concrete
implementation plan. It begins with a detailed Annual Work Plan for the first
year (2026) to guide immediate action, followed by a higher-level strategic
work plan for the subsequent years (2027-2030) outlining the intended scale-up
and evolution of our programming.
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target / Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget Source |
Status |
|
SO1: Save Lives |
1.1 Launch JIRL Project: Conduct baseline survey and community mobilization
in Jonglei. |
Project
activities are informed by robust baseline data and community priorities. |
1
comprehensive baseline report produced. |
Q1 |
MEAL
Officer / FSL Coord. |
JIRL
Project Budget |
Not
Started |
|
1.2 MPCA/GFA Distribution: Provide cash or food to 5,000
HHs in Jonglei and Pibor during the lean season. |
Target
HHs meet their basic food needs and avoid negative coping strategies. |
5,000
HHs receive assistance; PDM shows 75% report acceptable FCS. |
Q2-Q3 |
FSL
Coordinator |
JIRL
& PCWR Budgets |
Not
Started |
|
|
1.3 Agricultural Input Distribution: Provide seeds/tools to 7,000
HHs across all operational areas. |
Farmers
have necessary inputs for the main planting season. |
7,000
HHs receive quality-verified input packages. |
Q2 |
FSL
Coordinator |
Core
FSL Program |
Not
Started |
|
|
1.4 Establish Farmer Field Schools (FFS): Establish and begin training
for 25 FFS groups in Jonglei. |
Farmers
begin learning and adopting improved agricultural practices. |
25
FFS groups (625 farmers) established and complete first training module. |
Q3-Q4 |
FSL
Coordinator |
JIRL
Project Budget |
Not
Started |
Year 1 will focus on launching flagship projects,
establishing operational presence in new areas, conducting in-depth baseline
assessments, and delivering critical life-saving assistance while laying the
groundwork for longer-term resilience activities. The following plan is based
on the GIHAD Annual Work Plan template (Annex B).
Annual Work Plan - 2026
Annual Work Plan - 2026 (Continued)
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target /
Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget
Source |
Status |
|
SO1: Save Lives |
2.1 Launch UNMHNR Project: Recruit
and train 2 mobile health teams for Upper Nile. |
Project has qualified staff ready
for deployment. |
10 medical staff recruited and
complete induction training. |
Q1 |
HR Manager / Health Coord. |
UNMHNR Budget |
Not Started |
|
2.2 Procure Medical Supplies: Procure
essential drugs, vaccines, and nutrition supplies for 1 year of operations. |
Mobile teams are fully equipped to
provide services. |
100% of essential supplies procured
and delivered to Juba warehouse. |
Q1-Q2 |
Procurement / Health Coord. |
UNMHNR Budget |
Not Started |
|
|
2.3 Deploy Mobile Teams: Begin
mobile clinic operations in Upper Nile. |
Remote populations begin to access
essential health services. |
15,000 outpatient consultations
conducted. |
Q2-Q4 |
Health Coordinator |
UNMHNR Budget |
Not Started |
|
|
2.4 Establish CMAM services: Integrate
malnutrition screening and treatment into mobile clinic activities. |
Acutely malnourished children are
identified and receive life-saving treatment. |
10,000 children screened; 500 SAM
cases admitted to OTP. |
Q2-Q4 |
Nutrition Officer |
UNMHNR Budget |
Not Started |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Annual Work Plan - 2026 (Continued)
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target / Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget Source |
Status |
|
SO1: Save Lives |
3.1 Launch PCWR Project: Conduct technical assessment of 50 water points in
Pibor. |
Rehabilitation plan is based on accurate technical data. |
1 comprehensive water point assessment report produced. |
Q1 |
WASH Coordinator |
PCWR Budget |
Not Started |
|
3.2 Water Point Rehabilitation: Rehabilitate 10
non-functional boreholes in Pibor. |
~5,000 people gain access to safe water. |
10 water points certified as functional and meeting
quality standards. |
Q2-Q3 |
WASH Coordinator |
PCWR Budget |
Not Started |
|
|
3.3 CLTS Triggering: Conduct CLTS triggering in 10 communities in Pibor. |
Communities are mobilized to end open defecation and build
their own latrines. |
10 communities successfully triggered. |
Q3-Q4 |
WASH Coordinator |
PCWR Budget |
Not Started |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Annual Work Plan - 2026 (Continued)
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target / Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget Source |
Status |
|
SO3: Foster Protection & Social Cohesion |
4.1 Launch BGSCP Project: Conduct conflict and
protection analysis in Bahr el Ghazal. |
Project design is sensitive to local conflict dynamics and
protection risks. |
1 comprehensive conflict analysis report produced. |
Q1 |
Protection Coord. |
BGSCP Budget |
Not Started |
|
4.2 Establish Peace Committees: Facilitate establishment and
training of 15 Peace Committees. |
Communities have a local structure for conflict mediation. |
15 committees (150 members) trained on mediation. |
Q2-Q3 |
Peacebuilding Officer |
BGSCP Budget |
Not Started |
|
|
4.3 Establish Temporary Learning Spaces: Establish 10 TLS in Bahr el
Ghazal. |
1,500 displaced children have access to a safe learning
environment. |
10 TLS constructed and equipped; 1,500 children enrolled. |
Q2-Q4 |
Education Coord. |
BGSCP Budget |
Not Started |
|
|
4.4 Mainstream Protection: Train all GIHAD program
staff on protection mainstreaming principles. |
All GIHAD programs are delivered in a safer, more
dignified, and more accessible manner. |
100% of program staff complete protection mainstreaming
training. |
Q2 |
Protection Coord. |
Core Funding |
Not Started |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Annual Work Plan - 2026 (Continued)
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target / Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget Source |
Status |
|
Organizational Strengthening |
5.1 MEAL System Rollout: Develop and roll out standardized MEAL tools for all
new projects. |
Data collection is harmonized, enabling better
cross-project analysis and reporting. |
Standardized templates for baseline, PDM, and KAP surveys
are in use. |
Q1-Q2 |
MEAL Officer |
Core Funding |
Not Started |
|
5.2 Beneficiary Feedback Mechanism (BFM): Establish BFM (e.g.,
hotlines, suggestion boxes) in all new project locations. |
Beneficiaries have safe and accessible channels to provide
feedback and complaints. |
BFM system operational in 3 new project areas. |
Q2-Q3 |
MEAL Officer |
Core Funding |
Not Started |
|
|
5.3 Donor Engagement & Fundraising: Develop proposals for Year 2
funding based on baseline findings and initial progress. |
Funding for continuation and expansion of programs into
2027 is secured. |
At least 3 major proposals submitted to key donors. |
Q3-Q4 |
Program Director |
Core Funding |
Not Started |
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Annual Work Plan - 2026 (Continued)
|
Strategic Goal |
Key Task / Initiative |
Expected Outcome |
Annual Target / Metric |
Timeframe (Quarters) |
Lead Person/Dept |
Resources / Budget Source |
Status |
|
SO1: Save Lives |
6.1 Contingency Stock Pre-positioning: Procure and pre-position
1,000 NFI kits and 500 shelter kits for rapid flood/conflict response. |
GIHAD has enhanced capacity to respond to sudden onset
emergencies within 72 hours. |
1,500 kits stored in Juba warehouse. |
Q2 |
Procurement / Logistics |
Emergency Response Fund |
Not Started |
|
6.2 Emergency Response: Respond to at least one displacement crisis with
Shelter/NFI distribution. |
Immediate shelter and household needs of a displaced
population are met. |
Up to 1,000 HHs receive emergency kits, pending needs. |
Q1-Q4 |
Program & Ops Manager |
Emergency Response Fund |
Not Started |
|
|
SO2: Build Resilience |
7.1 Climate Risk Integration: Integrate climate risk
analysis into all new project designs and baseline assessments. |
All GIHAD programming is informed by an understanding of
local climate vulnerabilities. |
100% of new project LogFrames include climate-related
assumptions or activities. |
Q1-Q4 |
Program Director |
Core Funding |
Not Started |
The following table
provides a high-level overview of the strategic direction and key milestones
for the remainder of the planning period. The focus will shift from initiation
to consolidation, expansion, and a greater emphasis on sustainability and
systems strengthening.
Strategic Work Plan Overview (2027-2030)
|
Thematic Area |
Year 2 (2027) - Consolidation |
Year 3 (2028) - Expansion |
Years 4-5 (2029-2030) - Sustainability &
Transition |
|
FSL |
- Continue JIRL project activities. |
- Expand integrated resilience programming to one new
county. |
- Transition mature FFS and VSLA groups to be
self-sustaining. |
|
Health & Nutrition |
- Continue UNMHNR mobile clinic operations. |
- Based on review, expand mobile teams or transition to
supporting static health facilities. |
- Focus on capacity building of County Health Departments. |
Strategic Work Plan Overview (2027-2030) - Continued
|
Thematic Area |
Year 2 (2027) - Consolidation |
Year 3 (2028) - Expansion |
Years 4-5 (2029-2030) - Sustainability &
Transition |
|
WASH |
- Continue PCWR project: rehabilitate 15 more boreholes. |
- Expand WASH programming to new payams within Pibor. |
- Focus on strengthening WMCs into federations for
area-wide management. |
|
Protection, Peace, Education |
- Continue BGSCP project activities. |
- Expand peacebuilding dialogues to address cross-county
resource conflicts. |
- Link community peace structures to formal justice
systems. |
Strategic Work Plan Overview (2027-2030) - Continued
|
Thematic Area |
Year 2 (2027) - Consolidation |
Year 3 (2028) - Expansion |
Years 4-5 (2029-2030) - Sustainability &
Transition |
|
Shelter/NFI |
- Replenish contingency stocks based on usage. |
- Explore more durable shelter solutions in protracted
displacement sites. |
- Focus on advocacy for durable solutions for IDPs. |
|
Climate Justice |
- Conduct specific climate vulnerability assessments in all
project areas. |
- Pilot community-based DRR planning in flood-prone areas. |
- Document impact of climate adaptation activities. |
|
Organizational |
- Conduct mid-term reviews of flagship projects. |
- Conduct external mid-term evaluation of the 5-year
strategic plan. |
- Begin planning for the next strategic cycle (2031-2035). |
The success of GIHAD's
thematic strategies depends on the consistent application of key cross-cutting
methodologies. These approaches ensure our work is inclusive, safe,
sustainable, and responsive to the complex realities of South Sudan.
Target Audience
Our primary target
audience consists of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our
areas of operation. Through participatory wealth ranking and vulnerability
analysis, we specifically prioritize:
- Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) and recent returnees.
- Households
facing acute food insecurity (IPC 3+).
- Female-headed
households, pregnant and lactating women (PLW), and households with
children under five.
- Persons
with disabilities (PWD), the elderly, and other individuals with specific
needs.
- Out-of-school
children and unemployed youth.
We will use
disaggregated data (by sex, age, and disability) throughout the project cycle
to ensure we are reaching these groups and addressing their specific needs.
Stakeholder Engagement
GIHAD is committed to
a collaborative approach. We will actively engage with a wide range of
stakeholders at all levels [3]:
- Local
Communities: They
are our most important partners. We will ensure their participation in all
stages of the project cycle, from needs assessment to final evaluation,
through community meetings, consultations, and feedback mechanisms.
- Local
Authorities: We
will cooperate closely with payam, county, and state-level authorities,
including the RRC, to ensure our activities are aligned with local plans
and to foster government ownership.
- Humanitarian
Community: We
will maintain active participation in the NGO Forum and UN Cluster System
to coordinate activities, share information, and contribute to joint
advocacy and planning [4].
- Donors
and Partners: We
will maintain transparent and regular communication with our funding
partners, providing timely reports and engaging them in strategic
discussions about program direction and impact.
Conflict-Sensitivity
Mainstreaming
In South Sudan, it is
not enough to simply "do no harm." GIHAD is committed to a
conflict-sensitive approach that actively seeks to understand the two-way
interaction between our interventions and the context. This means we will
systematically analyze how our projects might affect local dynamics related to
power, resources, and inter-group relations, and conversely, how the conflict
context might affect our project [3].
Our strategy for
mainstreaming conflict sensitivity includes:
- Conflict
Analysis: Integrating
a rapid conflict analysis into the design phase of every project. This
involves mapping stakeholders, connectors, and dividers within the
community.
- Scenario
Planning: Developing
"what if" scenarios to anticipate how changes in the conflict
environment could impact our project and preparing contingency plans.
- Monitoring
for Impact: Including
conflict-related indicators in our MEAL plans to track both intended and
unintended impacts of our aid on community relations.
- Adaptive
Management: Using
monitoring data to make real-time adjustments to project activities to
mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive ones. For example, if a
water point distribution is causing tension, we might pause and facilitate
a community dialogue on site selection before proceeding.
A potential conflict
resulting from our projects could be tension over beneficiary selection. To
mitigate this, GIHAD will work with communities to establish clear,
transparent, and publicly communicated vulnerability criteria. We will involve
community leaders and representatives in the verification process to enhance
buy-in and ensure fairness, a practice proven effective in cash programming
[2].
Protection
Mainstreaming
Protection will be
mainstreamed across all sectors to ensure our assistance promotes safety,
dignity, and meaningful access for all, without discrimination [2]. Key actions
include:
- Safety
and Dignity: Ensuring
distribution sites are safe and accessible, especially for women, the
elderly, and PWDs. This includes providing shade and water, managing
crowds effectively, and ensuring latrines are available and secure.
- Meaningful
Access: Identifying
and addressing barriers that specific groups may face in accessing our
services. This could involve home delivery of assistance for persons with
mobility issues or providing female-only spaces for certain activities.
- Participation
and Empowerment: Actively
seeking the participation of marginalized groups in project design and
feedback mechanisms to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
- Accountability: Ensuring our Beneficiary
Feedback Mechanisms are safe, confidential, and accessible to all, and
that all staff are trained on PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and
Abuse).
GIHAD Strategic Plan 2026-2030
GIHAD's goal is not to
create dependency, but to build resilience and self-reliance. Sustainability
and local ownership are therefore at the core of our strategic thinking. Our
exit strategy is not about a sudden withdrawal, but a planned, phased
transition where responsibility is gradually transferred to communities and
local institutions [3].
Mechanisms for
Sustainability and Ownership
- Capacity
Building: This
is our primary sustainability strategy. We invest heavily in training
local actors to take over key functions. This includes:
- Training
Water Management Committees to operate and maintain their own water
points.
- Training
Community Health Workers to become the frontline of the local health
system.
- Training
Farmer Field School members and VSLA groups to continue their activities
independently.
- Training
Peace Committees to mediate local conflicts without external
facilitation.
- Community-Based
Structures: We
do not create our own committees but work to establish or strengthen
community-owned structures (WMCs, Peace Committees, etc.). We ensure these
structures have clear mandates, are seen as legitimate by the community,
and have the skills to manage their own affairs.
- Cost
Recovery and Local Resources: Where appropriate, we introduce models that rely
on local resources. For example, WMCs are trained to collect small user
fees to pay for spare parts and repairs, and VSLAs generate their own loan
capital from member savings. This reduces reliance on external funding.
- Partnership
with Government: We
work closely with local government counterparts (e.g., County Health and
Education Departments), sharing data, conducting joint monitoring, and
building their capacity. Our long-term goal is for government institutions
to take over the provision of basic services.
Exit Strategy
The exit from each
project will be planned from the design phase. The transition process will
involve:
- Phased
Handover: Gradually
reducing direct support while increasing mentorship and coaching for local
structures.
- Joint
Planning: Developing
a clear handover plan in collaboration with the community and local
authorities, outlining roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Final
Capacity Assessment: Conducting
a final assessment to ensure the local structures have the necessary
capacity to continue functioning.
- Post-Project
Monitoring: Conducting
follow-up visits 6-12 months after project closure to assess the
sustainability of outcomes and provide additional support if needed.
By focusing on
empowerment and systems strengthening, GIHAD aims to leave behind not just
physical assets, but also the human and social capital for communities to
continue their own development long after our direct involvement ends.
A robust MEAL system
is critical for ensuring program quality, demonstrating impact, and fostering a
culture of continuous improvement. GIHAD's MEAL framework is designed to be
adaptive, participatory, and useful for decision-making. It moves beyond simple
data collection to actively promote accountability and learning at all levels
of the organization.
Our MEAL approach is
heavily influenced by the comprehensive strategies employed by leading UN
agencies, adapted for our operational scale [5]. It is built on four
interconnected pillars:
- Monitoring: The routine tracking of
project inputs, activities, and outputs against the targets in the
LogFrame and work plan. This helps us answer the question: "Are we
doing what we said we would do?"
- Evaluation: Periodic, in-depth
assessments of a project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact,
and sustainability. This helps us answer the question: "Are we doing
the right things, and are they making a difference?"
- Accountability: The process of being
answerable to our stakeholders, especially the communities we serve. This
involves sharing information transparently and establishing mechanisms for
them to provide feedback and influence our work. This is a core commitment
of the CHS [1].
- Learning: The systematic process of
capturing, documenting, and sharing lessons from our experiences to
improve current and future programming.
We adopt a 'Good
Enough' approach in acute emergencies, prioritizing rapid, simple data
collection for timely decision-making. As the context stabilizes, our MEAL
systems become more rigorous and comprehensive.
Our evaluations will
be guided by the adapted OECD-DAC criteria: Relevance, Effectiveness,
Efficiency, Impact, Sustainability, Coverage, and Coherence.
Over the five-year
period, GIHAD will implement a multi-layered MEAL strategy that combines
quantitative and qualitative methods to capture a holistic picture of our performance
and impact [5].
|
MEAL Activity |
Purpose |
Frequency |
Tools / Methods |
|
Baseline Surveys |
To establish pre-project conditions and set benchmarks for
all key indicators in the LogFrame. |
At the start of every major project. |
Household questionnaires, KAP surveys, focus group
discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs). |
|
Ongoing Monitoring |
To track activity progress, identify challenges, and allow
for timely course correction. |
Weekly/Monthly |
Activity reports from field staff, distribution records,
attendance sheets, direct observation. |
|
Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) |
To assess the effectiveness, appropriateness, and
accountability of distributions (cash, food, or NFIs). |
2-4 weeks after each distribution [2]. |
Standardized PDM surveys administered to a random sample
of beneficiaries. |
|
Beneficiary Feedback Mechanisms (BFM) |
To ensure accountability by providing a safe channel for
community feedback, questions, and complaints. |
Continuously operational. |
Suggestion boxes, dedicated phone hotlines, help desks at
distribution points, one-on-one talks with MEAL staff. |
|
Mid-Term & Final Evaluations |
To assess overall project performance against OECD-DAC
criteria and provide recommendations. |
At mid-point and end of major projects. |
Mixed-methods studies, often conducted by external
consultants for objectivity. |
|
Peer Reflection & Sense-Making Workshops |
To capture complex, qualitative changes and foster
organizational learning among staff. |
Annually |
Facilitated workshops where project teams share successes,
failures, and lessons learned, analyzing "how" and "why"
change is happening [5]. |
|
Thematic Reviews & Learning Missions |
To conduct deep dives into specific thematic areas (e.g.,
our impact on WPS) or specific contexts to generate in-depth case studies and
lessons. |
At least one per year. |
In-depth field missions involving consultations with a
wide range of stakeholders [5]. |
The successful implementation
of this ambitious strategic plan depends on having the right people, an
efficient management structure, and adequate financial resources.
GIHAD's greatest asset
is its dedicated team of predominantly South Sudanese staff. Over the next five
years, we will continue to invest in our human resources through targeted
recruitment, professional development, and by fostering a positive and safe
work environment. Our personnel plan focuses on strengthening both our
programmatic and operational capacity [3].
Key Personnel Needs
for 2026-2030:
- Program
Leadership: The
Program Director and Program & Operation Manager will continue to
provide strategic oversight. We will strengthen this team with experienced
thematic coordinators for each of our core sectors.
- Field-Level
Management: Each
flagship project (e.g., JIRL, UNMHNR) will be led by a dedicated Project
Manager responsible for day-to-day implementation and team management.
- Technical
Specialists: We
will recruit and train a cadre of technical officers and assistants in
FSL, Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection, and Peacebuilding to ensure
high-quality service delivery.
- MEAL
Capacity: The
MEAL department will be strengthened with a dedicated MEAL Officer and
field-based MEAL Assistants to ensure our robust MEAL plan is implemented
effectively.
- Operational
Support: We
will ensure our Finance, HR, Procurement, and Logistics departments are
adequately staffed to provide timely and compliant support to our growing
portfolio of projects.
Professional
development will be a priority. We will provide regular training for staff on
topics such as conflict sensitivity, protection mainstreaming, technical
standards (Sphere), and project management. We will also identify and nurture
emerging leaders within the organization to ensure a strong succession plan, in
line with our commitment to national ownership.
The total indicative
budget for this five-year strategic plan is USD 25,000,000. This
budget is an estimate based on the scope of the planned activities and will be
refined annually based on detailed project proposals and secured funding. The
budget is allocated across our three strategic objectives, reflecting our
integrated approach. The structure is adapted from best practices in
humanitarian budgeting [5].
Indicative Budget by Strategic Objective (2026-2030, in USD)
|
Strategic Objective / Cost Category |
Year 1 (2026) |
Year 2 (2027) |
Year 3 (2028) |
Year 4 (2029) |
Year 5 (2030) |
Total |
|
SO1: Life-Saving Assistance (GFA, MPCA, Health,
Nutrition, WASH, Shelter) |
2,000,000 |
2,200,000 |
2,000,000 |
1,800,000 |
1,500,000 |
9,500,000 |
|
SO2: Resilience Building (FSL, Livelihoods, WASH systems, Climate Justice) |
1,500,000 |
1,800,000 |
2,000,000 |
2,200,000 |
2,500,000 |
10,000,000 |
|
SO3: Protection & Social Cohesion (Peacebuilding, Protection,
Education) |
500,000 |
600,000 |
700,000 |
700,000 |
500,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Subtotal Programme Costs |
4,000,000 |
4,600,000 |
4,700,000 |
4,700,000 |
4,500,000 |
22,500,000 |
|
Operational & Staff Costs (Incl. MEAL, Admin,
Logistics, HR) |
400,000 |
500,000 |
550,000 |
550,000 |
500,000 |
2,500,000 |
|
TOTAL INDICATIVE BUDGET |
4,400,000 |
5,100,000 |
5,250,000 |
5,250,000 |
5,000,000 |
25,000,000 |
Budget Narrative: The budget
reflects the strategic shift over the five years. In the initial years, there
is a strong focus on SO1 (Life-Saving Assistance) to address acute needs. As
the plan progresses, the allocation for SO2 (Resilience Building) increases
significantly, demonstrating our commitment to transitioning from relief to
sustainable development. The budget for SO3 remains consistent, reflecting the
continuous need for protection and peacebuilding work. Operational costs are
budgeted as a percentage of the total, ensuring adequate support for program
implementation.
This strategic plan
was developed by synthesizing information from GIHAD's foundational documents
and by drawing on best practices and contextual information from a range of
publicly available resources from humanitarian partners.
- Humanitarian
Innovation Guide. (n.d.). *Humanitarian principles and standards*. Elrha.
Retrieved from
https://higuide.elrha.org/humanitarian-parameters/humanitarian-principles-and-standards/
- International
Organization for Migration (IOM). (n.d.). *Rapid Response Fund (RRF) Sudan
Sub-Grant Application: [CBI/ SAMPLE] Narrative Proposal*. Retrieved from
https://sudan.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1606/files/EOIs/SDN-ES-2024-CEI06/SDN-CBI-2024-CEI04/annex-c-project-proposal-narrative-template.docx
- United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2016). *Attachment 1 – Project
Proposal Template*. Retrieved from
https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=79434
- South
Sudan NGO Forum. (2016, February 5). *NGO Forum Statutes of Operation*.
Retrieved from https://docs.southsudanngoforum.org/sites/default/files/2017-12/NGO%20Forum%20South%20Sudan%20Statutes%20of%20Operation_20160205.pdf
- United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & Department of Political and
Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). (2023). *Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on
Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention Project Document
(2024-2028)*. Retrieved from https://dppa.un.org/sites/default/files
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