10.4 Coordinating with other agencies

Coordination with other agencies is often seen as a programme function. However, coordination with other peer agencies is also important for administration purposes. Agencies that have been in the country for an extended period are a good source of information regarding:

• suitable locations for office and residence
• vehicle rental outlets and internal travel costs
• availability of qualified and experienced staff
• appropriate and reasonably priced hotels
• availability and efficacy of in-country banking, communication, health facilities, health insurance, travel agencies, postal services, internet service providers, food supplies, appropriate FFE, recreation outlets, etc.

When CARE representatives arrive in the country, they should:

• set up initial operating office in a hotel or other appropriate location
• seek appointments with counterpart officials of the following agencies for formal introductions, information and invitations to coordination meetings:

• representatives of UN agencies
• heads of INGOs already operating in the country
• use meetings to gain recommendations regarding office locations, preferably in close proximity to other agencies
• seek a letter of introduction from the UN resident representative for opening bank accounts, post boxes, etc.
• use the UN network to introduce CARE, and distribute information about CARE’s area of operation and staffing requirements.