Consortia are becoming an increasingly common model for implementing WASH programmes. The DRC WASH Consortium led by Concern Worldwide is a consortium of five international NGOs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This paper presents the lessons learned since the Consortium’s creation in 2013.

Strengths of the consortium model include: 

• increased scale
• capacity for research and learning
• an innovative joint strategy to improve sustainability 
• a credible image in the WASH sector and a positive influence on external stakeholders 
• risk-sharing 

Challenges include:

• the continuing logistical difficulties of implementation in rural DRC
• previous experience of the member NGOs more focused on emergency WASH rather than development
• the time needed to build relationships and communicate the Consortium approach

Key lessons for success

• the importance of strong leadership by the Consortium Coordination Unit,
• spotting ‘gaps’ in WASH  sector coordination and learning  to help position the Consortium at national level   

Read more by downloading the full paper at the link below.