1. Initial phase (setting up the collaboration)

The initial phase of the process is the most important for this is when the partner is assessed in terms of its maturity for a fair and transparent procurement. The assessment referred to in this document is related to procurement and should complement a regular partner assessment and due diligence conducted by Helvetas.

The assessment alone should never rule out the risk of fraud and corruption! The assessment only shows if the partner/contracted party is able to conduct a fair procurement due to its internal control systems and measures.

This phase establishes the extent and depth of the project and lays the ground for all activities performed in the results phase. It serves to define the terms and conditions in details and sensitise the partner along the way so that collaboration is smooth and with the least ambiguity possible. It is important to ensure that every key activity and possible consequences/sanctions are discussed, agreed, and mentioned in a written agreement to provide Helvetas the leverage that will be needed in the results phase. This phase should be treated as complementary to the regular due diligence in the partner assessment process (see the partnership appraisal tool https://pamoja.helvetas.org/display/Directorate/Institutional+Minimum+Criteria+-+Partner+Appraisal).