Purpose
Execution is about operationalizing the WIP and managing implementation, adaptively. Given the heterogeneity of WIPs, the content in this phase is less prescriptive. Generally, however, Execution can be broken down into “Start-up” and “Operation” phases, eventually progressing toward “Maturity” which ensures the building blocks are in place for long-term, sustainable impact.
Core Questions Answered:
- How can your WIP maximize operational efficiency & transparency?
- How can field monitoring validate results?
- Do core Program Vision and associated SMART Objectives require revision?
Core Questions Answered
- How can your WIP maximize operational efficiency & transparency?
- How can field monitoring validate results?
- Do core Program Vision and associated SMART Objectives require revision?
Key Outputs
Start-UP
- Establish the WIP’s Implementing Entity, if an independent program was identified as the best option to achieve the WIPs objectives. Some WIPs choose to initiate the legal processes to become independent, while others postpone this step until they’ve established more of a track record.
- Develop Operating Manual that defines the WIP’s processes and roles and responsibilities of key personnel and partners.
- Appoint Core Staff to the WIP, which may include the Director, Implementation Manager, MEL Manager, etc.
Operation
- Mobilize implementation capacity: whether hiring or outsourcing to contractors or partners, this output may include training and capacity building measures to be able to scale up quickly.
- Initiate M&E program defined in the Strategic Plan, ensuring the WIP is well equipped to report on the impact metrics most important to stakeholders
- Deliver annual operating plan which details how implementation will be executed and funded, how progress and impact will be communicated, and which aspects of the MEL plan will be implemented.
- Provide impact reporting to the core governance members and broader stakeholder group to maintain momentum for your WIP. Be transparent about any indicators that are not progressing as expected.
- Secure additional funding commitments to meet the full-lifecycle costs of the WIP, if a funding gap exists.
Example of Execution Resources
- Greater Cape Town Water Fund (GCTWF) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
English
To ensure that investments in WFs are having the predicted impacts and to allow for modifications to management strategies, WFs must include robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans to track the environmental, economic, and social impacts of their interventions (Higgins and Zimmerling, 2013).
Link - Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWF-Trust) Governance Manual
English
The Governance Manual contains information that addresses the framework of UTNWFT, describes the governance structure, and details how the Trust operates on a daily basis. The manual provides executives, directors, and granters of UTNWFT with a comprehensive summary of the governance framework designed to help implement and maintain good governance in practice.
Link
- Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWF-Trust) Finance Manual
English
This Manual shall serve as a standardised application of financial accounting procedures; provide and enforce effective financial controls to ensure optimum utilisation of resources; maximization of revenue collection and accountability; establish a system that can produce accurate and reliable financial statements and books of accounts which reflect a true and fair view of the organization, etc.
Link - Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWF-Trust) Operations Manual
English
This document provides a framework in which key information regarding service delivery and service arrangements are captured and documented for Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust. It outlines the context of the services, the service philosophy
of care and gives a clear referral and assessment procedures.
Link
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Execution Workstreams
WIP Maturity Criteria
| Execution Workstreams | Criterion Purpose | Criterion Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Vision, Planning & Procedures | Does the WIP have have strategic planning documents to guide its work and establish clear financial planning?. | Produce Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan |
| Implementation | Is the WIP implementing activities, including NbS investments, as outlined in its Strategic and Annual Operating plans? | Achieve WIP Annual Plan implementation objectives for three consecutive years |
| Measurement & Reporting | Is the WIP transparently reporting its work to key stakeholders? | Publicly publish Annual Report & Annual Financials for at least one year |
| Sustainable Funding | Does the WIP have enough funding to reach its SMART Objectives and have its intended water security impacts? | Funding to operate for three years; sustainable funding covers at least 50% of program costs |
| Governance & Influence | Is the WIP an effectively governed decision-making body and is its value recognized in the area where it operates? | Governed by decision-making body for three years; WIP formally recognized where it operates |
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Tools to Support Execution
Below are some of the tools that can be used in the Execution stage, you can browse for more tools here.
- SWAT: SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) is a comprehensive, river basin-scale model widely used for simulating the impact of land management practices in large, complex watersheds.
- WEAP: WEAP (Water Evaluation And Planning system) is a user-friendly software tool that simulates water resources and evaluates water demand, supply, and allocation in watersheds and river basins.
- Waterplan: Waterplan is a comprehensive climate platform designed to measure, respond to, and report on increasingly changing water risks.
Resources
Global
Report
Financing Nature for Water Security: A How to Guide to Develop Watersheds Investment Program
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