The Coalition Secretariat
The Secretariat is the central coordination and operational support mechanism of the Sundarban Coalition. It facilitates communication, collaboration and accountability among member organisations, governance bodies, communities, partners and other stakeholders.
A dedicated Secretariat Team was established during Phase III to strengthen the Coalition’s coordination systems, support member-led action and contribute to its long-term institutional independence.
Role of the Secretariat
The Secretariat supports the implementation of decisions approved by the Governance Council and Executive Committee. It coordinates the Coalition’s regular activities while promoting transparency, impartiality, participation and shared ownership.
Its key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating Coalition programmes, operational plans and Joint Action Plans
- Facilitating communication among members and governance bodies
- Organising meetings, consultations, workshops and learning events
- Preparing agendas, minutes, reports and other institutional records
- Supporting programme monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
- Facilitating member capacity assessments and organisational development
- Supporting financial coordination and compliance with approved procedures
- Assisting Working Committees in carrying out their responsibilities
- Coordinating advocacy, communication and visibility activities
- Supporting donor engagement, proposal development and resource mobilisation
- Promoting safeguarding, accountability and responsible information management
- Maintaining communication with government, civil society and development partners
Supporting Member Organisations
The Secretariat provides coordination, technical assistance, mentoring and follow-up support to strengthen the institutional capacity of Coalition members.
This support may include governance, financial management, programme implementation, monitoring and reporting, safeguarding, procurement, accountability and organisational development. The objective is to enable member organisations to participate effectively and progressively manage resources and programmes with greater independence.
Supporting Community-Led Action
The Secretariat helps members translate community priorities into coordinated plans and locally led initiatives. It supports participatory consultation processes, Joint Action Plan development, programme review and documentation of learning.
Through these processes, communities help identify local risks, needs and priorities and contribute to the design and oversight of Coalition-supported activities.
Coordination and Accountability
The Secretariat prepares and maintains programme and financial information for review through the Coalition’s governance processes. It supports the Governance Council, Executive Committee and Working Committees with relevant documentation, coordination and follow-up.
It also supports the Coalition’s safeguarding and complaint response arrangements while respecting confidentiality, data protection and the safety of complainants and whistleblowers.
Secretariat Presence
The Coalition Secretariat maintains its central coordination presence in Barishal, with additional coordination arrangements serving the Coalition’s working areas in coastal Bangladesh.
This structure helps the Secretariat remain connected with member organisations and provide timely support across the Coalition’s geographic areas.
Working with the Host Organisation
The Secretariat works in coordination with the Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS), which currently serves as the Host Organisation and Grant Custodian for Phase III.
AVAS supports grant compliance, financial accountability and relevant administrative processes while the Secretariat continues to strengthen its systems, capacity and operational independence.
Towards an Independent Secretariat
The Sundarban Coalition is progressively strengthening the Secretariat’s ability to coordinate programmes, manage resources, support members and maintain institutional systems independently and impartially.
This process is part of the Coalition’s broader pathway towards formal legal recognition, sustainable financing and long-term institutional independence.