In 2018, we launched our new Strategic Plan — a bold, 10-year vision for the future of Search for Common Ground.
As part of that plan, and in response to the changing nature of conflict, we sought to move past country-based programming and prioritize conflicts where the repercussions of instability across entire regions are most consequential. As a result, we are changing our operational model away from country offices and toward the establishment of ten priority conflict geographies, each of which will oversee operations in multiple countries.
This structural change means that we will necessarily transition out of some countries where we have operated for many years, even decades. When we launched our programs in these countries, many of them were experiencing violence that threatened to tear them apart. Today, thanks also to our work, these places are transitioning from crisis points to post-conflict recovery and stabilization. Tensions may still emerge, but work has popularized new tools to transform conflict.
Seven Search offices are taking forward the ongoing process of peacebuilding as new, independent entities.
THE TRANSITION PROCESS
We participated in a three-year USAID-funded collaborative learning project, “Stopping as Success,” that provided guidance for how international development actors can foster locally-led development through successful and responsible transitions.
Currently, Search staff across departments and the leadership of new local entities are working hand-in-hand to ensure that these new organizations have the infrastructure, capacities, policies, and processes they need to thrive. We are providing a comprehensive support package and real-time learning across transitioning country offices. The process is guided by Memoranda of Understanding signed between Search and the transitioning entities, which include key success indicators.
Each transitioning country is at a different stage of this process, which began in 2018 and will continue until December 2023.
THE NEW ENTITIES
Click on the flags to learn more!
 NORTH MACEDONIA |
 LIBERIA |
 SIERRA LEONE |
 MADAGASCAR |
 GUINEA |
 TUNISIA |
 MOROCCO |
