Create a Network or Alliance

What is the role of network or alliance staff?

Not all formal networks or alliances may have, need or be able to afford dedicated staff. Some networks share the work of organizing, making decisions and coordinating joint efforts among group members, while others hire a dedicated coordinator to keep things moving.

Responsibilities of a network coordinator may include:  

  • Facilitating opportunities for members to come together to build trust, cooperation, and joint work initiatives.
  • Recording network discussions, meetings and outcomes.
  • Communicating with network members on a regular basis.
  • Facilitating and encouraging peer-to-peer learning and exchange of information.
  • Helping to build capacity across network members.
  • Strengthening and fostering leadership development in members.
  • Supporting network members to share and optimize available resources, budgets, funds, capacity, etc.
  • Attracting new funds and resources to support the network.  

If you’re looking to hire network staff, look for people who are proactive, with strong skills in communications, facilitation, project management, networking and coaching. They could play a critical role in identifying each member’s program needs and helping to find the resources and support needed.

“When providing support to the network, it’s important to do what you say you are going to do, respond quickly, and engage at the different levels – political, managerial, technical. We established trust by communicating regularly with everyone so that we’re all on the same page. We constantly check in on what our members need and what their priorities are. Our most important lesson is to emphasize the autonomy of each Nation.”

Chris Roberts, Nanwakolas Council
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“When providing support to the network, it’s important to do what you say you are going to do..."