Before activating the cluster leadership approach, the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), in consultation with the relevant partners at the country level, provides the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) with an analysis of gaps and other challenges to the situation at hand and the rationale for recommending specific clusters and cluster leads in the country, if possible, within 24 hours. The ERC then consults with all the global cluster lead agencies on the decision to activate the cluster and the designation of the cluster lead, ensures that agreement is reached and communicates the decision to the humanitarian partners, donors and stakeholders without delay. The ERC also informs the full IASC of new developments and ensures that appropriate guidance and support is provided.

Upon the declaration of a large emergency and/or proposal/request/suggestion to activate the ETC, the following steps will take place.

1. An OCHA/UNICEF/WFP task force is activated to carry out a preliminary assessment of the situation and capacity mapping of concerned/available ETC members and partners.

2. Stand-by resources are put on alert.

3. An assessment mission is fielded by a qualified ICT emergency manager who establishes contacts with the government, main UN agencies and operating partners and assumes the functions of Head of ETC.

4. If the assessment identifies a gap, a project proposal is drafted and submitted for technical revision/approval through the pertinent local and global governance bodies prior to its submission to the Humanitarian Coordinator and the IASC country team. The proposal includes, but is not limited to:

• ICT services provided and the target user community
• detailed implementation plan including equipment, required staffing levels, logistics and locations where the systems (e.g. repeaters, communications centres) will be deployed
• exit/handover strategy
• detailed budget
• roles of ETC members and partners

5. Once technical clearance is obtained, the project proposal is submitted to the humanitarian coordinator/resident coordinator/designated official for his/her discussion with the IASC country team and final approval and recommendation on the best fundraising strategy.

6. Through the Consolidated/Flash Appeal process the proposal has formal approval and the fundraising process starts. Based on pledged donations and/or availability of global ETC stand-by resources, the ETC project is reviewed and implementation starts.

Note: In sudden onset emergencies, the described process happens in a matter of days. Thus, it is important for any requesting agency/organization to get involved in the described coordination mechanisms as early as possible to ensure that requests for funds are aligned to needs.