INTRODUCTION
The first step to prepare a recovery plan is to identify a lead government agency. The appointment of an appropriate, capable, and authoritative agency to lead, organize, and coordinate post-disaster recovery is essential. The lead agency is responsible to guide the overall recovery process, and to ensure that an effective and actionable recovery plan is prepared and implemented, in consultation with other government agencies, development partners, and the affected population. After previous disasters, the lead agency is usually an existing national or provincial government agency, but if the disaster is large-scale, the government may establish a new lead national agency.
IDENTIFY LEAD MINISTRY OR AGENCY
The designation of an agency that will lead the preparation and drafting of the recovery plan is the very important first step. Depending on the government’s decision and local context, this lead agency can be the Ministry of Planning or in other instances, a newly created agency or special government vehicle.
There is a big possibility that many actors or stakeholders will be involved during the post-disaster recovery phase, especially after a large-scale disaster. Aside from the national and local governments, major international development partners like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, donor countries and international non-government organizations may be involved in the recovery activities.
In such event, the government must decide whether the creation of a new ad-hoc organization which will coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Plan is more efficient, than using an existing organization or agency. In case a special new agency may be needed to oversee, coordinate and monitor complex disaster recovery programs, then capacity-building activities (e.g. short training courses) for the local government offices may be part of the recovery activities.
Three Models of Lead Agency for Post-Disaster Recovery
| MODEL 1 | MODEL 2 | MODEL 3 |
| EXISTING GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS:In this model, R&R is coordinated by existing ministries and departments. This model has some inherent strengths, such as aligning with existing local governments, promoting local ownership, and ensuring the return of staff to routine work with enhanced capacity including on recovery and reconstruction. | RECOVERY TASK FORCE OR SPECIAL COMMISSION:This model typically includes a task force with representatives from existing ministries or government agencies, led by a senior government official. The task force model can provide greater scope for participation by civil organizations, as task forces tend to be more flexible than permanent government structures. Also, in this model, staff return to parent organizations with enhanced capacity. This model is often developed first, but the scale and complexity of recovery and reconstruction can overwhelm the functionality of the model, and the task force or commission may evolve into a new organization. | A NEW INTERIM OR PERMANENT AGENCY:In this model, an interim (with a defined time period) or a permanent dedicated agency is created to provide oversight, act as single point of coordination for partners, and, in some cases, be involved in direct implementation of recovery and reconstruction projects. In most cases, the agency is formed through law or decree. It is best placed at the apex of political power and authority but with strong representation from the implementing ministries. It typically has presence at the central or provincial level (where the disaster has taken place). As a central point of coordination, it brings in a single voice of command and communication as well as reduces the transaction costs. This model provides a unified approach to recovery and reconstruction efforts, and since the agency has dedicated recovery and reconstruction functions, it is able to act more effectively. |
| Key Considerations | Key Considerations | Key Considerations |
The following aspects should be carefully considered before selecting this model:
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The following aspects should be carefully considered before selecting this model:
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The following aspects should be carefully considered before selecting this model:
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Source: adapted from the “Handbook for Disaster Recovery Practitioners” (TGLLP and ADPC, 2015)
LEAD AGENCY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The identification of the lead agency is part of the overall framework for post-disaster recovery which defines, among others, the core recovery principles, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, a coordinating structure that facilitates implementation, communication and collaboration among all stakeholders and the overall process by which they can rebuild better and safer.
The lead agency (existing or new) must be designated or created with clear and decisive authority. In many cases after disasters in the region, this authority is formally declared by the President or Prime Minister at the national level, or the Governor at the Provincial level. This agency must be provided with appropriate authority and budget to lead and organize the planning and implementation process.
The general responsibilities of the lead agency include:
- Coordinate with other agencies, development partners and all stakeholders.
- Organize consultations among stakeholders.
- Consolidation of sector recommendations (policies and strategies).
- Refinement of identified needs (programs and projects).
- Identify financing options.
- Draft the recovery plan.
- Monitor the implementation.
