1. Role of donor contract management in an emergency

The purpose of donor contract management is to ensure that the key stakeholders have, and can use, accurate contract information and documentation about the management and implementation of emergency projects. This is critical to ensure accountability and compliance with donor and CARE International Member contractual regulations and guidelines (including those relating to procurement and meeting reporting requirements).

Emergency operations usually include activities funded by many donors with contracts all starting at a similar time at the onset of the emergency. The requirements for effective donor contract management in the emergency context can often overwhelm the normal systems of the CO, in particular at the start of the emergency, and can lead to compliance problems later during implementation. To avoid problems, it is important to put in place contract management systems adequate to the emergency requirements as quickly as possible.

Emergency projects are also often implemented in a rapidly changing environment where activities are adapted to meet the urgent humanitarian needs. Without careful and specific attention to donor contract management, emergency operations can end up varying significantly from the original contract, or not meet compliance requirements. This can result in the creation of liabilities for CARE, as well as damage to CARE’s reputation and relationship with donors.

These guidelines provide practical advice for putting effective donor contract management systems in place in an emergency situation. In addition to these guidelines, existing CO and Lead Member policies, systems and procedures should be adhered to unless the appropriate authority within the CO grants exemption.