The Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group

Humanitarian organisations that wish to partner with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) need to enter into a ‘Humanitarian Partnership’, previously called a ‘Framework Partnership Agreement’ (FPA).  

The EU Humanitarian Partnership between an NGO and DG ECHO is anchored in a Certificate, which is awarded to organisations that are considered suitable to apply for EU funding after an ex-ante assessment. 

The partners’ professionalism, diversity, capacity to respond to humanitarian needs, and adherence to agreed rules and standards, are the basis of the Humanitarian Partnership. 

For almost 30 years, VOICE has facilitated the Humanitarian Partnership (HP) Watch Group, which is a unique dialogue platform between DG ECHO and its NGO partners. The HP Watch Group is composed of 40 DG ECHO certified NGOs with a broad diversity in their size, thematic expertise and from various European countries.  

The objectives of the Watch Group are: 

• To improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Humanitarian Partnership.  

• To represent, with the facilitation of VOICE, the views of DG ECHO's certified NGO partners in the monitoring, review and consultation of all matters relating to the Humanitarian Partnership 2021 – 2027. 

• To work towards a common interpretation and consistent application of the HP.  

The functioning of the Watch Group: 

Membership of the Watch Group is open to all DG ECHO NGO partners. Becoming a member of the Watch Group is possible exclusively during the renewal process, foreseen to take place next time in 2027. To reinforce its engagement, the HP Watch Group elects seven members for the HP Task Force, which is co-leading the work of the Watch Group together with the VOICE Secretariat.  

The HP Watch Group meets four times per year to discuss topics related to the Humanitarian Partnership and has regular meetings with DG ECHO to ensure an active dialogue.  

Minutes of the meetings are published on the VOICE website to be available to the whole community of DG ECHO partners. 

The Task Force, on behalf of the HP Watch Group, meets more regularly with DG ECHO to discuss ideas and issues that have arisen, and to establish a common basis for negotiation.  

 

For more detailed information, please consult the HP Watch Group Work Plan 2025-2026, and the ToR 2022-2027.  

 

Relevant resources 

Click here for HP Watch Group related documents 

Click here for FPA Watch Group related documents 

Click here to access the ECHO website dedicated to humanitarian partners 

 

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1. The HP Watch Group: what's in the pipeline?
 

1.1 New HP Certificate post-2027

In April 2025, the HP Watch Group engaged with DG ECHO’s E1 Unit on the revision of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the next Humanitarian Partnership (HP) Certificate and ex-ante assessment. While the current certification framework remains valid until 2027, DG ECHO has launched the revision process to align with the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and ongoing policy and procedural developments. The Watch Group welcomed the opportunity to contribute and shared initial recommendations with DG ECHO, emphasising the need for greater flexibility, a streamlined ex-ante assessment, and enhanced dialogue with partners. Looking ahead, the Watch Group will remain closely involved throughout the preparation period, including consultations on the draft ToR, and will continue to engage actively during the transition to the new framework.

1.2 DG ECHO’s approach to Localisation 

In 2023, DG ECHO published its guidance “Promoting equitable partnerships with local responders in humanitarian settings” in the framework of DG ECHO’s commitment to the Grand Bargain. Since then, the HP Watch Group has been actively involved in the monitoring and advocacy around the implementation of the guidance. 

For example, in March 2024, Charter4Change, the Red Cross EU Office, and VOICE co-organised a DG ECHO Partners’ Segment session bringing together NGOs, the IFRC Network, and DG ECHO to discuss challenges, share good practices, and identify opportunities for better risk sharing in humanitarian partnerships. An outcome paper capturing the key points and recommendations from the discussion is available here.

In October 2024, during the HPWG meeting, a session focused on sharing risks in equitable partnerships brought together DG ECHO colleagues from multiple units and the HP Watch Group to discuss practical implications across the project cycle. Building on a background note, the exchange used concrete examples to raise awareness and brainstorm next steps for advancing risk sharing.

 The HP Watch Group will continue to monitor the implementation of DG ECHO’s Guidance on equitable partnerships, to move forward the risk-sharing agenda, and engage with DG ECHO on the implementation of its ambition to reach 25% of its funding provided as directly as possible to local and national actors by 2027.

Here you can find all VOICE publications related to our work on equitable partnerships. Please note that some documents are restricted to VOICE members.

1.3 DG ECHO’s audit strategy 

Since the adoption of a new DG ECHO audit strategy, as described in the 2022 DG ECHO Audit Info Paper, the HP Watch Group mobilised to work towards enhanced audit management efficiency. The group raised key challenges and recommendations with DG ECHO, notably regarding the timeline and frequency of audits, the interaction with auditors, and the coherence of the different checks. Each year, the Group monitors the audit’s process and provides evidence-based feedback to DG ECHO.  In 2024, these recommendations successfully led to the adaptation of the process.

The HP Watch Group is also involved, throughout the years, in collectively bringing to DG ECHO partners’ difficulties and concerns relating to rules and requirements surrounding the EU Humanitarian Partnership, such as the staff costs calculations and the introduction of the Certificate on the Financial Statements. Through regular information sharing, explanatory notes and meetings with key DG ECHO interlocutors, the role of the HP WG was key in providing further clarity to partners in understanding requirements, but also to raise DG ECHO’s awareness on the challenges they may pose in practice, in humanitarian settings.

1.4 DG ECHO’s Humanitarian Implementation Plans (HIPs) good practices 

Each year, the HP Watch Group monitors the HIPs process and aims to provide evidence-based feedback and recommendations to DG ECHO. 

The Watch Group advocates for “Good practices around DG ECHO HIPs and contracting cycle”, providing recommendations and feedback based on identified good practices. The document was approved by the HP Watch Group in 2022, and is regularly used as a basis for discussion to improve the processes underpinning the vital partnership between DG ECHO and certified NGO partners.  

In addition, each year, the HP Task Force collects data on the HIPs’ contracting process timeline. For more detailed information, see the 2023 presentation of DG ECHO’s HIPs Contracting Process Monitoring as well as the 2024 one.

1.5 Feedback on any relevant new requirements and guidance 

The group regularly provides feedback to DG ECHO on any novelties related to the Humanitarian Partnership, if needs arise.  

For example, in 2022 and 2023, the HP Watch Group engaged in extended dialogue with DG ECHO to provide feedback on the newly introduced Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) yearly reporting template. These dialogues led to the simplification of the reporting and supported a joint understanding of the reporting purpose and implementation.  

More recently, in 2024, the HP Watch Group provided feedback on the newly published DG ECHO’s Guidance on Money Transfer Agent.  

1.6 DG ECHO Partners’ segment: renewed Partners’ Conference 

The HP Watch Group regularly advocates for spaces for dialogue between DG ECHO and its partners. After the disappearance of the ‘Partners’ Conference’, a two-day event which used to be organised until 2019, the Watch Group advocated for the reinstitution of a partners-only event. These efforts led to the creation of the ‘Partners’ Segment’, which took place for the first time in March 2023.  

By providing a space exclusively to DG ECHO and its Partners, this event provides room for open and concrete discussions to enhance the partnership, and ultimately to the delivery of principled humanitarian aid for all people affected by crises worldwide. 

 

2. The HP Watch Group: past achievements  
 

2.1 2024: strengthening collective monitoring through new HP briefing

In 2024, the HP Watch Group focused on monitoring the rollout of DG ECHO’s Equitable Partnerships Guidance, addressing persistent audit-related challenges, and strengthening collective advocacy on compliance and partnership issues. A new sub-working group on audits was established to allow deeper, regular engagement with DG ECHO and facilitate timely preparation for discussions.

• The Watch Group implemented a structured monitoring exercise on the Equitable Partnerships Guidance in the HIPs 2024, launching a dedicated survey to gather tangible evidence and holding an exchange with DG ECHO to discuss findings and develop practical suggestions.

• VOICE, together with Charter4Change and the Red Cross EU Office, co-organised a session on risk-sharing at the Partners’ Segment, one year after the publication of the Guidance, followed by the publication of an outcome paper. 

• The HP Watch Group and Task Force engaged extensively with DG ECHO’s audit team on audit processes, including the publication of a new list of standard supporting documents for financial audits, the staff costs calculation rules, and corrective measures. An Information Sharing Note was produced to consolidate the group’s understanding on staff costs.  Also, a dedicated survey on HQ audits was conducted to assess progress on process improvements identified in 2023, with results discussed with DG ECHO.

• VOICE has published its new briefing “Partners in Humanitarian Action: Halfway through the EU Humanitarian Partnership 2021–2027”. Building on interviews, an online survey, and an in-person workshop with members and DG ECHO colleagues, the document provides a state of play of the DG ECHO-NGO partnership and examines its evolution since the transition from the FPA to the HP. It highlights essential elements to safeguard for quality humanitarian action, outlines key concerns such as the growing impact of the Corporate Approach, and identifies areas for improvement.

 

2.2 2023: the first ever Partners’ Segment 

In 2023, the first-ever DG ECHO Partners’ Segment took place on 22 March, right after the European Humanitarian Forum. Thanks to the intense advocacy work of VOICE and its members, DG ECHO has reinstated the former Partners’ Conferences with the new Partners’ Segment. Other highlights of the year include:  

• At the beginning of 2023, the HP Task Force and DG ECHO met to discuss the HP Watch Group Work Plan for 2023, setting the basis for constructive collaboration throughout the year. 

• The HP Watch Group engaged in discussions on the operationalisation of the DG ECHO Guidance note on Promoting Equitable Partnerships, raising engagement with L/NAs in the HIPs consultations, compliance requirements, overhead cost sharing, budget implications, and changes in the Single Form, among other items. 

• The HP Watch Group worked intensively on the consequences of DG ECHO’s new audit strategy, and put forward issues encountered in the audit process and discussed potential measures to improve. 

• The HP sub-working group on SEAH continued its efforts in engaging with DG ECHO, to provide feedback on the yearly SEAH reporting template and to influence DG ECHO’s approach to safeguarding.  

Please find further details in Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group: 2023 in review. 
 

2.3 2022: a renewed HP Watch Group and Task Force 

In 2022, the network launched the Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group reconstitution process. In May 2022, the process was finalised and the new Watch group’s composition was adopted. In October, the Watch Group elected its Task Force, a sub-group co-leading the work of the broader constituency with the Secretariat.  

• The HP Task Force worked intensively to provide feedback on DG ECHO’s annual reporting template on allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH).  

• The HP Watch Group regularly shared lessons learned and recommendations to improve the annual HIPs process and contracting cycle.  

• The network engaged on the new Programmatic Partnership (PP) presented by DG ECHO as a way to support long-term strategies, to scale up innovative approaches and to enhance dialogue between partners at the field and headquarters level. DG ECHO announced that the PP approach would be open to all international NGOs certified as eligible programmatic partners. VOICE has regularly advocated for the model to be accessible to more organisations.  
   

2.4 2021: a transition year 

2021 was a key transition year for the NGO certified partners of DG ECHO’s, as the new EU Humanitarian Partnership (HP) entered into force. Bringing changes and new challenges to the way NGOs and DG ECHO are working together, it has been essential for VOICE, the Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group and Task Force to monitor, assess and influence novelties around the new partnership framework.  

• VOICE launched different surveys to collect NGOs’ experiences of working in this new environment, with the aim of identifying successful changes and remaining difficulties. The analyses of these surveys were key when it came to engaging in evidence-based and constructive discussions with DG ECHO. 

• Publication of an additional Q&A with DG ECHO on the new modalities of the partnership. 

• VOICE and the Humanitarian Partnership TF worked intensely to influence the design of the new SEAH annual reporting template, calling on additional guidance and clarity on the template, as well as on the importance for it to follow a survivor-centred approach. 

• After two years without any Partners’ Conference, VOICE and the HP TF successfully advocated for DG ECHO’s Partnership 2021 webinar to take place. This webinar was key to come together and reflect on the first year of the new partnership and ensure an open exchange with DG ECHO. VOICE and the HP TF had the opportunity to share lessons learned and key recommendations with regards to the partnership, and a Q&A session allowed the wider community to make their concerns directly heard by DG ECHO staff.