The Executive Committee (EC) is comprised of the core SGCI funders (FCDO, IDRC, NRF, Sida, DFG and Norad). The DFG, as an Associate Funder joins the EC meeting once annually. The EC provides overall oversight to the Initiative. Virtual EC meetings are held quarterly and attended by the representatives of funding agencies.
The Councils Committee (CC) is composed of the Heads of Research Councils (HORCs). The CC’s role is to ensure that the SGCI activities are aligned with the needs and interests of Participating Councils and to prepare for its long-term sustainability. The CC meets annually alongside the Annual Forums.
The Initiative Management Team (IMT) is composed of IDRC and NRF staff. The IMT is responsible for the day-to-day management of the SGCI and meets on a monthly basis.
The Panel of Advisors (POA) is composed of subject-matter experts who provide strategic advice in various components of the Initiative based on their individual expertise and interests. They also act as ambassadors. They participate in select meetings of the SGCI to share their views and expertise.
Implementation of the SGCI is done in conjunction with various service providers. Collaborating Technical Agencies (CTAs), researchers and consultants are recruited competitively to perform specific SGCI-wide activities including strategic communications, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
A critical component of implementing the SGCI is a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework. This framework has been useful in facilitating a common approach to the Initiative’s implementation. It is supported by an overarching Theory of Change, a data collection tool known as the Outcome Diary Log Sheet (ODLS) and the Logical Framework which aggregates annual milestones at output and outcome levels. The SGCI organises biannual MEL meetings with its stakeholders to review and reflect on results, progress and to share lessons. Annual Reports that document progress of activities and the lessons learnt are prepared by the IMT and submitted to the funding partners.
