Embracing Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) as a central pillar to Organizational Culture and Behavior Change (OC/BC) Approach.

• In Event: Can Locally Led Development (LLD) improve the power dynamics and outcomes of Development programs? Experiences from the Jordan Technical Assistance program

Proposal

Embracing Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) as a central pillar to Organizational Culture and Behavior Change (OC/BC) Approach. (Presented by Nour Al Mansour, MEL Director, TAP-Jordan).
CLA serves as the framework for intentional planning and processes, enabling implementers to become more responsive, knowledge-driven, and adaptable to the dynamic challenges faced in achieving development objectives. The OC/BC approach of TAP focuses on transforming the organizational culture and building technical and institutional capacity within the Government of Jordan to effectively implement education and youth reforms supported by direct USAID investment.
From its inception, TAP has integrated OC/BC as an essential component of technical discussions with Government of Jordan (GOJ) counterparts. A situational analysis, which identifies behavior change issues and policy and capacity gaps, serves as the foundation for the application of CLA principles. Through annual assessments, TAP collects and shares data with the MoE, fostering collaboration to incorporate real-time feedback into work plans. This flexible yet structured approach supports continuous improvement and embeds CLA principles within the situational analysis process.
To promote LLD, TAP has facilitated a shift from highly centralized decision-making to active collaboration across units and with internal and external partners. In June 2023, TAP won the CLA (Collaborating, Learning, Adapting) Competition for strengthened internal collaboration within the Ministry of Youth, while promoting external coordination with other stakeholders, ensuring the active participation of youth in the operationalization of the National Youth Strategy (NYS). The award helped institutionalize a cultural shift towards collaboration and co-creation which was later used for the development of the youth centers annual plans. This part of the panel will address how cultivating a culture of open and frank communication has played a pivotal role in driving the organizational culture of CLA within the GOJ Ministries, promoted effective knowledge-driven and adaptive practices to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Author

• Sonan Alaa Al-Shalabi, Creative Associate International