Case study atlas
Navigating International Development: ChildFund New Zealand's Impact in Kiribati
Supporting ChildFund New Zealand through an ADB tender for community engagement in Kiribati’s WASH sector.
The challenge
When the Asian Development Bank (ADB) tendered for community engagement expertise in Kiribati's WASH sector, ChildFund New Zealand stepped forward. Pursuing the ADB-funded WASH Community Partnership was a significant step for the NGO's growing work in Kiribati, and meant navigating the bank's intricate application process.
What we did
- ChildFund New Zealand has been instrumental in establishing ChildFund Kiribati, focusing on resource mobilisation and programme expansion, and recognised the ADB tender as an opportunity to further its mission.
- Kirsty Burnett guided the team through methodology development, form completion, team assembly, and overall quality assurance. Her knowledge of Kiribati and previous WASH projects with MFAT and UNICEF meant she could effectively lead from afar, overcoming the challenges of remote work.
Outcomes
Achievements and learning Although ChildFund NZ placed second in the tender process, the experience was rich in learning and growth. The team's ability to meet ADB's rigorous standards in methodology and budgeting did not go unnoticed. This visibility has positioned ChildFund as a strong contender for future opportunities with ADB and other funders. Interestingly, the winning bidder recognised ChildFund's expertise and has since engaged them for specific tasks, allowing ChildFund to benefit from the project without bearing the full contract's risks.
Reflections from ChildFund Quenelda Clegg, former Director of Programmes at ChildFund New Zealand, reflected: "We learned a lot; our team in Kiribati did us proud, and Kirsty brought it all together. Her ability to navigate complex processes and resources was invaluable to our organisation."
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