Post on 31-Jul-2015
Primer on Internal Operating Procedures for the development
of an MoU/Agreements
Hellen Ochieng, Program Officer,Partnerships & Impact Directorate
Outline of the Presentation• Definition of an MoU• Purpose of an MoU• General guidelines for developing an MoU• Stages in the process of developing an MoU/Agreements• Timeframe for developing MoUs• Benefits of following MoU procedures• Risks of ignoring MoU procedures• Tips and traps on MoUs• Conclusion
Definition of MoU• A formal non-legal binding agreement between
two or more parties requiring or desiring to enter into a contractual relationship as equal partners
• Include a variety of topics and issues• Inputs from each partner required• Ranges from one to several pages and has to be
signed by both parties
Purpose of an MoU• Formalize and strengthen partnerships between
two or more organizations• Protect both parties against differing
interpretations of expectations by either party• Establish potential formal relationships with
influential agencies• Reduce potential friction over turf issues by
specifying responsibilities
General guidelines for developing an MoU
• Identify key people• Keep the goals and objectives broad and the
language simple• Set realistic expectations• Be specific regarding the agreements and functions• Set review dates• Clearly specify procedures for amending the MoU• Handle the process well for the first time to avoid
re-negotiating
Stages in the process of developing MoUs
• Initiation stage • Draft review stage• Partnerships & Impact review
stage• Final revisions, endorsements
and signatures stages
Timeframe for developing MoU from Initiation to signatures stages
• Draft stage – 7 days• Review stage – 7 days• Expert stage – 5 days• Cleared for endorsement – 2 days• Signature stage – 2 days
Vi Agroforestry Partners
Benefits of following MoU Procedures
• Safeguard the organization against risks from exposure of legal interpretation• Build healthy and transparent
partnerships• Foster organizational growth
Risks of ignoring MoU procedures
• Risks to legal exposure and loss of credibility• Reputational risks• Risks of increasing institutional
exposure
Tips and Traps on MoUs
• Intellectual Property Rights• Confidentiality• Dispute Resolution• Individual contributions for the
specified projects/activities
Thank You