The transformative role of an internal expert: The focal person

We are a learning organisation and believe that every experience is an opportunity for learning and growth.

Over the years, the concept of the ‘focal person’ or internal expert has emerged as a pivot to drive transformational change within the organisation. This role acts as a bridge between various departments, projects and external partners. Due to their unique position, focal persons play a multifaceted role in improving organisational effectiveness, fostering innovation and amplifying impact on the ground.

Catalyst for innovation

At the core of their responsibilities, focal persons are responsible for disseminating knowledge and best practices across the different sectors of our organisation. Each of us is specialised in a topic, and acts as a collector of experience serving all areas within AVSI.  Some of us are based in HQ, others in different countries. This role is crucial to ensure that innovative solutions and methodologies do not remain isolated within specific departments, but are shared and adapted throughout the organisation. By acting as a repository and conduit for cutting-edge ideas and strategies, focal persons help create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This environment not only drives the organisation forward, but also ensures that it continues to respond to the evolving challenges of international development.

Improving the effectiveness of our work

Focal points play a key role in improving effectiveness by ensuring that projects are aligned with overall goals and strategies.  By capitalising on experiences, they avoid duplications and act as a guarantor for unity in a complex and very articulated organisation.

Their in-depth knowledge of the organisation’s mission and the broader development landscape enables them to provide valuable insights into project design and implementation. This in-house expertise ensures that initiatives are not only strategically aligned, but also optimised for impact, efficiency and sustainability.

Amplifying impact

Perhaps the most significant contribution is their role in amplifying the impact of our initiatives. Focal points are instrumental in identifying synergies between projects, enabling the organisation to address complex development challenges in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. This holistic approach not only maximises the impact of individual projects, but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Building partnerships

In an increasingly interconnected world, the success of our initiatives often depends on the strength of partnerships. Reference persons are at the forefront of building and nurturing these critical relationships. Their experience and understanding of the development landscape make them ideal ambassadors for their organisations, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including other foundations and NGOs, governments, the private sector and local communities. Nurturing these partnerships, focal persons help to ensure that development initiatives are grounded in local realities and benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and resources.

In conclusion, the role of focal persons has proven to be an invaluable asset in driving both innovation and organisational effectiveness within AVSI. By serving as bridges between various sectors, projects, and partners, these internal experts ensure that knowledge flows seamlessly throughout the organisation, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Their ability to align projects with strategic goals, optimise operations for impact and forge meaningful partnerships significantly amplifies the reach and effectiveness of our work. As we continue to face evolving challenges in international development, the insight and adaptability of focal persons will remain central to our mission, ensuring that we not only meet current demands but also anticipate future needs.