So far, we’ve explored everything from the importance of programmatic learning to running effective reflection sessions in our Learning Tips & Tricks series.
In this segment, we cover practical ways through which to manage international NGO knowledge—with structures that typically have remote teams in areas with infrastructure challenges and unpredictable conditions.
Learning plays a crucial role in building resilience for international NGOs operating in remote locations. Capturing insights from the field and sharing them internally for adaptive management and at the organisational level, for strategic learning, creates a valuable feedback loop, revealing what’s working and what isn’t. Here’s how to keep knowledge management and learning effective and straightforward:
Tip 1—Establish a clear learning system
A structured learning framework ensures that knowledge is consistently captured, stored and shared. Define what needs to be documented, assign roles for knowledge capture and standardise processes for updating resources. A clear framework makes it easy for team members to contribute and access information without ambiguity.
Tip 2—Make sure your tool works offline
Given connectivity challenges in remote areas, choose tools that works both online and offline. Platforms that allow for offline access but can later link to a shared system across the team or organisation. Aim for language accessibility in your learning platform to cater to local teams effectively.
Tip 3—Tap into asynchronous communication
In regions where real-time communication is challenging, the likes of shared documents or message boards let team members collaborate on their own schedules. This digital paper trail fosters thoughtful knowledge sharing and keeps everyone informed, even across different time zones.
Tip 4—Prioritise onboarding and continuous learning
A structured onboarding process helps new team members quickly adapt to the knowledge base and workflows. Provide easy access to essential documents and tools and assign a learning mentor to guide them through the processes. Ensure that the importance of learning and knowledge management is clear from the beginning as this can help establish habits and ensure the continuity of learning.
Tip 5—Make learning inputs easy with templates
Consistent documentation is key to enabling accessible knowledge. Use templates for common tasks, such as programme updates, meeting notes and field reports—making them available in the team’s home languages. Standardised templates simplify documentation, ensuring insights, challenges and best practices are recorded consistently.
Tip 6—Feed learning power with blended learning models
Workshops, group discussions and community meetings provide hands-on learning opportunities that help share and combine knowledge. Connect with staff and communities in forums that work for them, and when it comes to building a shared learning culture, don’t force it, but do enable it by enabling a peer-based learning approach.
Tip 7—Collaborate with NGOs and local institutions
Collaboration with other NGOs, universities and research institutions creates spaces of valuable knowledge sharing and prevents duplication. This exchange of expertise builds resilience and creates mutual learning opportunities, strengthening efforts across similar regions and contexts. There’s much to be learned by learning from these communities!
Tip 8—Empower your staff by empowering the community
Local empowerment should be a priority in development. Equip in-country staff with the knowledge to manage the programme/s and consider using a train-the-trainer model to sustain knowledge sharing within the community. Again, be conscious of speaking the right language, adapting resources to local languages and customs to be culturally sensitive.
Sneak-peak for inspiration: Together with Propel’s templates and AI-powered summaries, our members find the platform’s Flagging Feature useful as it enables staff and team leaders alike to flag and share pivotal discoveries, challenges or opportunities during their learning journey. This, in turn, builds in-country resilience through enabling effective knowledge sharing across organisations.
Putting learning at the centre of team communication and connection goes a long way to being even more effective in the field. By focusing on learning, team leaders are enabled to truly know their remotely based teams and to consistently not only hear from them, but to effectively listen with them—and this puts the full team at a place where they can add value to decisions that are in the works.
Propel learning in your organisation: stay tuned for more tips & tricks for learning.