In 2023, the global average for dedicated cluster coordinator capacity rose to 71 per cent, reflecting a significant increase from 64 per cent in 2022. This improvement suggests a positive shift away from double-hatting arrangements towards more dedicated cluster coordinator roles: when combined, dedicated and double-hatting cluster coordinator capacity remained stable at 85 per cent for both 2022 and 2023.
National cluster coordinator capacity (leads and co-leads) – 2021 to 2023
However, dedicated cluster coordination capacity varied significantly across IASC operations:
- Six operations had 90 per cent or above dedicated cluster coordination capacity, of which two operations had 100 per cent (Ukraine and Myanmar) and four (Yemen, Syria (Gaziantep), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Venezuela) had between 90 and 92 per cent.
- In contrast, six operations had dedicated capacity of 50 per cent or below, with Haiti and Madagascar at only 25 per cent and Cameroon, Niger, Colombia and Honduras all between 40 and 50 per cent.
- Among the eight IASC System-Wide Scale-Ups that were active in 2023, dedicated cluster capacity showed increases or remained stable in Afghanistan, DRC, Ethiopia, and Syria (Gaziantep). However, there was a notable difference in the Syria operation between Gaziantep (92 per cent) and Damascus (50 per cent). Haiti had just 25 per cent dedicated capacity and Somalia 69 per cent.
Cluster dedicated coordinator capacity by location (leads and co-leads) – 2022 and 2023
Dedicated capacity also varied significantly across clusters. Food Security, Shelter, and Education clusters demonstrated robust dedicated coordination capacity. In contrast, Areas of Responsibility (AoRs) such as Mine Action and Housing, Land and Property often relied on double-hatting or partial coverage. Seven clusters and two AoRs saw increases in dedicated capacity in 2023, whilst six saw decreases, including three that decreased by over 10 per cent (Logistics, WASH and Early Recovery). These findings highlight persistent issues in achieving consistent dedicated coordination capacity across all clusters and operational contexts.