Context & Challenge
A member organisation of a global international development network was undertaking its scheduled five-year strategic planning process at a time of significant change in the international funding landscape. The organisation needed a strategy that responded to evolving donor expectations while remaining grounded in the priorities of local communities and partners. A key objective was to develop a collaborative strategy that reflected diverse stakeholder perspectives and positioned the organisation for long-term impact.
Strategy & Execution
Jessie led the design and facilitation of an inclusive strategy development process involving more than 60 stakeholders, including community partner organisations, beneficiaries, local staff, headquarters representatives, and international donors across Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland. Through interviews, workshops, and iterative consultation, Jessie synthesised diverse perspectives into a cohesive five-year strategic direction.
One of the most significant outcomes of the consultation was the introduction of a dedicated Gender Justice strategic pillar. While gender had previously been considered through a mainstreaming approach, stakeholder feedback identified an opportunity to elevate gender justice as a standalone organisational priority while maintaining its integration across all areas of work. Jessie developed the final strategy, facilitated review and refinement with senior stakeholders, and supported the organisation through endorsement and implementation planning.
Results & Impact
The strategy was formally adopted as the organisation's five-year roadmap, providing a clear framework for programming, partnerships, and organisational decision-making in a changing funding environment. The introduction of a dedicated Gender Justice pillar strengthened organisational commitment to gender equity and created greater strategic visibility and accountability for this work. To sustain implementation, the organisation established new cross-functional working groups with diverse representation, ensuring ongoing ownership of strategic priorities and embedding inclusive collaboration into future decision-making.
