- Are you Thinking and Working Politically (TWP) in your Activity?
- Have you adapted strategies or activity implementation based on ongoing learning around the political and social context (such as a PEA)?
- Does your team perform contextual analysis of governance or organizational problems on your projects?
The first TWP Case Competition aims to capture real-life case studies of USAID staff and implementing partners using a TWP approach for organizational learning and better development outcomes. This is not a call for traditional success stories; we want to hear what’s working well, what you’re struggling with, and what you’ve learned along the way. It can be about something big and formal (like a formal 6-week political economy assessment at the country level) or about one small and informal practice (one-on-one interview with a local government official) that made an important difference for your work.
Your case submission will showcase your team’s innovation and expertise, helping us all move the needle on strategic collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptive management. All case study finalists will be featured on DRG Links, USAID Learning Lab, and may be shared via communications channels such as a blog and on LinkedIn.
Submissions must be received by 5:00 PM EST on February 9, 2024
NEXT STEPS
To submit your case:
- Complete the online submission form in English or French or Spanish
- Complete the fillable PDF form in English or French or Spanish. Be sure to download it rather than completing it in your browser. If you complete it in your browser, the information will not save. Be sure to upload a photo before submitting your form. Email your completed PDF form to twpcases@pseisc.com.
- Complete either option 1 or 2 by 5pm EST by February 9, 2024.
You will receive automatic confirmation that your case was received.
We welcome questions, please email twpcases@pseisc.com.
FAQs
FAQS
What is the purpose of the Thinking and Working Politically (TWP) Case Competition?
The TWP Case Competition will build an evidence base of approaches of USAID and its implementing partners to thinking and working politically in their respective strategies, programs, or activities. We are looking for informal and formal approaches to how this is being applied in work across sectors and the outcomes achieved. Through the case competition, we will highlight insights and learnings focused on how politics, social factors, and economics intersect to shape particular development challenges and form the framework within which actors (including the private sector) operate.
My case has sensitive content. What if I don’t want it shared publicly?
This is totally understandable. We ask all those submitting to select if they would like it shared publicly, don’t want it shared publicly, or a third-option of “maybe, let’s discuss.” This last option would allow you to submit a case, but the approach and narrative that is shared may be redacted or summarized at a high-level to maintain a preferred level of anonymity. Those that elect not to be shared, even in a redacted form, may not be eligible to be a finalist or winner.
Does the case have to be funded or managed by a DRG office?
No. In fact, we are interested in those examples that may fall outside the DRG sector. We are also interested in those that are focused on supporting conditions or markets for the private sector. In short, we are accepting cases from any and all sectors.
Can I submit a case about an activity that is just getting started?
Yes, we welcome all examples of how an approach to thinking and working politically is being integrated into an activity. Documenting your work for this competition can enable a more systematic, intentional, and resourced approach to this in the future. It can also allow you to track your progress as you implement your programming.
Do cases have to represent only USAID-funded work?
Submissions do not have to be funded by USAID. However, while submissions without a USAID connection may be finalists, they will not receive the publication and promotion incentives.
Can cases be submitted in languages other than English?
Cases can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
Can I submit more than one case?
There is a limit of one case per activity. There is no limit on how many cases an organization may submit. If an organization is submitting multiple cases (each from a different activity), then please complete a separate entry form for each case. Note that the Basic Data webform that is filled out and submitted as part of the complete submission is a Google survey, and only one submission per email address can be accepted.
Can I edit my entry once it has been submitted?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept an updated entry or additional materials related to it after you have already submitted your entry.
Who is managing the TWP Case Competition?
The TWP Case Competition is managed by USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) and the Private Sector Engagement Hub through the PSE Modernization Institutional Support Contract (PSEMC), a mechanism implemented by Dexis Professional Services in partnership with Acute Incite, LLC.
Are there a specific number of pages, font type and size required?
Please do not change the presets, which include font type, size, and character limits, in the Adobe Fillable PDF form. The Google form will format your response and manage the character limit. Both versions of the form notate each section's character limitations and will not allow text past that character limit.
When we talk about thinking and working politically, what do we mean?
"Thinking and working politically" (TWP) is an approach used in the field of international development that emphasizes a more politically informed and context-specific way of addressing development challenges. This approach recognizes that development issues are often deeply intertwined with political factors, and to be effective, development practitioners must understand and engage with these political dynamics.
TWP acknowledges the complex and dynamic nature of development challenges and emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with political factors to design and implement effective and context-specific solutions. This approach aims to increase the likelihood of sustainable and inclusive development outcomes by addressing the underlying political realities that influence the success of development initiatives.
For example it may include key elements such as political analysis, adaptive approaches, partnerships and alliances, local ownership, conflict sensitivity, inclusive decision-making, and long-term perspective.
What if I have technical issues?
Don’t worry, there are two ways to submit: the Google form or the editable pdf. If you are having any technical issues, please reach out to: twpcases@pseisc.com.
Eligibility/Submission Limits
Can we submit a case when we helped others use a “thinking and working politically” approach vs. doing it ourselves?
Yes, you may.
Are there limitations on when the case took place? (e.g., is a case from several years ago permissible?)
There are no time limits, as long as the case hasn’t already been submitted in previous USAID-sponsored case competitions (e.g., the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Case Competitions).
Is there a limit on how many cases one organization can submit (if the organization manages multiple programs or activities)? Is it possible to submit more than one case from one activity?
There is a limit of one case per program or activity. There is no limit on how many cases an organization may submit. If an organization is submitting multiple cases (each from a different activity), then please complete a separate entry form for each case. Please note that if you are using the Google form to submit only one submission per email address can be accepted.
How many finalists and winners will be recognized?
Pending responses, we expect to have 10-20 winners and finalists.
Will a case that involves an approach to thinking and working across multiple countries be considered?
Yes!
What if I have more than one example of (multi-faceted) thinking and working politically? Can I submit multiple cases or should I put it all into one case?
It’s really up to you. If you can pull multiple approaches into one case while telling a cohesive story, that can make a very strong case. However, we also want you to be able to describe your approach step-by-step, so if you won’t have enough space to do that well for such a multi-faceted approach, you might consider submitting multiple cases. However, the limit is one case for each activity.
How much should my case be data-driven? Do we need to be more fact-based?
Please include as much data about the outcomes of your approach as you can. However, we recognize that it can be difficult to measure the outcomes. All types of qualitative and quantitative data and evidence are welcome.
Can the case consist of the approach/methodology we use in our activities?
Yes, as long as it also reflects an approach that is intentionally focused on thinking and/or working politically.
How many finalists and winners will be recognized?
Pending responses, we expect to have 10-20 winners and finalists.
This case competition is managed by USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance though the Private Sector Engagement Modernization Institutional Support Contract (PSEMC), implemented by Dexis Professional Services in partnership with Acute Incite, LLC. These services are made possible by support from the American people.