The partnership process
To carry out our work with people living in poverty, Opportunity International Australia partners with organisations that are capable of substantial social impact and sound operational sustainability. The partnership process is as follows:
1. Initial partner assessment
If we assess likely mission alignment, we will fund a formal business planning exercise, a step that forms a key input for the next phase of the partnership process – due diligence. In some cases, information obtained in this phase has led to a decision not to proceed with a relationship.
2. Detailed partner assessment
A due diligence exercise is conducted around mission alignment, performance and leadership credentials, together with an assessment of environmental risks. Our Investment Committee then reviews new partnership recommendations and proposals for ongoing support of existing partners, either passing a proposal on to our Board or making a decision not to proceed.
3. Partnership agreements
If Board approval is obtained, normal transaction execution processes are undertaken in the form of alliance, debt and equity agreements (as applicable).
4. Ongoing relationship management
This includes attendance at Board meetings, meetings between partners and their relationship managers, and monthly reporting by partners of financial and operational performance.
Opportunity International Australia seeks to create long-term relationships with our implementing partners to ensure that our clients are being served in the best possible way. We have been partnering with Tanaoba Lais Manekat (TLM), our microfinance partner in West Timor, Indonesia for more than 16 years, and for more than 29 years with our partner Tulay Sa Pag-ulad, Inc (TSPI) in the Philippines. Our India program was established in 2008 and we plan to continue long lasting partnerships with these organisations also.