The MCA provides the framework in which Movement components operating in a given country coordinate their operations and programmes at all times. It ensures Movement preparedness by defining the specific roles and responsibilities of the Movement partners in case a crisis or emergency requiring a collective response of the Movement occurs. It also defines the priority areas of Movement coordination in the given context as well as the coordination mechanisms (in principle at the strategic, operational and technical levels). It aims to strengthen and maximise the partners’ complementary capabilities and to help ensure Movement preparedness. It also intends to avoid duplication or inefficiencies resulting from miscommunication and misinterpretation.

Ideally, in a “normal” situation (no crisis or emergency), whenever several Movement partners are active in a context.

To establish an ongoing framework for coordination between National Societies, the ICRC and the IFRC Secretariat to ensure proper coordination at all times and prepare for an expected emergency (either related to conflict or other situations of violence, or because of a natural disaster).

The Movement partners amend and contextualise the template to match the reality and constraints specific to the country context, as the MCA is a living document framing interaction between Movement’s partners. Partner National Societies (working internationally in the context) are encouraged to participate in the discussion and commit to the document by signing the ‘Declaration’, which is annexed to the template.

An agreement between Movement partners that outlines the basic principles, roles and responsibilities that underpin the security support provided by one partner to one or more others. It defines who holds specific responsibilities for the various partners, such as the Host National Society, ICRC and IFRC operating in the context, in line with to the provisions of the Seville Agreement 2.0.

To provide a robust framework for security dialogue, information sharing, operational support and coordination that aims to minimise risk for all Movement partners. By building on the MCA, the MSA aims to ensure alignment on security-related matters to help ensure an effective Movement response.

Usually, part of the Movement Coordination Agreement discussions for inclusion as an annex but may be a standalone agreement in some circumstances.

For the ICRC, specific security support may be provided to staff, dependents or visitors of Partner National Societies (PNS) or the International Federation (IFRC), to facilitate their presence and the fulfilment of their respective mandates associated with the Movement's operational response for affected populations. The three main levels of ICRC engagement in operational security management support for Movement partners are: Movement security framework support (Level 1); Security management support (Level 2); and Comprehensive security management support (Level 3). The equivalent of the ‘Level 4’ for ICRC is the integration of staff on loan from PNS into a rapid deployment or operational ‘surge’.  An additional form of security support specifically during crisis response under the Seville Agreement 2.0 is also offered – the ‘Level-crisis’.

In turn, there are four (4) options under which the IFRC provides security support to Movement partners, from ad hoc support all the way to integrated Movement security.

The tripartite (HNS-IFRC-ICRC) Joint Statement documents the overall ambition and scope of the Movement response and serves to be inspirational. It is communicated to the whole Movement as soon as possible and may also be used to communicate with the wider humanitarian system, including donors.

To communicate to the entire Movement the operational situation, confirm each Movement partners role and responsibilities and define the “Ask” with regard to possible additional resources.

As soon as possible at the onset of a crisis/emergency and following a Mini-summit.

To be drafted by the HNS, IFRC and the ICRC following a crisis/emergency that requires a collective Movement response. Ideally the Joint Statement is drafted once a Mini-Summit is held.

The MCO is a surge role; a mediator, facilitator, and advisor. He / she advises on issues related to good coordination and helps in setting up an efficient and effective coordination structure, to support and serve the common interests of the Movement and improve the coordination on the ground during large-scale emergencies. The MCO is selected from a pool of specially trained, and highly experienced Movement staff. During their deployment as an MCO they report to the Host National Society, the ICRC, and the IFRC.

The purpose of the MCO is to support the different components of the Movement in helping to build an environment that is conducive to the efficient and timely coordination of Movement activities. The MCO does not replace or substitute existing mechanisms, has no decision-making authority, and does not coordinate the Movement’s response. Their purpose is to act as a mediator, facilitator and adviser who supports the managers leading the coordination process.

The decision to deploy an MCO is raised during the Mini-Summit strategic meeting at the onset of situations triggering a collective Movement response. A “no-regret policy” exists when it comes to deploying MCOs, meaning that the general rule is to deploy. If it is decided NOT to request for an MCO, this should be duly justified.

A pre-selected roster of MCO’s from National Societies, the ICRC and IFRC are on stand-by for deployment. The MCO reports to the Strategic Movement Coordination team and his/her expenses, administrative and operational requirements are in usually covered by the sponsoring partner.

A visual map of the presence and operations of the Movement in a specific country context and/or region following the triggering of a Movement collective response. It represents a set of guiding principles, protocols, and templates, that allow for articulation of the collective impact and action of the Movement in an emergency or humanitarian situation.

It provides clarity in what the Movement is collectively doing to meet the critical needs arising from the situation. It ensures a collective understanding of the response of the various components of the Movement at a glance for external partners and other global actors. Furthermore, it provides clarity on current resource allocation and where potential tangible support could optimise the various components positions. Thus, it provides important data for both internal and external stakeholders.

The ‘Movement Picture’ can be initiated at any time during the response but is ideally initiated in the onset of a response with frequency of subsequent editions collectively agreed upon.

The ‘Movement Picture’ can be facilitated by either of the Movement partners in an emergency response. Data is validated by the partner providing the information, and the product is agreed upon by the Host National Society before publishing. The voice of the National Society must be at the forefront of every Movement Picture.