How We Work

COMPASS follows a continuous advocacy cycle that moves community priorities into decision-making and brings evidence from implementation back into strategy.

COMPASS community and advocacy engagement
01

Strategy Labs – Setting Country Priorities

At the start of each annual advocacy cycle, communities and country coalitions identify the policy, financing, and systems changes that matter most.

02

Build a Shared Strategy

These priorities are translated into evidence-based advocacy asks, strategies and campaigns.

03

Equip Country-Led Action

Each strategy is supported with the technical expertise, evidence, coordination and resources needed for effective targeted action.

04

Shape Decisions and Implementation

Equipped coalitions advance their asks in national, regional and global decision-making spaces, and follow commitments through implementation.

05

Track Results, Learn and Adapt

MERL tracks progress and contribution throughout the cycle. Evidence and learning strengthen accountability and feed directly into the next round of priority-setting and strategy.

Evidence and learning feed into the next cycle

The COMPASS Architecture

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Country Coalitions

Uniting national civil society organisations and community-led networks, Country Coalitions work across HIV, tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and health security. Members jointly set advocacy priorities, shape campaigns and lead implementation, keeping decisions anchored in communities most affected.

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Global Partners

Responding to country-defined priorities, Global Partners provide technical expertise, global intelligence and access to regional and international decision-making spaces. They strengthen country campaigns and advance aligned policy and financing advocacy beyond national borders.

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Program Strategy Team

Working alongside country coalitions, the Program Strategy Team turns priorities into focused, politically informed advocacy strategies. Drawing on experienced African advocates, it provides tailored technical support, strengthens campaign design and connects country action to regional and global advocacy opportunities where collective action can shift policy, financing and implementation.

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Country Coordinators

Turning coalition strategies into coordinated action, Country Coordinators connect partners, coordinate implementation and support resource mobilisation, capacity strengthening and results tracking.

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MERL Strategy Hub

Making evidence, impact and learning integral to strategy, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Results and Learning (MERL) Strategy Hub tracks advocacy momentum, contribution and results across countries, and synthesises community and partner evidence to strengthen national, regional and global advocacy. Its insights help coalitions adapt, demonstrate value and strengthen accountability.

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COMPASS Secretariat

Anchors coalition-wide coordination, institutional stewardship and sustainability, providing governance and fiduciary oversight, managing grants, strengthening partner capacity, leading donor engagement, and coordinating communications across COMPASS.

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COMPASS Governance Committee (CGC)

A nine-member, coalition-wide advisory body representing all COMPASS countries across the Global North and South, including people living with HIV, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), young people, and key and vulnerable populations. The CGC provides governance and participatory grant-making oversight and promotes adherence to COMPASS governance standards.