Adaptability isn’t just a virtue in international development—it’s a vital necessity. Our experience in Guatemala demonstrates how quick thinking and strategic agility can ensure that development goals are met even in the face of significant political fluctuations.
In 2021, two years into Dexis’ implementation of USAID’s Guatemala Justice and Transparency Project—designed to strengthen local security and justice sector institutions—the political landscape changed dramatically. The newly elected Guatemalan government began rolling back support for anti-corruption initiatives, firing key officers, and redirecting priorities away from transparency.
This increasingly hostile environment posed significant new roadblocks to anti-corruption initiatives like the Justice and Transparency Project. Faced with this sudden shift, Dexis had to rapidly pivot to fulfill our commitments and maintain the integrity of our work. The following actions became central to meeting this challenge.
Pivoting During Volatile Times
Gather and analyze information. Information gathering and scenario planning became the foundation of the Justice Project’s new approach. The Dexis team began monitoring social media and collecting data on potential future scenarios, ranging from diplomatic breakdowns to changes in leadership within the Guatemalan government. Local staff, with their deep knowledge of Guatemala’s political realities, played a key role in staying ahead of new developments. This proactive stance allowed Dexis to prepare for a range of possible outcomes, instead of merely reacting to events as they unfolded.
Find new points of entry. Dexis quickly identified and engaged with new counterparts—specifically those with the political will to fight corruption. By collaborating with organizations like the Guatemala Migration Institute and the Secretariat for Sexual Violence, Dexis found alternative entry points to continue its work. These partnerships allowed the team to maintain its commitment to anti-corruption and rule of law initiatives, albeit through different channels.
Protect staff and stakeholders. In any volatile environment, ensuring the safety and security of staff and stakeholders is a top priority. Recognizing this, Dexis updated our security plans to reflect current realities. Frequent communication with the team ensured that everyone was informed and supported, both emotionally and professionally. Measures like minimizing project visibility and using discretion when collaborating with local civil society organizations helped the team to keep a low profile while continuing their important work.
Coordinate with the client. Close coordination with USAID was essential throughout this process. Weekly calls with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) allowed for joint decision-making and ensured that Dexis remained aligned with USAID’s broader objectives. This collaboration was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the shifting political landscape.
A member of the postulation commission reviews a candidate’s file for the upcoming Supreme Court elections in Guatemala City on September 12, 2024, as Congress prepares to select new magistrates and judges for the 2024-2029 term. In 2024, the new administration marked a shift toward open governance and anti-corruption, opening new opportunities for Dexis and positioning the Justice Project as a key government partner. Photo: Johan Ordonez/AFP.
Results During Resistance
Agility isn’t just about reacting to change—it’s about anticipating it, preparing for it, and finding new pathways to achieve the same goals. By leveraging local knowledge, protecting staff and stakeholders, and coordinating closely with USAID, Dexis was able to navigate a challenging situation and continue our essential work, including:
- Supporting research to assess the state of the justice sector and identify mechanisms to improve its transparency
- Strengthening the capacity of the Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate cases of police corruption
- Helping consolidate methodologies for managing complex cases of migrant trafficking, government corruption, extortion, and smuggling
- Developing a tool to aid in combating customs corruption
- Training police internal investigators to apply advanced techniques for investigating police corruption
As a result, USAID praised the team’s “ability to move quickly and respond to opportunities within the justice system,” noting that it “has been of benefit to the U.S. Government and has exceeded expectations in very complex circumstances.”
Leveraging New Windows of Opportunity
Flexibility is essential not only in challenging times but also when new opportunities arise. With the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo in January 2024, the Government of Guatemala has taken a dramatic turn towards open government and anti-corruption efforts, providing Dexis with fresh avenues for engagement and positioning the Justice Project as a key partner for the government’s policy priorities.
Several ministries and institutions—including the newly created Anti-Corruption Commission, the Ministries of Health and Education, and the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism—have directly requested support from the Justice Project. This assistance will focus on establishing internal controls to disrupt corruption schemes and networks, positioning Dexis to help the Arévalo administration produce concrete results in its fight against corruption.
However, even as the political climate improves, the need for adaptability remains. Dexis continues to analyze and adjust its strategies to ensure that institutional structures, capacity, and systems are strong nimble enough to support any future changes. As political contexts shift around the globe, the lessons learned from this experience will serve as valuable guides for future development projects.
Special thanks to the Dexis team supporting the USAID/Guatemala Justice and Transparency Project for their contributions to this blog.