NGOs are widely recognized as key actors in an effective, efficient and accountable emergency response because they are frontline implementers for the majority of humanitarian operations. As such, the appropriate engagement of NGOs within humanitarian leadership is a critical component for success. Despite numerous evaluations of the cluster approach noting the value of NGO engagement, there is lack of qualitative data on the NGO role within humanitarian leadership structures. This research attempts to fill that gap. Through this study, InterAction examined the perceived and expected value of NGO engagement on and contributions to Humanitarian Country Teams (HCTs). Additionally, the research explored how NGOs leverage and lend their experience to the HCTs to improve the efficiency of humanitarian action. InterAction plans a second phase of research to examine other aspects of the architecture, notably clusters. The report also includes findings on challenges faced by all HCT members –for example, the extent to which a staff member of an independent operational organization can represent his/her peers. The recommendations within this report aim to strengthen a common understanding of the role that NGOs can fulfill on HCTs, as well as to reiterate expectations of the HCTs themselves.
This Guide is not meant to be a definitive “how to” manual, but it focuses on issues and areas to consider when undertaking NGO coordination and when setting up an NGO coordination body. It is an entry point into the world of NGO coordination – an area of humanitarian response that is vast in...
The understanding of localization in the humanitarian response in Ukraine remains a key policy and practice concern for donors and humanitarian actors. While localization of the humanitarian response in Ukraine is frequently stressed as a priority, there have been only limited efforts to date to...
This briefing paper covers a historical analysis of NGO – Taliban relations. It highlights the challenges currently faced by the NGOs in Afghanistan, with a focus on national and local NGOs, based on findings from 41 key informant interviews and a desk review of currently available literature. It...
