NGO Planning

Presenter: James Hardman, Emergencies Coordinator,

Oxfam Australia

Some broad points:

• For particular Humanitarian Emergencies (CHEs, CPEs, Natural Disasters) planning typically occurs in-country or at HQ, not at a regional centre

• Often will have staff/partners in affected country

• NGOs differ widely in approach/mandate, and approach to planning

Coordination• Larger, established NGOs tend to coordinate with UN

(UNOCHA, UNHCR, etc), and will usually be given responsibilities by the UN Lead Agency, often funding

• Other INGOs and LNGOs (not always small) may be outside this loop - choice, neglected– bad experience of coordination

– lack of time and personnel

• Competition

Why are NGOs they way they are?

• Very dependant on public/media/donor interest in Natural Disasters, CHEs - will affect the number of NGOs and level of funds

• Don’t have clear systems like the military– relatively new at this, theory and debate ongoing

– working on ways to improve without losing their advantages (grassroots, speed, flexibility…)

• Most INGOs are trying to be demand driven - but will still sometimes try and anticipate a response

• Have ambitious goals and objectives - overstretch

Interaction with Military

Generalisations:

• Military view of NGOs:Will not coordinate, too independent

No structure

• NGO view of military:Not focused on the local population, only “military” objectives

Don’t see full repercussions of their actions, in and out

Seriously:

• Provision of security - convoy, camp– Military plans may be different to NGO requirements

• Logistic support - don’t have own, hard to rent– still should be able to justify (mandate)

• More difficult for local NGOs, don’t know the process, cultural barriers

• Inexperienced Civil Affairs and NGO staff have to learn the whole game, overcome barriers - turnover

NGO Principles and Planning Tools

• Do No Harm

• Codes of Conduct

• Standards (SPHERE)

• Rights based approach - dignity

• Basic guidelines - civil military (peak body, internal, other)

– Humanitarian Imperative– International Humanitarian Law– Impartiality (Neutrality)– Humanitarian Space

– Civil-Military Distinction– Vulnerable Groups need special attention– Information sharing– Use of military resources - care and transp.– Transport of Personnel– Training and Dialogue - mutual benefits

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