Empowering local leadership in humanitarian work – a global HR perspective

In parallel with initiatives to direct more humanitarian funding to local NGOs, another process of localization is taking place within many international humanitarian NGOs. Organizational design is evolving – driven by multiple factors and enabled by technology. Job market data show that traditional hierarchical structures are giving way to new models, and leadership positions previously filled by expatriates are increasingly filled through local recruitment. As a relatively new trend in the humanitarian sector – but one that is clearly growing – this has triggered fundamental questions for international NGOs regarding organizational structure and different aspects of HR management on a global scale.

What changes are needed in terms of global organizational and HR structures to support this change? What are the implications for job profiles, recruitment, compensation, professional development, and progression?

At a more fundamental level, it also raises the question: Is there a value in shared organizational identity and cohesion across the diverse contexts in which an international humanitarian NGO operates? As organizational structures change, will the roles of global headquarters and expat staff change as well? And if so, what will this mean in terms of the professional knowledge and skills that will be required?

As part of the Geneva Humanitarian Connector initiative, join PHAP and CHS Alliance for a discussion session on 27 June to learn more about the latest evidence, thinking, and practice in this area. The event will feature a special presentation by Gary McGillicuddy, a founder and Managing Partner of Birches Group, and an informal discussion with HR specialists from across the sector.

Discussants

• Gary McGillicuddy, co-founder and Managing Partner, Birches Group
• René Bujard, global HR Director, Oxfam International (joining via videolink)
• Other discussants to be announced soon

Host

• Angharad Laing for the Geneva Humanitarian Connector, an initiative of PHAP in partnership with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

A welcome coffee will be available from 15:30 onwards. The discussion will take place from 16:00 until 18:00 and will be followed by a cocktail reception until 19:30.

NB: Panelists and others are participating in this informal event in their personal capacity. The views expressed in the event are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the views of PHAP or the organizations with which these individuals are affiliated.

Geneva Humanitarian Connector
The Geneva Humanitarian Connector is a networking, information-sharing, and outcome-oriented facilitation platform primarily targeted to the humanitarian community in Geneva. It also promotes the import and export of relevant ideas and perspectives to and from humanitarian Geneva. It may be pictured as the dynamic intersection of individuals, institutions, and high-priority issues in humanitarian Geneva, promoting networking and information exchange among professionals based in and interacting with humanitarian Geneva. The Geneva Humanitarian Connector is an initiative of PHAP in partnership with the Swiss administration, with the active involvement of a wide range of other institutional and individual stakeholders.