It is vital to have systems in place to help ensure that the limited funds reach the people whose needs are most acute. This cannot be done by one actor alone or by working in isolation. It requires an objective understanding of needs within and across crises to enable informed decision-making.
Rationale for NRC’s engagement
NRC has a strong institutional commitment to engagement in the interagency coordination system. We are heavily represented in coordination leadership roles at national level, actively participate in the development of humanitarian needs overviews and response plans, and contribute to interagency system reform efforts at global level.
We acknowledge that these coordination mechanisms, strategic planning tools and associated processes are riddled with challenges. However, despite the heaviness, complexity and occasional opaqueness of the systems, NRC continues to believe in their importance, while also recognising the need for change.
Importance for the communities we work with
Despite increased contributions from humanitarian donors, funding has failed to keep up with the needs of a rapidly growing number of people in need of humanitarian assistance. As a result, millions of people are missing out on assistance and protection every year. In addition, access challenges for the humanitarian community are increasingly hindering and/or delaying humanitarian services to the people most in need.
In this environment, it is all the more important to have systems in place to help ensure that the limited funds reach the people whose needs are most acute. This cannot be done by one actor alone or by working in isolation. It requires an objective understanding of needs within and across crises to enable informed decision-making.
Ensuring resources reach the most vulnerable in all locations also requires systems to coordinate who provides assistance and where, and to ensure that the quality of the assistance and services is adequate and consistent. Given the size of the humanitarian sector, this is not something that can be taken lightly. Avoiding duplication and minimising gaps, particularly when considering the scale of needs and volume of responders, require effective coordination.
Our priorities
To promote the strengthening of the interagency humanitarian system, NRC engages in the following areas:
- Streamlined coordination structures
- Improved humanitarian programme cycle/prioritisation process
- Greater performance accountability for humanitarian leaders
- Improved leadership and attention to protection
Publications
Rationale for NRC’s engagement
NRC has a strong institutional commitment to engagement in the interagency coordination system. We are heavily represented in coordination leadership roles at national level, actively participate in the development of humanitarian needs overviews and response plans, and contribute to interagency system reform efforts at global level.
We acknowledge that these coordination mechanisms, strategic planning tools and associated processes are riddled with challenges. However, despite the heaviness, complexity and occasional opaqueness of the systems, NRC continues to believe in their importance, while also recognising the need for change.
Importance for the communities we work with
Despite increased contributions from humanitarian donors, funding has failed to keep up with the needs of a rapidly growing number of people in need of humanitarian assistance. As a result, millions of people are missing out on assistance and protection every year. In addition, access challenges for the humanitarian community are increasingly hindering and/or delaying humanitarian services to the people most in need.
In this environment, it is all the more important to have systems in place to help ensure that the limited funds reach the people whose needs are most acute. This cannot be done by one actor alone or by working in isolation. It requires an objective understanding of needs within and across crises to enable informed decision-making.
Ensuring resources reach the most vulnerable in all locations also requires systems to coordinate who provides assistance and where, and to ensure that the quality of the assistance and services is adequate and consistent. Given the size of the humanitarian sector, this is not something that can be taken lightly. Avoiding duplication and minimising gaps, particularly when considering the scale of needs and volume of responders, require effective coordination.
Our priorities
To promote the strengthening of the interagency humanitarian system, NRC engages in the following areas:
- Streamlined coordination structures
- Improved humanitarian programme cycle/prioritisation process
- Greater performance accountability for humanitarian leaders
- Improved leadership and attention to protection