Paper details

Paper authors	Maryam Z. Deloffre
In panel on	Using Evaluation Evidence to Guide a Structured "Humanitarian Reset"
Paper presenter(s) will be presenting	In-Person / Online

Abstract

Localization policy conceives of the ‘power shift’ in humanitarian assistance as the gradual elimination of the intermediary, often United Nations (UN) or international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), in the aid chain. Yet, little attention has been paid to conceptualizing intermediaries and how they broker relationships in humanitarian assistance. To investigate brokerage processes, this paper examines Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) which are brokers specifically designed to bridge official donor agencies, with aid providers such as the UN, INGOs and national NGOs. Drawing on data from the CBPF Data Hub maintained by the UN and the annual reports for CBPFs in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Sudan this paper investigates brokerage by tracking allocation of funding over time and social ties to the CBPF Advisory Boards. Results indicate CBPF relationships with local NGO associations both mitigate the effect of restrictions on civil society and improve the participation and funding of national NGOs. However, CBPF interactions are dominated by a handful of implementing partners, suggesting they might reinforce hierarchical power dynamics.

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