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Working in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance


Synopsis


Maïa Gedde

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to International Development and Humanitarian Assistance

* Explores the history, principles, and ethics of international development and humanitarian assistance.
* Example: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for global development efforts.

Chapter 2: The actors of International Development

* Discusses the various actors involved in development work, including governments, NGOs, IGOs, and private sector organizations.
* Example: World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, provides aid to over 100 countries worldwide.

Chapter 3: The fundamentals of Project Management

* Introduces the key concepts and tools of project management, such as planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.
* Example: A water supply project in a remote community would require careful planning to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the intervention.

Chapter 4: Monitoring and Evaluation

* Emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating development projects to assess their impact and ensure accountability.
* Example: A monitoring system for a nutrition program could track changes in weight and height to measure the effectiveness of the intervention.

Chapter 5: working on the field

* Discusses the challenges and opportunities of working in international development in the field.
* Example: Medical personnel working in a conflict zone may face safety risks and logistical constraints while providing essential healthcare services.

Chapter 6: working in headquarters

* Explores the role of headquarters staff in planning, coordinating, and supporting development operations.
* Example: A policy advisor in the headquarters of a UN agency might develop strategies for addressing global health challenges.

Chapter 7: Funding and Financing for development

* Examines the various sources of funding for development projects, including government budgets, private donations, and international financial institutions.
* Example: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria provides funding for programs to combat these diseases in developing countries.

Chapter 8: The Sustainable Development Goals

* Discusses the role of the SDGs in guiding international development efforts and their implications for practitioners.
* Example: A project aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation would contribute directly to SDG 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all).

Chapter 9: advocacy and influencing

* Explores the role of advocacy in international development, including strategies for influencing policymakers and the public.
* Example: A campaign to raise awareness about child labor might use social media, lobbying, and public demonstrations to advocate for change.

Chapter 10: The Humanitarian system

* Provides an overview of the humanitarian system, including the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
* Example: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides assistance to victims of armed conflict and other emergencies, adhering strictly to these principles.

Chapter 11: The future of international development

* Examines emerging trends and challenges in international development, such as climate change, urbanization, and technology.
* Example: Development practitioners need to adapt their approaches to address the increasing urbanization of the global population, which brings both opportunities and challenges for development efforts.