Localizing Humanitarian Financing: From Policy to Practice Training Course
Introduction
The principle of "localization" in humanitarian action calls for a fundamental shift in power and resources towards local and national actors who are often the first responders and best placed to understand and address the needs of their communities. This 5-day training course on Localizing Humanitarian Financing: From Policy to Practice provides an in-depth exploration of the financial dimensions of this critical agenda. Participants will gain practical knowledge on how to re-engineer funding flows, strengthen local financial management capacities, and build equitable partnerships that genuinely empower local organizations, moving beyond rhetoric to tangible change in humanitarian finance.
This intensive program is designed for humanitarian leaders, finance professionals, partnership managers, and donors committed to transforming the current aid architecture. It will delve into the complexities of direct funding, risk sharing, simplified financial procedures, and capacity strengthening, equipping attendees with the tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in localizing aid finance. By fostering a deeper understanding of the "how-to" of financial localization, the course aims to accelerate a more equitable, effective, and sustainable humanitarian response driven by those closest to the crisis.
Duration: 5 Days
Target Audience:
- Senior Leadership and Directors of Humanitarian Organizations
- Finance Directors and Managers (local, national, and international NGOs)
- Grants and Partnership Managers
- Donors and Philanthropic Foundations
- Government Officials involved in disaster management and aid coordination
- Capacity Building Specialists
- Advocacy and Policy Officers focusing on localization
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define localization in humanitarian financing and its core principles.
- Analyze the current challenges and opportunities in localizing humanitarian funding flows.
- Identify concrete strategies for increasing direct funding to local and national actors.
- Understand best practices for equitable financial partnerships and risk sharing.
- Develop practical steps to operationalize financial localization within their organizations and partnerships.
Course Modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Localization in Humanitarian Financing
- Defining localization: principles, commitments (e.g., Grand Bargain), and evolving discourse.
- The rationale for localizing humanitarian action: effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, dignity.
- Understanding power imbalances in the current humanitarian financing system.
- The concept of "decolonizing aid" and its implications for financial flows.
- The role of local and national actors (LNAs) as first responders and leaders.
Module 2: Current Landscape of Humanitarian Financing and Localization Gaps
- Overview of global humanitarian funding mechanisms (appeals, pooled funds, bilateral).
- Analysis of direct vs. indirect funding to LNAs: the persistent funding gap.
- Identifying barriers to direct funding: donor requirements, risk aversion, capacity perceptions.
- The impact of short-term, earmarked funding on local sustainability.
- Case studies illustrating current financing challenges for LNAs.
Module 3: Strategies for Increasing Direct and Flexible Funding
- Advocating for direct funding from institutional donors.
- Exploring different modalities for direct funding (e.g., multi-year, basket funding).
- The role of pooled funds (e.g., Country-Based Pooled Funds) in localization.
- Diversifying funding sources for LNAs: local philanthropy, diaspora, innovative finance.
- Developing compelling funding proposals from a localized perspective.
Module 4: Equitable Financial Partnerships and Risk Sharing
- Shifting from sub-grantee relationships to genuine partnerships.
- Principles of equitable partnerships: trust, transparency, shared decision-making.
- Rethinking due diligence and risk assessment for local partners: capacity-centric approaches.
- Mechanisms for sharing financial and operational risks fairly.
- Developing fair overhead and indirect cost recovery policies for LNAs.
Module 5: Simplifying Financial Procedures and Compliance
- Identifying overly burdensome financial reporting and compliance requirements.
- Strategies for simplifying budgeting, accounting, and reporting processes.
- Harmonizing financial standards across different donors and INGOs.
- Building common platforms and tools for financial management.
- Balancing accountability with flexibility and appropriate risk appetite.
Module 6: Financial Capacity Strengthening of Local Actors
- Differentiating between technical financial management and institutional financial capacity.
- Needs-based assessment of LNA financial capacity and organizational development.
- Collaborative approaches to capacity strengthening (mentoring, peer-to-peer learning).
- Investing in long-term institutional support beyond project-specific costs.
- The role of local financial expertise and audit services.
Module 7: Localization in Practice: Operationalizing Financial Shifts
- Developing internal policies and guidelines for localized financing.
- Adapting organizational structures and processes to enable direct funding.
- Training international staff on principles and practices of financial localization.
- Establishing clear communication channels and feedback mechanisms with local partners.
- Measuring progress and reporting on localization commitments.
Module 8: Advocacy, Innovation, and the Future of Localized Financing
- Advocating for systemic changes in the international humanitarian financing system.
- Exploring innovative financing models that support localization (e.g., impact bonds, local funds).
- The role of technology in facilitating direct and transparent financial flows.
- Strengthening local financial markets and payment ecosystems.
- Envisioning a truly localized and decolonized humanitarian financing future.
CERTIFICATION
- Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate
TRAINING VENUE
- Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.
AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION
- Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request
TERMS OF PAYMENT
Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com
Localizing Humanitarian Financing: From Policy To Practice Training Course in Finland
| Dates | Fees | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025 | $4,000 | Johannesburg |
|
| 15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 | $2,900 | Kigali |
|
| 22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 06/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 | $4,950 | Instanbul |
|
| 20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 | $1,750 | Mombasa |
|
| 27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 03/11/2025 - 07/11/2025 | $4,000 | Pretoria |
|
| 17/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 | $2,900 | Kigali |
|
| 24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 | $1,750 | Mombasa |
|
| 08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 05/01/2026 - 09/01/2026 | $4,950 | Dubai |
|
| 19/01/2026 - 23/01/2026 | $2,900 | Kigali |
|
| 26/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 | $4,000 | Johannesburg |
|
| 16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 | $1,750 | Mombasa |
|
| 23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026 | $4,950 | Instanbul |
|
| 16/03/2026 - 20/03/2026 | $2,900 | Kigali |
|
| 23/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 06/04/2026 - 10/04/2026 | $4,000 | Pretoria |
|
| 13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 | $1,750 | Mombasa |
|
| 20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 | $4,950 | Dubai |
|
| 04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 | $4,950 | Dubai |
|
| 18/05/2026 - 22/05/2026 | $2,900 | Kigali |
|
| 25/05/2026 - 29/05/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
| 01/06/2026 - 05/06/2026 | $4,000 | Johannesburg |
|
| 15/06/2026 - 19/06/2026 | $1,750 | Mombasa |
|
| 22/06/2026 - 26/06/2026 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
|
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