Navigating Donor Requirements in Humanitarian Finance Training Course
Introduction
This intensive 5-day training course provides a comprehensive and practical exploration of Navigating Donor Requirements in Humanitarian Finance. In a landscape where the vast majority of humanitarian aid is donor-funded, understanding and meticulously adhering to the diverse and often complex requirements of various international funders is not merely a compliance issue – it is fundamental to an organization's ability to operate, secure future funding, and ultimately deliver life-saving assistance. This program will equip participants with the essential knowledge and strategic skills to interpret intricate grant agreements, implement robust financial controls, ensure transparent reporting, and build strong, trustworthy relationships with key humanitarian donors.
The course goes beyond a superficial understanding of donor guidelines, delving into the operational implications of varying donor policies on budgeting, procurement, audit, and financial reporting in often challenging and dynamic humanitarian environments. Through interactive case studies, practical exercises in applying donor-specific rules, and in-depth discussions on managing common compliance pitfalls and audit findings, attendees will learn to pro-actively manage donor expectations, mitigate financial risks, and demonstrate rigorous accountability for resources received. Whether you are a finance officer, grants manager, program coordinator, compliance professional, or a senior leader in a humanitarian organization, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to master the critical aspects of navigating donor requirements in humanitarian finance.
Duration: 5 days
Target Audience:
- Grants and Contracts Managers in Humanitarian Organizations
- Finance Officers and Accountants
- Project Managers and Coordinators
- Compliance Officers and Internal Auditors
- Program Directors and Senior Leadership
- Business Development and Resource Mobilization Professionals
- Legal Counsel working with Humanitarian Grant Agreements
- Professionals aspiring to work in humanitarian finance and grant management
Objectives:
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse requirements and expectations of major humanitarian donors.
- To equip participants with the skills to effectively interpret, apply, and comply with donor regulations throughout the grant lifecycle.
- To understand best practices in financial management, budgeting, and procurement to meet specific donor stipulations.
- To develop proficiency in preparing accurate, timely, and compliant financial and narrative reports for various donor types.
- To explore strategies for proactive donor relationship management, audit readiness, and mitigating risks of non-compliance.
Course Modules:
Introduction
- The multi-donor landscape of humanitarian finance and its complexities.
- The imperative of donor compliance for organizational reputation and funding continuity.
- Overview of commonalities and differences across major humanitarian donors.
- Challenges and consequences of non-compliance in humanitarian aid.
- Course objectives and an outline of the modules.
Understanding Donor Grant Instruments and Legal Frameworks
- Grant vs. Contract vs. Cooperative Agreement: Distinguishing between different funding mechanisms and their implications.
- Key Terms and Conditions: Interpreting critical clauses in grant agreements (e.g., eligible costs, reporting frequency, audit rights).
- General Principles of Donor Compliance: Value for Money (VfM), transparency, accountability, fraud prevention.
- Cross-Cutting Donor Requirements: Safeguarding (PSEA), anti-terrorism, environmental considerations, gender equality.
- The role of legal counsel in reviewing and negotiating grant agreements.
Financial Management and Budget Compliance
- Allowable Costs: Understanding what expenses can be charged to a grant according to donor rules.
- Cost Principles: Direct vs. indirect costs, administrative overheads, cost-sharing/matching requirements.
- Budget Flexibility: Navigating donor rules for budget revisions, reallocations, and no-cost extensions.
- Financial Controls: Establishing internal systems (segregation of duties, authorization) to ensure compliance.
- Managing foreign currency fluctuations and exchange rate risks on donor funds.
Donor-Specific Reporting Requirements
- Financial Reporting Formats: Navigating diverse templates (e.g., standardized forms, donor-specific spreadsheets).
- Narrative Reporting: Linking financial performance to programmatic achievements and indicators.
- Frequency and Timelines: Adhering to interim, quarterly, annual, and final reporting schedules.
- Data Quality and Consistency: Ensuring accuracy and coherence between financial and programmatic data.
- Using online donor portals and electronic submission systems effectively.
Procurement and Sub-Award Compliance
- Donor Procurement Rules: Understanding competitive bidding, sole-source justifications, and ethical considerations.
- Supplier Vetting: Due diligence on vendors and contractors to meet donor requirements.
- Sub-Award Management: Due diligence, capacity assessments, and monitoring of sub-grantees for compliance.
- Flow-down Clauses: Ensuring sub-awardees comply with prime donor requirements.
- Managing risks associated with third-party expenditures.
Audit Preparedness and Management
- Types of Donor Audits: Financial, compliance, performance, single audits.
- Preparing for an Audit: Comprehensive documentation, organized records, staff training.
- Responding to Audit Queries: Providing clear, concise, and evidence-based answers.
- Common Audit Findings: Identifying typical areas of non-compliance and questioned costs.
- Implementing audit recommendations and developing corrective action plans.
Risk Mitigation and Fraud Prevention
- Donor Perception of Risk: Understanding how donors assess financial and operational risks in humanitarian contexts.
- Fiduciary Risk Management: Measures to protect funds from fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Fraud Prevention Policies: Implementing anti-fraud measures, whistleblower protection, and investigation protocols.
- Compliance Frameworks: Developing comprehensive internal compliance plans and checklists.
- The role of robust monitoring and evaluation in identifying and mitigating risks.
Building Strong Donor Relationships and Strategic Engagement
- Proactive Communication: Regularly updating donors on progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Transparency and Accountability: Demonstrating responsible stewardship of funds.
- Responding to Feedback: Addressing donor concerns constructively and collaboratively.
- Stewardship and Recognition: Acknowledging donor contributions and demonstrating impact.
- Leveraging strong compliance as a strategic asset for future funding opportunities.
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
Navigating Donor Requirements In Humanitarian Finance Training Course in Guinea
| Dates | Fees | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 | $1,250 | Nairobi |
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| 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 | $4,000 | 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 |
|
| 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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