Welcome to the fourth issue of the Journal of Partnership Brokering! Humanitarian emergencies have become larger, more numerous, more frequent, more complex. This in turn has had a knock-on effect on the humanitarian sector as it juggles the humanitarian challenge and its ability to respond with efficiency and effectiveness. In this special issue, we have brought together wide ranging insights and experiences from across the humanitarian spectrum, which illustrate the role brokers can play in improving capacity, accountability, leadership and impact of humanitarian collaboration; and the brokering skills and attributes which might be well suited to humanitarian partnerships. In 2007, the Global Humanitarian Platform introduced The Principles of Partnership (Equality, Transparency, Results-Oriented Approach, Responsibility and Complementarity) as a framework with guiding principles for humanitarian agencies to factor into their operations and improve engagement with national actors and civil society partners. Anecdotal evidence from agencies reveals that putting these principles into practice has proved to be challenging. In her article, Catherine Russ raises some of the challenges and lessons learnt from putting these Principles into practice. Drawing on experiences from across different sectors and organisations, including the Partnership Brokers Association, she suggests that a partnership broker can play an important facilitative role in embedding the principles into... Read the article
Abstract: In 2007, the Global Humanitarian Platform introduced The Principles of Partnership (Equality, Transparency, Results-Oriented Approach, Responsibility and Complementarity) as a framework with guiding principles for humanitarian agencies to factor into their operations and improve engagement with national actors and civil society partners. Anecdotal evidence from agencies reveals,... Read the article
Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that there is a widening humanitarian capacity gap. This is caused by new challenges driven, amongst other things, by climate change and its effects on food production and population growth, and compounded by a humanitarian system that does not adequately invest in, and support, local capacity. This paper argues that collaboration is one of the means by which gains can be taken to scale to address these new challenges and that it... Read the article
Abstract: It is often said that we are influenced and inspired by others who demonstrate through their actions and values of what is humanly possible. In this article, the author reflects on the contribution her grandfather made to the field of humanitarian disaster preparedness and relief. Indeed, he may have been one of Latin America’s first brokers to stress the importance of collaboration in enabling vulnerable... Read the article
Abstract: Meaningful humanitarian work today requires improving practitioners’ capacities to operate (do) and to be present (be). There is a side to their work which complements the more... Read the article
Abstract: In the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the civilian population has been suffering repeated violations of human rights over the past 20 years. Interventions such as from the United Nations Peace Keeping Operation in the DRC have shown limited success in addressing... Read the article
Abstract: The use of multi-stakeholder approaches as a means of delivering international development commitments is growing. As development organisations work together to address ever more complex problems, partnership appears well suited to meet the many challenges they face along the way. While few would argue against the value of partnerships in the development context, it is important to consider the costs of... Read the article
Abstract: The widespread use of mobile technology and access to Internet by disaster affected communities creates significant challenges and opportunities for the humanitarian system. Many humanitarian organisations are increasingly venturing into innovative ICT programmes and partnerships with technology providers. In this article, the authors capture their insights, lessons... Read the article
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Betwixt and Between is a journal published by the Partnership Brokering Association (PBA) to share ideas, developments and actions in cross-sector partnership
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