Domain of Practice
The Hauser Center’s work with humanitarian & development NGOs seeks to enhance the impact of the field by strengthening interactions between scholars and practitioners.
Rebuilding Post-Conflict Communities Event
With Nancy Lindborg, President, Mercy Corps and Sherine Jayawickrama, Domain Manager
NGO Leaders Forum: The domain convenes the NGO Leaders Forum, a semi-annual retreat for chief executives of major U.S.-based international relief and development NGOs. These principals-only gatherings provide sheltered space for CEOs to build trust, explore frontier challenges and consider collective action on pressing issues.
IANGO Workshop: The domain co-convenes, with CIVICUS, the annual International Advocacy NGO (IANGO) Workshop. The IANGO Workshop gathers international NGOs and networks advocating for policy change – in realms including development, conservation and human rights – to help their leaders explore shared challenges and foster collaborative action.
NGO Leaders Seminar Series: The domain sponsors a seminar series that brings NGO leaders to Harvard to lead a seminar, and engage with faculty and students on issues of mutual interest. Over the past two years, the domain has hosted leaders of CARE, ChildFund International, Heifer International, InterAction, Mercy Corps, Save the Children and World Vision.
Research: The domain conducts research on topics related to the characteristics, approaches and effectiveness of international NGOs (INGOs), especially INGOs in the humanitarian and development sphere. Some of this research is conducted to inform discussions of the NGO Leaders Forum.
Student Engagement: The domain seeks to link students with NGO careers, engage students in exploring issues facing NGOs in their course work, and connect students with NGO practitioners. For example, the domain links students with opportunities to work with NGOs on course-related projects and internships.
NGOs & Development Study Group: The domain convenes a biweekly study group that considers issues related to the evolving roles of NGOs and specific management and leadership challenges. Topics have included: dilemmas related to measuring NGO performance; the puzzle of NGO legitimacy; challenges of establishing and sustaining an NGO; and evolving NGO advocacy related to poverty and climate change.
Blog: The domain manages a blog that seeks to connect NGO realities and challenges with insightful scholarly work and, in turn, highlight NGO experiences and knowledge that might ground and enrich scholarly work. Students and NGO practitioners are welcome to write for the blog and participate in discussions on the blog.
Policy Panels: The domain organizes panel discussions focused on aid effectiveness, U.S. foreign assistance reform and integration/elevation of U.S. global development policy. These panels consider compelling real-time policy issues through an NGO lens.
To Engage with the Humanitarian & Development NGOs Domain:
• Join the NGOs & Development study group – every other Tuesday at 4:00-5:00 pm @ Weil Town Hall (beginning September 14).
• Contact Sherine Jayawickrama if you are interested in writing a guest post for the Humanitarian & Development NGOs blog or if you need help connecting with NGOs for course-related projects, internships and careers.
• Join our student discussions with NGO leaders and attend our seminars and policy panels.
• Join our Facebook Group.
