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Carlos Carrazana acknowledged that “local NGOs can often provide better services because they are closer to the beneficiaries” and added that localization is a priority for Save the Children. Meanwhile, the traditional role of international NGOs as direct implementers of aid programs is shifting to a new role as conveners and capacity-builders. Sichinga, for instance, argued that “local means indigenous and organic… we do not consider as local.”
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The increasing localization of donor funding has sparked a debate on how to define “local.” Ms. Panelists also discussed the shifting roles of donor, international and local organizations in this new development landscape. “As a local organization it is very difficult to attract competent staff because you are competing against international NGOs and donor agencies that are paying much more,” she said.
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Karen Sichinga, who leads one of Zambia’s largest national NGOs, pointed to challenges tied to donor reporting requirements, complicated auditing procedures and staff retention. “The endgame is sustainability and country ownership.”īut the reality on the ground is that many local NGOs struggle to build the administrative and financial infrastructure needed to meet donor requirements. “Localization is not an end unto itself,” said Elizabeth Warfield, speaking to USAID’s Local Solutions framework. “Localization is the kind of issue that everybody agrees with in development, but not everybody agrees on the ‘how,’” Raj Kumar stated at the opening of the panel.įor donors, ensuring sustainability and managing risk remains a significant concern when it comes to localizing aid. Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar moderated a lively discussion on the challenges of aid localization and the future of international development financing. Speakers included USAID Assistant Administrator Ariel Pablos-Méndez, Save the Children Executive Vice President and COO Carlos Carrazana, USAID Local Solutions Coordinator Elizabeth Warfield, Churches Health Association of Zambia Executive Director Karen Sichinga, GFS Founder and Principal Linn Dorin, and InsideNGO COO Tom Dente.