2-They help build bridges in complex operational settings --- E.g. In the military regime in Myanmar, I noticed some international humanitarian organisations struck partnership agreement with the same local implementing partners (‘NGOs’) for non-technical purpose such as transparency – which may best be described as welcoming locals to facilitate information exchange with the government, or in my own word, to spy on their international partner agencies, which may smooth the process of gaining acceptance from and access to decision makers at various levels. The NGOs had human resources and technical capacities but most importantly the senior management (civilians) was well connected to the Tatmadaw, which was seen as a partnership opportunity for both humanitarian & development programs.

Source author: Ivy Susanti ivysusanti@gmail.com