Rethink Fragility

Tariq has led teams on the ground in most of the major disasters of the last decade, with agencies including Oxfam, Médecins sans frontières, AfghanAid and the International Rescue Committee. These are the highest-pressure management environments one can imagine, and this is a pretty wide-ranging conversation on professional practice and ethics in the humanitarian sector. Episode notes: [02:15] A career trajectory in emergency response, from beginnings in Afghanistan, through central and west Africa, to Yemen and Iraq. The advantages of learning the ropes in a small and locally-led organisation. [05:00] The initial appeal of working on major emergencies, and early experiences. How humanitarian agencies recruit and manage people. The advantages and disadvantages of the MSF model. [09:30] The limits of localisation and why the big humanitarian agencies remain relevant. How to lead in a “surge” where there’s a need to move quickly, and little clear guidance. Losing patience with ego-driven management.

A short introduction to the 100 Voices project. I explain why I think it’s needed, the kind of practitioner we’re getting involved, and what the process will look like.