Leadership in
Humanitarian Action:

Handbook for
‍Humanitarian Coordinator

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INTRODUCTION

Preface

How to use this handbook

CHAPTER A: Why Humanitarian Leadership Matters

Why Humanitarian Leadership Matters

1. Introduction to UN Leadership in Humanitarian Settings

2. Normative Framework for Humanitarian Action and Leadership

3. Coordinating across the Humanitarian Architecture

4. Humanitarian Leadership Arrangements

5. Competencies for Effective Humanitarian Leadership

6. Putting People First

CHAPTER B: Coordinating Humanitarian Action at Country Level

Coordinating Humanitarian Action at Country Level

1. Establishing Humanitarian Coordination Mechanisms

2. Negotiating and Facilitating Humanitarian Access

3. Implementing the Humanitarian Programme Cycle

4. Managing the Emergency Response (Tools and Services)

5. Establishing Systems for Information Management

6. Mobilizing Financing and Partnerships

7. Communicating Effectively

8. Working towards Sustainability

CHAPTER C: Coordinating Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction

Coordinating Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction

1. Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

2. Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction

CHAPTER D: Responding to a Health Crisis in a Humanitarian Setting RESSOURCES

Preface by the Emergency Relief Coordinator

Humanitarian Coordinators are the lynchpins of the in-country humanitarian response.

You are the face of the humanitarian response, and essential interface with host Governments, affected communities, and humanitarian partners.

It is a role of great responsibility, and one that calls for many qualities: leadership, organizational acumen, determination, compassion and humanity. More than anything, it requires exceptional communication, networking and negotiating skills, and the ability to navigate diverse interests and intricate political landscapes, all while staunchly upholding the humanitarian principles.

But in an increasingly fragmented, challenging and complex world defined by perpetual conflict, climate change, inequality, rising needs and persistent underfunding, the HC role also requires innovation. It calls for boldness to explore novel approaches. It means developing closer relationships with the communities we serve, listening with humility, and empowering people to deliver the response they need. And it requires reaching across mandates to collaborate with development, peace and other partners to achieve comprehensive results.

I know your role is far from easy. But it is one of unquestionable value that makes a genuine difference to the lives of millions of people. And it is one for which you were chosen because you exemplify the experience, skills and ability to discharge it with distinction. You have the humanitarian community’s full trust and support as you do so.

This Handbook is your reference manual — one that puts everything you need at your fingertips as you navigate complex environments and put your expertise into action.

I hope it serves you as well as you serve the world.

Martin Griffiths

Emergency Relief Coordinator and
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs

How to use this handbook

What is the purpose of this Handbook?

The Handbook outlines the roles and responsibilities of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), whether designated as a Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) or not, and those of the HC in leading and coordinating inter-agency humanitarian action in support of the host Government and local actors. It also summarizes the skills, competencies and qualities required to lead an effective humanitarian response.

The Handbook is a guide to the normative framework for humanitarian action and the operational approaches, coordination structures, and available tools and services that facilitate the mobilization of humanitarian assistance.

It is not a prescriptive guide. The approaches to humanitarian action (and levels of priority) will differ according to the context and the type of emergency.

Who is the Handbook for?

The Handbook is designed to directly support the work of senior humanitarian leadership in carrying out their leadership functions. It is also a reference for the wider humanitarian community working with or supporting the leadership in country operations.

How can the Handbook be used?

It can be used as a reference to support decision-making in a range of humanitarian crises; help identify the international humanitarian technical expertise available before and at the onset of an emergency; facilitate partnerships among humanitarian organizations, national Governments and local actors; and plan and better prepare for humanitarian response. The Handbook is also a useful reference for all elements of humanitarian coordination and leadership roles, with easy access to guidance and references for further reading.

How is the Handbook organized?

There are four substantive chapters:

The Handbook also contains a supplementary booklet: a quick reference guide for the RC and/or HC on her/his humanitarian coordination role, whether designated or not, in an escalating or sudden-onset emergency, outlining the actions to take and events to anticipate. Each section contains details of additional information and, where relevant, supporting services and tools. The annex provides a more comprehensive list of resources (organized thematically), with website links to help the user find further information.

Explanation of terms

The terms ‘Humanitarian Coordinator’ and ‘leadership’ are used throughout the Handbook to refer to the RC’s role when called on to carry out humanitarian functions, as per relevant UN GA resolutions, including 46/182, whether or not designated as a HC. Any significant distinctions between these roles are highlighted where necessary.

This guide has been updated in 2023. Additional updates will be included periodically to take into account feedback from Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators and further developments in IASC policy and guidance. Feedback and comments should be sent to OCHA’s Humanitarian Leadership Strengthening Section: hlss@un.org. The document is also available at interagencystandingcommittee.org.

Editing and Graphic Design: OCHA
Web Design: UNOG

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Front cover: OCHA/Muayad Khdear
Photo: A girl crosses an area of land affected by flooding. Large areas of the region have become inaccessible, further increasing displacement and impacting livelihoods. Somali Region, Ethiopia. 07 May 2023.

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