Ep 14: USAID, Localization, and Primes: A discussion with USAID’s prime partners on how they are incorporating locally-led development into their program implementation and operations

The Aid Market Podcast

Join us for another discussion on the key trends and funding changes in the USAID and other aid donor markets. In this episode we discuss how USAID partner organizations are prioritizing “locally-led development” in their programs and operations. We also dive into how this localization initiative from Administrator Samantha Power’s team, and compares with previous USAID Administrations.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:00] Patrick talks about Christian Aid UK, their work around the world, and then what locally-led means to his team
• [05:12] Patrick explains ways they are working to lead locally-led development
• [12:45] David talks about Save the Children’s work
• [16:47] David gives advice to partners who want to engage with local partners
• [19:18] Panel discussion of partnering strategy with local and international partners
• [22:18] Jonathan talks about Counterpart and the services they provide to partners and how important relationship building is
• [34:51] Patrick discusses their work with local partners
• [39:34] David talks about the localization and the aid market
• [42:17] Jonathan discusses proposal development and localization
• [53:19] Christy’s Corner: Christy summarizes three key takeaways from this episode for USAID partners

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Locally led development emphasizes shifting power and decision-making to local communities, organizations, and individuals.
• Principles of partnership, sustainability, and inclusion are crucial in locally led development, focusing on meaningful relationships, sustainable outcomes, and inclusivity.
• Engaging with local partners effectively means moving beyond tactical relationships, starting early in business development, and defining clear partnership principles and commitments.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christian Aid UK - Website

Save The Children - Website

David Barth - LinkedIn

Jonathan Hill - LinkedIn

Counterpart - Website

Konektid - Website

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES: Patrick Watt is the Chief Executive Officer for Christian Aid. Prior to this, he was Policy and Campaigns Director, responsible for leading Christian Aid’s influencing, mobilisation, and research and evidence in the UK and internationally, on issues of economic, environmental and social justice.The Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns department works with Christian Aid supporters and partners, to create public pressure for political change, shape policy, and create platforms where people in poverty are listened to and can claim their rights. Patrick has widespread experience of working in development and humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, ActionAid and Save the Children, on education, global health, aid policy, and debt and trade. Jonathan Hill Senior Director, Strategy (probably to be changed to Vice President, Strategy) at Counterpart International Jonathan is a nonprofit management leader with broad experience in the international development sector at the organizational and project levels. Jonathan specializes in strategy, finance, operations, and business development. In his strategy role, he leads the planning, management, and measurement of Counterpart’s 3-year strategy to support communities as they work to advance democratic governance, women’s empowerment, and resilient food systems. David Barth joined Save the Children US in 2018 as Vice President, International Programs, to lead humanitarian response as well as our global health, child protection, education, food security and youth livelihoods programs around the world. In his role, David advances Save the Children’s mission to ensure all children survive, learn and are protected. Prior to joining Save the Children, David directed the Global Grants division at the Ford Foundation, where he led grant making for numerous bodies of work, including education, child marriage, women’s rights and youth leadership. Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years.