ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN)
Building Strong Institutions for Local Leadership
Organizational Capacity Development (OCD)
We invest in the strength of local institutions, equipping AHN members with the systems, leadership, and tools needed to manage programs, partnerships, and crises with confidence and credibility.
We believe that sustainable and accountable humanitarian and development responses begin with capable, well-structured local organizations. Through our Organizational Capacity Development pillar, we invest in the systems, people, and processes that empower AHN member organizations to deliver quality programming across ASAL counties. We strengthen governance, compliance, and internal controls while promoting inclusive leadership and effective management structures.
We equip local actors to not only meet partnership and funding requirements but to lead multi-sectoral interventions with credibility and confidence. Our capacity strengthening model is adaptive and collaborative—designed to respond to institutional gaps while building collective readiness across the network. Whether in emergency response, long-term development, or peacebuilding, AHN members are supported to lead with excellence, accountability, and strategic foresight.
Institutional Strengthening and Governance Support
We enhance the internal capacity of local organizations to operate with transparency, efficiency, and strategic oversight. We support improvements in organizational systems, leadership structures, safeguarding, and decision-making mechanisms that anchor long-term sustainability.
Key Elements
- Financial and administrative systems development
- Governance training for boards and executives
- Development of safeguarding and anti-fraud policies
- Organizational self-assessments and performance audits
Humanitarian Leadership and Operational Readiness
We develop the leadership skills and operational capabilities needed for effective emergency response and program delivery. We support surge readiness, crisis coordination, and structured learning to ensure that local teams are equipped to lead under pressure.
Key Elements
- Leadership coaching and mentorship
- Emergency response planning and SOPs
- Simulation exercises and after-action reviews
- Deployment of rapid response teams
Partnership Readiness and Due Diligence Systems
We help local actors meet and exceed partnership expectations through due diligence support and shared compliance tools. We streamline verification processes, reduce duplication, and create trust-based frameworks for donor engagement.
Key Elements
- Network-wide due diligence passporting
- Compliance coaching and donor audit support
- Standardized partner capacity assessments
- Documentation and reporting systems alignment