Innovation
Really New Stuff
Once in a while, opportunities present themselves to do things in a really new or interesting way. Sometimes the innovation is quite modest – but still new. Even though every project is also listed elsewhere, I added a page here on innovation for two reasons.
First, I am proud of this stuff! I like coming up with creative ways to address problems, or to reach solutions, or to open new ways of looking at things.
And secondly, because some of these ideas might be useful somewhere else, and who knows, someone might read this and think – yes, we need some fresh thinking on this.
Click on any of the headings to read more – in each case, in addition to the general project description, I have tried to outline the aspect of innovation.
Innovative projects
Response Option Analysis – Sindh Province, Pakistan
2017 – Facilitator for FAO and the Food Security Working Group
Conduct a response option analysis to consider responses to floods and drought in Jamshoro, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts of Sindh Province, Pakistan
Cash and Vouchers in School Feeding, WFP
2015 – Researcher, analyst and author for WFP
Main task: Identify the areas of coherence and the opportunities presented between school feeding, social protection, and cash and voucher programming. Write practical guidance for country offices.
Innovation: analytical framework for classifying school feeding programmes, subsequently used as a template for guidance.
Use of CTP in Gaza
2015-2016 – Sole consultant – for Oxfam and the food sector
Main tasks: undertake two research components and multi-agency technical support into cash-based emergency responses for INGOs working in Gaza.
Innovation: new participatory approach for exploring beneficiary preferences in detail
Training: practical emergency cash transfer programming, for the Red Cross Movement: PECT I, II and III
2014, 2015 – Lead facilitator – IFRC and the Red Cross Movement.
Main tasks: Design new training package for using cash transfers in emergencies, lead facilitation in three training events, revise materials through the pilot phase, continuous adaptation to developing cash transfer toolkit.
Innovation: new approach to practical exercises related to cleaning beneficiary lists; managing feedback and complaints
Programme design: integrated rural DRR programme, North of Haiti
2012 – Team Leader and facilitator; proposal author – for American Red Cross, Haiti.
Main tasks: included detailed multi-sector options analysis and participatory workshop with HQ and field stakeholders to finalise proposal.
Innovation: Detailed technical approach to response option analysis
Market Assessment – linked with parallel HEA process
2011 – Lead author, markets section – for ICRC
Key Question: what is the impact of the ‘easing’ of the blockade on households and markets in the Gaza Strip?
Innovation: combining a political economy approach with the sustainable livelihoods framework in a graphical tool to enhance analysis at a variety of levels.
Evaluation: Tsunami Recovery Programme
2010 – Team Leader – for Spanish Red Cross
Main focus: Learning lessons from four livelihoods projects on the west coast of Sri Lanka.
Innovation: Creation of an analytical framework for classifying livelihoods recovery projects by a range of influencing factors.
Deployment: Recovery Coordinator, Pakistan monsoon floods
2010 – Senior field management role – for IFRC
Role: deployed into the emergency phase to design and oversee the recovery assessment process, develop the Recovery Framework, and revise the Plan of Action.
Innovation: formalising the elements of secondary data analysis, synthesis of findings and reflection within the assessment process.
CBP project design: urban and rural voucher projects
2009 – Sole consultant with local team – for IFRC, Zimbabwe and Danish RC
Key tasks: design an urban and a rural voucher scheme to address food insecurity issues, including a comprehensive monitoring framework, and develop the supporting ECHO proposal.
Innovation: the rural milling voucher at a time when there was very little currency in circulation
Federation Early Recovery Surge Team
2008 – Course designer and lead facilitator – for IFRC
Key tasks: develop concept, design and facilitate a new training course, including simulation and fieldwork, for senior recovery practitioners to be deployed in sudden onset emergencies; identify appropriate communities and locations for course to run; develop materials, learn and improve.
Innovation: participatory evaluation tools – practicing what we preach
Country Coordinator
July 2005 to July 2008
Leading the British Red Cross response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Sri Lanka
Representation, leadership, strategy and programme design for post-tsunami and post-conflict environments
Rapid switch from recovery approach to emergency relief during the conflict and displacement in the east of the country
Management of large diverse and dispersed team; security management
Coordination and networking in complex partner environment
Programming in livelihoods recovery, disaster risk reduction, shelter, and first aid training
Head of Delegation
July 2002 to July 2005
Represent the IFRC in Zimbabwe at country level
Contextual analysis, risk analysis and strategic planning
Represent the Federation in Zimbabwe
Situation analysis and strategy development
Management of Federation relief and recovery programmes; fundraising
Capacity building and support to Zimbabwe Red Cross
Regional responsibility for security
Act as HoRD during frequent absences and for 4 months between post holders
Resource Officer, Curriculum Development Unit (VSO)
March 1991 – March 1993
Project proposal and approval of new project by VSO
Production of innovative and appropriate teaching and learning materials.
Design and delivery of in-service training across 16 rural districts of Zimbabwe