Blogs
November 4, 2024 • 4 min read
In Ethiopia’s complex and often volatile landscape, the need for robust safety and security measures has never been more pressing. In response, the Global Safety and Access Department, together with the Global Partnership Centre, has launched a collaboration with our local partner organisations in Ethiopia to strengthen their security capacities.
Enhancing Safety and Security
Since June 2024, the Global Safety and Access team has been developing a comprehensive project tailored to equip our partners with essential tools and strategies to effectively navigate high-risk environments. This initiative stems from our shared commitment to fostering resilience within our partnerships, believing that by enhancing local safety and security practices, we amplify the reach and effectiveness of our humanitarian efforts across the region.
Fostering Open Dialogue with Partners
Eight participants attended a kick-off meeting earlier this year. Participants from GOAL’s Global Safety & Access Department along with the in-country Safety & Access team and the Partnership & Localisation teams joined forces with representatives from two local partners—Mothers and Children Multisectoral Development Organisation (MCMDO) and Center of Concern (COC).
The primary goal was to create a tailored capacity-building programme to meet the unique needs of MCMDO and COC, fostering open dialogue around safety and security concerns. Paul Westbury, GOAL’s Head of Global Safety & Access Department, presented a comprehensive plan to empower partners, emphasising the importance of transparency and collective commitment.
As part of this initiative, in late July, a representative from each organisation attended a foundational safety and security training programme —a resource Westbury describes as “valuable resource for strengthening their organisational capacity.”
“Empowering our local partners is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “By investing in their safety and security, we’re not only protecting their staff and operations, but also reinforcing their ability to deliver life-changing programmes to the communities that need them most.”
Paul Westbury, GOAL’s Head of Global Safety & Access Department, delivering safety and security training to GOAL Ethiopia staff.
Open and honest dialogue marked the meeting, with participants sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. It became evident that while MCMDO and COC have a remarkable track record of delivering essential services in most of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable regions, they faced significant gaps in their safety and security protocols.
During the meeting, the partners candidly shared their experiences and concerns. Nebyu Ayalew, the Programme Director of MCMDO, acknowledged that although the organisation has never been involved in any major security incidents, there are still gaps in MCMDO’s safety and security measures.
“We need to be proactive in strengthening our safety and security systems,” he said. “This initiative is crucial in protecting our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.”
“Our partner local organisations have a country-wide presence and are effectively implementing projects in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas,” explains Kassahun, the Senior Partnership and Localisation Manager.
“They have a strong understanding of the local circumstances, politics, and culture, which makes them invaluable in reaching the most vulnerable populations. But they also face unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of their staff and operations.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The partnership between GOAL and our local partners is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared values. With an unmatched understanding of the local context, these organisations are invaluable partners in our efforts to reach those most in need. Their longstanding presence and unwavering commitment to serving their communities are a source of inspiration.
Recognising the importance of dedicated resources, both MCMDO and COC expressed their intention to focus more on safety and security capacities and to allocate full-time staff to safety and security roles in the future.
This commitment underscores their dedication to enhancing their organisational resilience. This step underscores their dedication to building organisational resilience and enhancing their ability to protect both their teams and the communities they serve.
A Multi-Faceted Approach
The road ahead involves a multi-faceted approach. In the coming months, GOAL Ethiopia’s safety and access team will conduct in-depth capacity assessments of MCMDO and COC’s offices and field sites. These evaluations will guide the development of customised training programmes and essential documentation tailored to each organisation’s unique needs.
Following these assessments, GOAL and its partners will collaborate to create a thorough improvement plan. This plan will include developing detailed safety and security protocols, targeted training initiatives, and ongoing support structures to sustain these vital systems over time.
Training will be a cornerstone of this initiative, encompassing a wide range of topics, including risk assessment, incident response, and first aid. By equipping staff with the necessary skills, we aim to embed a proactive approach to risk management across all operations.
Additionally, GOAL will provide standardised safety and security templates to streamline documentation practices. This will enhance consistency, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate compliance with donor requirements.
Collaborating for Safety and Security
The journey to strengthen safety and security is a collaborative one, with a shared commitment to creating a safer environment for partner staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. The initial meeting on July 30, 2024, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in this partnership.
As the project progresses, the Global Safety and Access team remains dedicated to working closely with local partners, addressing each organisation’s unique challenges and needs. By fostering a strong culture of safety, GOAL aims to build a foundation for resilient, effective, and sustainable community-based programmes in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected areas.
Looking ahead, we are confident that this initiative will not only enhance our partners’ safety and security but will also strengthen the overall impact and sustainability of our humanitarian efforts in Ethiopia.
Learn more about the Global Partnership Centre.
