NGO's

International aid organization

The role of the international aid organization is to send its representatives to countries that are poverty-stricken, stable and dealing with a disasters or crisis.

Both the aid organization’s local representatives emissaries sent from abroad to assist the country must be prepared to work on an emergency footing.  This is true in terms of meeting immediate needs, managing equipment and manpower and attending to the local population.

Aid organizations must be familiar with the local procedures and well-practiced in the organization’s reporting system; first and foremost to protect the safety of the organization’s members and to ensure the continuity of the aid organization.

All this must be done to ensure proper assistance to the local population, which depends on effective response capabilities and aid organization.

There are many situations in which the aid organization must change its designation according to the incident and the kind of assistance needed by the local population.  This requires a thorough understanding of different situations and scenarios, accompanied by thorough practice and the authority to ensure performance and qualification in real-time.

A skilled organization significantly bolsters the authorities and organizations in coping with an emergency situation.

Examples of areas of assistance of aid organizations in times of emergency and disaster:

1. Providing food and drink
2. Shelter - day-to-day - and the establishment of emergency facilities
3. Dispensing basic supplies– day-to-day or emergency
4. Provision of medical services - day-to-day or emergency
5. Assistance in setting up infrastructure - natural disaster / crisis event
6. Assistance to the population with disabilities and special needs.
7. First aid and basic medical assistance.
8. Social work - initial response

However, tough questions need to be asked:

• What level of training and skill does your organization have in dealing with crisis?
• When was the last time professional training was conducted? (individual / team / department)
• What is the organization’s level of competence?
• Is the organization / staff practiced in real situations / simulations?
• What is the degree of employee readiness of to deal with difficult and complex situations?
• Is there a training and awareness of the dangers and security challenges in the region?
• Is there a defined interface for cooperation with the local authorities?

In general, aid organizations perform in a routine and conducted according to local needs in the area where they work and assist other local populations.

The key benefit is that these organizations conducted themselves according to day-to-day operations!

It is a tremendous advantage that these types of organizations, which provide aid on a day-to day-basis, can make the transition in an emergency by utilizing existing resources.   

All it takes is to prepare and train the organization to perform beyond its normal routine and use its strengths in an emergency such as providing medicine, security, supplies, etc.

Such a skilled organization can augment the ability of local authorities and organizations and help cope in emergency situations.

Accompanying authorities requires: Training a leader in emergency management, coaching and an instructor for aid teams. Local authorities that are able to operate correctly with aid organizations - will improve the ability to cope immensely!