49. The INGO Problem with Deborah Doane

Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti speaks with Deborah Doane, author of The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal.

Deborah brings decades of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, from leading the Ombudsman Project for humanitarian accountability to co-founding the RINGO Project, which is pushing for systemic change in global civil society.

The conversation explores key themes from Deborah’s book, including the challenges of reforming the INGO sector, shifting power to local actors, and embracing new roles for INGOs in the future.

Key topics covered:

• A perspective on "embodying change": Deborah’s reflection on lifelong learning, stepping back, and listening.
• The INGO Problem: Power dynamics, accountability, and how the current INGO system can sideline rather than support local actors.
• The RINGO Project: Systems change and prototypes like the Reverse Call for Proposals that aim to shift power and resources to local civil society organizations.
• The future of INGOs: where INGOs move away from direct service delivery and focus on facilitation, advocacy, and fiscal sponsorship for local actors.
• The role of donors: How funding mechanisms must evolve to support more equitable, trust-based partnerships.
• Learning from prototypes: RINGO’s innovation approach, trying out new models for accountability, risk management, and participatory grant-making.

Quotes:

• “Embodying change means constantly learning, living my values, and interrogating my own actions.” – Deborah Doane
• “If INGOs truly want to show solidarity, they need to shift their role from service delivery to supporting local actors to lead.” – Deborah Doane
• “The bureaucracy and compliance requirements are protecting no one—they need a revolution.” – Deborah Doane
• “Prototyping is about trying something out, and if it doesn’t work, you’ve still learned something.” – Deborah Doane
• “We need to rethink the role of INGOs in the future—they must be smaller, more flexible, and in service to local communities.” – Deborah Doane
• "The need for system-wide change is clear, and everyone has a role to play." – Nana Asantewa Afadzinu

Deborah Doane is an independent consultant and author with over two decades of experience in humanitarian and development sectors. She has led key initiatives like the RINGO Project and the Ombudsman Project, which focused on bringing accountability to the humanitarian aid sector. Her latest book, The INGO Problem, explores the power dynamics and privilege embedded in international NGOs and how to move toward a more equitable system.

Connect with Deborah Doane:

• LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned:

• The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal by Deborah Doane: Purchase here
• The Ringo Project: Learn more here
• The Pledge for Change: Website
• CHS Alliance: Website

Call to Action:

If you want to dive deeper into how INGOs operate and how they can shift power to local communities, pick up Deborah’s book, The INGO Problem.

Let’s continue these important conversations on how we can all contribute to meaningful, system-wide change.