Overseas Development Institute

Who we are

			Director of Humanitarian Programmes: James Darcy j.darcy@odi.org.uk An international lawyer with extensive experience with Oxfam as programme co-ordinator for Central Africa, the Balkans and South and East Asia. Besides general management and humanitarian policy experience, he specialises in areas of policy relating to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, along with refugee and human rights protection issues. key areas of expertise: assessment, protection, law, rights, food security, operational management, operational programming, Central and West Africa

			HPN Coordinator: Rachel Atkinson r.atkinson@odi.org.uk Prior to joining HPG, Rachel worked for Save the Children UK's emergency team on humanitarian information and advocacy, after many years in international publishing in Asia and working on HIV/AIDS and gender advocacy in southern Africa. Rachel currently manages the Humanitarian Practice Network and coordinates HPG rapid research briefings.

			Research Fellow: Adele Harmer a.harmer@odi.org.uk Educated in political economics and development management. Worked for the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) prior to joining HPG. Currently based in New York, working in collaboration with the Center on International Cooperation on a joint programme of research examining the policy and operational implications of the changing security environment for humanitarian action. key areas of expertise: aid architecture, humanitarian financing and institutional reform, security of aid operations

			Research Fellow: Paul Harvey p.harvey@odi.org.uk Previously worked in the Emergencies Unit of Concern Worldwide, and managed country programmes for Children's Aid Direct in Sierra Leone, Kosovo and North Korea. Current research focuses on improving our understanding of livelihoods in crises and the analysis of humanitarian programming strategies. key areas of expertise: livelihoods, cash and vouchers, corruption in aid operations, HIV/AIDs

			Research Fellow: Kate Longley k.longley@odi.org.uk Trained in social anthropology, with PhD fieldwork in Sierra Leone. Currently based in Nairobi, working under a partnership between ODI and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Specialises in rural livelihoods, agriculture and seed systems, with particular interest in food security and agricultural rehabilitation. Previously a Research Fellow in ODI's Rural Policy and Environment Group. key areas of expertise: agricultural relief and rehabilitation, rural livelihoods, food security

			Research Fellow: Sorcha O'Callaghan s.ocallaghan@odi.org.uk Sorcha has a legal background and previously worked in the refugee and asylum sector. Current research focuses on the impact of conflict on civilians, including humanitarian protection and access to land. Prior to joining HPG, she coordinated a multi-agency policy and advocacy initiative in Sudan. key areas of expertise: protection, humanitarian advocacy, Sudan

			Research Fellow: Sara Pantuliano s.pantuliano@odi.org.uk A political scientist with extensive experience in programming in conflict and post-conflict contexts. Current research focuses on strengthening livelihoods security in complex emergencies, particularly around land tenure issues. Prior to joining HPG she led UNDP Sudan’s Peace Building Unit, developed and managed an innovative UN/NGO aid response in the Nuba Mountains, was a delegate at the IGAD Sudan peace process and lectured at the University of Dar es Salaam. key areas of expertise: conflict analysis, programming in protracted crises, Africa (especially Sudan)

			Research Fellow: Kevin Savage k.savage@odi.org.uk Before joining ODI, Kevin managed programmes for a range of international humanitarian agencies abroad and in the UK. He began work in humanitarian and development activities overseas as a result of his professional engineering background and later studied social science, focusing particularly on the political economy of violence and conflict in development. key areas of expertise: livelihoods, corruption, cash and vouchers, remittances

			Research Officer: Sarah Bailey s.bailey@odi.org.uk Sarah has a background in humanitarian studies, forced migration, and development economics. Prior to joining ODI, Sarah managed development and emergency projects in Niger and Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on post-disaster livelihood recovery and rapid emergency response. key areas of expertise: international relations and international law, operational programming, Central and West Africa

			Research Officer: Samir Elhawary s.elhawary@odi.org.uk Trained in international relations and political economy, Samir has experience working on issues related to the private sector, natural resources and conflict. Current research focuses on the evolving role of humanitarian action in conflict related emergencies. key areas of expertise: peace-building, conflict analysis, Colombia

			Research Officer: Ellen Martin e.martin@odi.org.uk Prior to joining ODI, Ellen completed a Masters in Development Management. She has experience working in Uganda at the UNDP's Resident Coordination Unit as well as with Save the Children UK. Her current work focuses on the architecture of humanitarian aid, and more specifically on the operational consequences of humanitarian reform. key areas of expertise: aid architecture, UN systems and reform, Africa

			Publications Coordinator: Matthew Foley m.foley@odi.org.uk Experienced in professional publishing in the research sector. Responsibilities include the production of all HPG publications, including HPN publications, HPG Reports and Briefing Papers.

			HPG Administrator: David White d.white@odi.org.uk Key role in supporting HPG's Integrated Programme and research projects, including preparation, financial administration and donor reporting requirements. Other responsibilities include coordinating administrative functions within the Group, and supporting the HPG Advisory Group.

			Communications Officer: Carolina Kern c.kern@odi.org.uk Trained in government and policy, Carolina has a key role in developing and implementing HPG's communications strategy. She is also responsible for providing practical communications support to HPG projects and programmes.

			Database and Membership Administrator: James Carlin j.carlin@odi.org.uk James maintains and develops the subscriber and membership databases for both HPG and HPN. He also supports key aspects of the Group's dissemination and events.