Case Study: Building a Mission-Wide Aid Diversion Framework Across Eight Functions

Executive Summary

In response to sector-wide scrutiny of aid diversion and asset leakage in 2022, I recognised that International Medical Corps operated under general risk guidelines without a formalised Aid Diversion policy suited to volatile field operations. I spearheaded the design and mission-wide deployment of an Aid Diversion and Fraud Mitigation Policy framework, mobilising eight technical and operational functions to map vulnerability vectors in their own workflows. The consolidated SOP embedded multi-tier verification checkpoints across procurement, vendor due diligence, cash disbursement and recruitment. HQ Global Grants and Compliance validated the framework before its formal submission to donor agencies.

Context

Major institutional donors raised compliance standards across the humanitarian sector in 2022, requiring prime recipients to demonstrate verifiable, end-to-end accountability that funds and supplies reached intended beneficiaries. Somalia's complex operating environment made this scrutiny especially acute.

The Challenge

The mission had no institutionalised Aid Diversion SOP tailored to volatile field conditions, leaving individual functions to manage risk inconsistently. Donor funding continuity depended on proactive governance rather than a response after the fact.

Qualitative Achievements

• Gave the mission its first institutionalised Aid Diversion policy rather than general risk guidance alone.
• Built cross-functional ownership of fraud mitigation instead of leaving it as a finance-only concern.
• Positioned the mission ahead of the sector's rising donor scrutiny on aid diversion and asset leakage.

Conclusion

This engagement demonstrates the ability to convert sector-wide regulatory pressure into an institutionalised internal safeguard. It remains a clear proof point for donor-facing accountability leadership.