The Weekly
This week has been full of meaningful engagement with our members and partners.We were pleased to host hosted a CEO Networking Dinner in Sydney with 25 sector leaders followed by the successful Introduction to the Sector event in Sydney.
ACFID also helped coordinate the very productive annual DFAT Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) and Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) meeting with DFAT’s Humanitarian team. One of the discussions, which has whole of sector implications, was early thinking about how to follow-up on the recent Joint Parliamentary Committee recommendation that the government work with our sector on establishing standing humanitarian exemptions for ANGOs operating in contexts where sanctions apply. This bipartisan recommendation is a big win for the sector and ACFID will continue to follow it up with DFAT and our members.
Our Electorate Forums continue to inspire insightful conversations in support of Australian Aid ahead of the federal election. Last week there was another incredible event on Saturday amplifying the voices of the diaspora from Myanmar in the federal election seat of Deakin. Please get out to support the upcoming forums are in Cairns (Leichhardt) and North Sydney (Bradfield) — secure your free seats here!
To Note
ACFID Spotlight on the Code Relaunch
Earlier this week, in our Spotlight on the Code section, we explored International Needs Australia’s (INA) approach to empowering local partners, guided by the belief that “When our local partners thrive, we succeed.” Amplifying local voices enables development organisations to drive lasting change.
The revised ACFID Code now highlights the importance of locally-led action, ensuring local actors play a central role in decision-making throughout the program cycle. ACFID is also promoting Peace Direct’s new podcast series, The Problem with Partnerships, and The Yielding and Wielding Toolkit.
To Attend
Briefing on ACFID’s Federal Budget Analysis
The launch of the Federal Budget for 2025-26 is currently scheduled for Tuesday 25 March 2025 and ACFID is planning to analyse the budget on the night. We will send a written analysis of the budget to all members late in the evening of 25 March and are scheduling a member briefing on our budget analysis for Thursday 27 March at 10 am. Please register if you are interested in attending.
If the election is called prior to the planned March 25 Federal Budget, we will cancel this event.
Date: Thursday 27 March
Time: 10am-12pm (AEDT)
To participate please register via this form and a link will be sent out shortly.
To Action
ACFID CEO Recruitment
ACFID’s Board is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the international development sector, drive key advocacy efforts, and strengthen ACFID’s role as a unifying voice. Applications will close at 5 pm AEDT on Friday 21 March 2025. Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!
More information here
To Action
Career Opportunity: Civil Society Engagement Advisor
ACFID is looking for a Civil Society Engagement Advisor to enhance Australia’s role in humanitarian efforts through improved civil-military-police collaboration. Applications will close at 5 pm AEDT on Wednesday 19 March 2025
More information here
To Attend
ACFID member meeting on impacts of USAID Stop Work Order
Please note we will not be meeting on Monday, the next meeting to share and discuss the impacts and updates of the US Stop Work Order on ACFID members and hear from ACFID on the work being done with DFAT and other stakeholders will take place Monday, 24 March, 4:30-5pm.
Next meeting: Monday 24 March 4:30-5pm
Register here
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To Attend
Meeting Invitation: Exploring Partnership Opportunities in Kiribati with Australia’s High Commissioner
Australia’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Kiribati, Mr Mark Foxe, has requested a meeting with ACFID members to explore partnership opportunities for development programming in Kiribati on Wednesday, 2nd April 15:00-16:00.
Australia is the largest bilateral donor to Kiribati and the High Commission is charged with delivering on key development priorities in education, health, social protection, critical infrastructure, and economic governance. Several ACFID members have active projects in the country.
When: 2 April
Time:15:00-16:00
Where: Register here
To Attend
DFAT NGO Accelerator – Global Development Leadership Dialogue #4
Want to explore how DFAT’s NGO Accelerator Fund and philanthropy can help address the evolving funding needs in international development?
Join us on the eve of the Impact Investment Summit in Sydney, as we partner with the Australian International Development Network for the next Global Development Leadership Dialogue.
This Dialogue will include:
- A presentation from the DFAT Blended Finance Unit on their plans for the NGO Accelerator
- Example case studies of how NGOs have built their capacity to engage in blended finance with Mark Ingram from LINC Strategies.
- Opportunity for discussion, learning and networking with other leaders from across the sector.
When: Tuesday 25 March
Time: 4-6pm, followed by networking drinks
Where: Work Club Locomotive
Address: 2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh, Sydney
Register now. Places are limited so please register early to secure your spot.
To Attend
Training Opportunity: Essential Frameworks – International Humanitarian Law
RedR Australia is launching a new one-day course series, Essential Frameworks, designed for development and humanitarian professionals. The first session, focused on International Humanitarian Law, will be held in person on April 11 at RedR Australia’s offices in Carlton, Victoria.This interactive course, delivered by IHL experts with support from the Australian Red Cross, will cover:
-IHL fundamentals
-Practical application of key principles
-Guidance for advising on IHL in humanitarian contexts
NGO rate: $500 (standard fee: $650).
More details here
IWDA Event: Brave Space: How Feminist Principles Can Transform Your Work Life and Practice
Dates: March 17 & 18
Time: 9am-1pm AEST (over two consecutive days)
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: $420 + GST 15% discounts for enrolment of 3 or more staff members from your organisation.
Full scholarships are available for First Nations people. Please contact Clara at [email protected] to register.
Are you looking for a space where you can explore feminist principles in a way that feels welcoming, inclusive, and transformative? Over two days, IWDA’s upcoming Brave Space workshop will introduce you to core feminist principles that can inform the way you work, live and lead. You will learn:
- Feminist Values in Action
- Understanding Power and Why it Matters
- Creating a Culture of Care and Resilience
Further details can be found here
To Action
DFAT invites international NGOs to submit proposals for civil society strengthening in Kiribati
DFAT have invited ACFID members to submit proposals for the below grant opportunity.
The Australian High Commission in Kiribati is looking for an intergovernmental organisation or international non-government organisation to deliver a project to strengthen the nascent NGO and civil society sector in Kiribati as part of the Kiribati Leadership, Engagement and Accountability for Development (KiriLEAD) program. The project’s objective is to build the capacity of local organisations, thereby allowing them to access increased funding from donors and deliver inclusive and effective programs.
The maximum grant amount available for this project is up to AUD 3 million, with completion by 31 December 2028. Proposals are due by 14 March 2025. We understand that DFAT has not advertised this invitation publicly. If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please reach out to Alan Hewson, at: [email protected] for further information.
To Action
Climate Policy and Practice Community Meeting: Measuring Resilience in a Changing Climate
The CoP will be delving into how members approach and measure resilience in their next meeting. We will have a fantastic guest presenter, Patrick Bolte, Director at Banyaneer, who will be sharing Banyaneer’s Resilience Radar Tool.
When: Monday 24th March
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
To attend: Join the CPPC and find the event here
Afghanistan Community of Practice
The Afghantistan CoP will meet next week with it’s new Convenors, Ghana Bola (Fred Hollows Foundation) and Ali Reza Yunespour (Indigo Foundation). Join the call for updates and discussion with members.
Date: Wednesday 19th March
Time: 10-11am AEST
Consultants
Training
Child Safeguarding Focal Point Training | Register here
Facilitation Skills Training for International Development and Humanitarian Actors | Register here
Evaluating Place-Based Approaches – Clear Horizon | Register here
Measurement, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) – Clear Horizon | Register here
Most Significant Change – Clear Horizon | Register here
Food for thought
“Now is the time for Australia to announce the steps it will take to preserve and even increase development aid as one of the key tools of statecraft to create a world that Australians want to live in.”
Upcoming Events
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Date |
Event |
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17 March |
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17 & 18 March |
IWDA Event: Brave Space: How Feminist Principles Can Transform Your Work Life and Practice |
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25 March |
DFAT NGO Accelerator – Global Development Leadership Dialogue # 4 |
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27 March |
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1 & 2 April |