Rethinking incentives in humanitarian action

In this episode of ‘The Learning Curve’, Juliet Parker, Director of ALNAP, speaks with Damian Lilly, an independent consultant based in Mozambique and a former UN and NGO humanitarian leader. Together, they unpack one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: how to turn learning into meaningful change.

Drawing on Damian’s recent article co-authored with Mike Pearson, the conversation explores why existing incentive structures within the humanitarian system often prevent real reform. Damian argues that while the sector has no shortage of ideas, evidence, or learning, the problem lies in the economics of aid—how agencies are funded, rewarded, and held accountable.

Guest:
Damian Lilly, Independent Consultant and former UN and NGO Humanitarian Adviser

Host:
Juliet Parker, Director, ALNAP

Resources:
Article: “Change the economic incentives to reform the humanitarian system” – by Damian Lilly and Mike Pearson

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