Partnering for local impact: Islamic Relief’s work with national humanitarian organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo

October 30, 2023 -

Muhammad Qasim Ali, communications coordinator at Islamic Relief, highlights how we are supporting local humanitarian organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the STRIDE project.

In the heart of the DRC, where resilience is tested daily, a remarkable transformation is underway.

The DRC is one of the world’s most vulnerable nations, grappling with natural disasters, conflict and displacement. In 2023, over 25 million people needed humanitarian assistance , including support for accessing food, shelter and clean water. The path to alleviating their suffering lies in a powerful concept: localisation.

Islamic Relief has been working to implement our groundbreaking Strengthening Response Capacity and Institutional Development for Excellence (STRIDE) initiative – a commitment to the Grand Bargain and Charter for Change.

For over a year, we have been supporting local non-government organisations (NGOs) in the DRC towards more effective and efficient humanitarian action.

Need for capacity strengthening

Local NGOs in the DRC face an uphill battle. With limited resources, daunting difficulties in reaching communities, and the multifaceted challenges of humanitarian work in their country, NGOs’ journey towards making a meaningful impact on communities in need is riddled with obstacles.

However, local NGOs also possess an invaluable asset – an intimate understanding of the needs of the communities they serve.

These NGOs are in a position not just to respond to crises but also to be the architects of the solutions to long-term challenges in the community. This is where training can bridge the gap between NGOs’ potential and concrete, lasting impact.

Islamic Relief’s approach

We understand that lasting change begins with local partnerships. In the context of the STRIDE project, we don’t just provide capacity-strengthening funding to enhance knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness and response; we invest in the institutional capacities of local organisations.

From bolstering their preparedness and ability to respond to emergencies to enhancing coordination in fragile contexts, our approach is rooted in empowering local organisations.

These organisations self-assess the gaps in their humanitarian preparedness, response capacity and funding challenges, and we empower them through tailormade training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and the provision of essential resources. Our strategic and collaborative approach creates an ecosystem where local solutions flourish.

Read more about Islamic Relief’s approach with local actors in this explainer blog.

Voices of transformation

Jonas Habimana, a leader of a local NGO, the Bureau of Information, Training, Exchange and Research for Development (BIFERD) in the DRC, works for displaced and vulnerable people. His organisation gained vital technical and financial support through working with Islamic Relief.

As a result, Jonas and his team have spearheaded initiatives transforming their organisation, enabling it to respond effectively to humanitarian crises, secure funding from international donors, and improve its internal policies and processes. This transformation positions BIFERD for growth and greater engagement in localising humanitarian aid in DRC.

Another NGO, the Union for The Promotion/Protection, Defence of Human Rights, and The Environment (UPDDHE), significantly improved staff skills and competencies through training as part of the STRIDE project to achieve efficient humanitarian response in the DRC.

Key achievements include finalising its 2023-27 Strategic Plan and MEAL Framework and providing staff with vital disaster preparedness, leadership development and sustainable finance training. Adopting financial software (Oracle Netsuite), project management software (PMD Pro), and training on these systems also improved efficiency. UPDDHE also launched a website (www.upddhegl.org) to raise awareness of DRC’s humanitarian needs and to facilitate fundraising efforts.

Both organisations also improved their governance through completing the Leadership Development and Sustainable Finance Programmes, facilitated by the Humanitarian Academy for Development.

The way forward

Islamic Relief’s commitment to capacity strengthening and localisation in the DRC remains steadfast. We envision a future where local NGOs are not just partners to international NGOs like ours but also the driving force behind humanitarian endeavours.

With plans to amplify our initiatives and unwavering support for local organisations through direct funding, Islamic Relief is forging a path towards a more sustainable and locally-led DRC development approach.

Islamic Relief’s work with national actors in DRC is a model for localising humanitarian and development assistance.

Our partnerships are not just changing lives but building resilience and improving the well-being of people in need.

Together, we can empower more communities and change lives in the DRC. Donate now.

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new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.