Session 2.2.2

Humanitarian negotiation

2.2.2: Humanitarian negotiation

Learning objectives:At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•Describe useful approaches and skills for negotiation in a humanitarian situation•Practise negotiation skills and tactics

Humanitarian negotiation

• Communication between two or more parties regarding their competing or conflicting interests

• Negotiation is used to resolve a point of conflict and this is possible when all parties have something to gain from the interaction and exchange of views

Humanitarian negotiation skills

• Planning and organising• Observation and listening• Patience and perseverance• Ability to develop rapport and empathy• Flexibility• Creativity• Analysis and strategic skills

Positions vs interests?

You arrive at a checkpoint and the soldier demands a bribe. This is his position.

What are his possible interests?

His potential interests could be:• respect for him as a soldier• his reputation among his colleagues• adhering to policy set by his superiors – which could mean his job• a basic needs such as the need to feed his family

Positions vs interests?

You are negotiating with the government because you need to gain access to 15 villages where IDPs have just arrived. This is your position.

What are your interests?

Your potential interests could be: • moral interest – humanitarian principles• organisation’s reputation with community, donor, public• personal reputation within team or recognition for performance

Preparing for a negotiation

• Analyse the conflict• Determine your best alternative – what is your bottom

line or what other possibilities do you have away from the negotiation?

• Identify your best negotiation strategy