Since the early 1990’s, humanitarian actors have increasingly sought to address gender-based violence through a variety of programs and activities in displaced settings worldwide.  One major challenge to these humanitarian efforts is finding and keeping appropriate human resources to do the work.  Good managers and leaders are needed to develop GBV programs and activities in field sites and to train, supervise, and support staff providing direct services to GBV survivors and those working with communities to prevent GBV.  These managers must be knowledgeable, skilled, and capable of doing this demanding, often emotional, and exceptionally rewarding work.    

Whether working in a specific “GBV program” or developing strategies to address GBV through integrated and mainstreamed program efforts, certain expertise is needed.  Program managers in humanitarian aid, especially those working on GBV, are dedicated and passionate people.  Agencies must meet this dedication and passion with an equal commitment to ensure that these managers are able to work to their full potential.  Valuing program staff and volunteers as a long-term resource rather than a short-term fix is at the heart of the solutions discussed in this paper.

Part One of this paper is an analysis of good practices for recruiting and retaining good quality GBV program managers.  Part Two discusses specific strategies for finding, training, and supporting GBV program staff.   Resources for training, supervision, and further information are provided at the end of the paper.