Regional Humanitarian Pooled Funds (RHPF) FAQ

Fatuma Alinoor, 58, sits outside her shelter in Somalia's Biliil IDP camp, where she lives with her three grandchildren after fleeing drought and food insecurity in Dinsoor.
Fatuma Alinoor, 58, sits outside her shelter in Somalia's Biliil IDP camp, where she lives with her three grandchildren after fleeing drought and food insecurity in Dinsoor. With support from a local NGO, she has received cash assistance, safe water and hygiene kits. Photo: OCHA/Yao Chen

How are the RHPFs governed?

The RHPFs are governed by RC/HCs at the country level, with certain distinctions between the different modalities: 

  • For Country Envelopes: The process is similar to CBPFs, with the RC/HC determining the use of resources based on established priorities in consultation with an Advisory Board comprising national and international organizations, UN agencies and donor countries.
  • For Regional Envelopes: Donor contributions are earmarked at the regional level for allotment to Country Envelopes by the ERC, based on the request of RC/HCs (as is done for CERF). Once regional funds are allotted to the country level, they are managed and overseen by the RC/HC in country, in consultation with national Advisory Boards.

How are RHPFs established?

The process builds on that of establishing CBPFs: 

  • An assessment by OCHA supported by the respective regional offices aims to establish whether conditions are met, including the existence of a humanitarian crisis in which people need continued support from the international community; an indication of substantial and sustained donor commitment; sufficient support structures at the regional level to manage a Fund; and presence, engagement and demonstrated capacity of potential partners in priority countries.
  • Once the assessment ascertains conditions are conducive for an RHPF, OCHA assesses what modality is most appropriate to open the Fund – with the capacity to open a Country and/or Regional Envelope(s).

How do the pooled funds collaborate with development actors to ensure a seamless transition from relief response to development aid?

Within their mandate, OCHA-managed pooled funds enable, advocate for and/or support collaboration with development actors to reduce humanitarian needs and tackle the root causes of vulnerability. In general, they adhere to the following strategic approach:

  • Based on identified needs and priorities, the pooled funds may plan, layer and sequence allocations to complement other mechanisms, addressing shared goals to maximize impact.
  • The Funds serve as an advocacy platform for development action that is people centred and conflict sensitive.
  • The Funds’ support to local and national actors, including community-based organizations, helps strengthen communities’ resilience and promote local leadership and capacity.
  • The Funds’ investment in anticipatory action that paves the way for the early recovery of affected people prepares the groundwork for collaboration with development and peace actors.