eShowe humanitarian makes top 200 list
McLaverty is the advocacy co-ordinator for the non-governmental co-ordination committee for Iraq (NCCI), a forum of over 180 Iraqi and international NGOs working across the country
ESHOWE’S Richard McLaverty (30) has been named one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Influential Young South Africans for 2019.
He is one of 16 in the Civil Society category.
McLaverty is the advocacy co-ordinator for the non-governmental co-ordination committee for Iraq (NCCI), a forum of over 180 Iraqi and international NGOs working across the country.
The forum provides assistance to civilians affected by conflict.
His work involves collecting, analysing and disseminating information and working with partners to ensure co-ordinated and effective responses.
No ordinary day job
He communicates daily with various stakeholders, including government authorities, embassies, donors, United Nations agencies and advocacy campaigners from various humanitarian and development organisations.
Briefing diplomats about NGO operations and the challenges they face, meeting a prospective donor, hosting a visiting delegation or facilitating co-ordination meetings is all in a day’s work.
His job entails translating what is happening on the ground into what could lead to meaningful high-level interventions.
Humanitarian operations
McLaverty has served on the UN Humanitarian Country Team and in doing so, has received an overview and understanding into the humanitarian context and operations in Iraq.
He says he has been fortunate to have had access to senior UN officials and diplomats and has raised concerns from the humanitarian community and provide some insight into the workings of NGOs in Iraq.
He serves on a number of other committees and the Iraq humanitarian fund’s advisory board.
His career highlights include contributing to Iraq’s humanitarian response plan for 2018 and 2019, and being able to coordinate a UN cluster.
McLaverty holds a MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford (St Antony’s College), an honours degree in political communication and Bachelor of social science in politics and sociology, both from the University of Cape Town.
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