The report presents a comprehensive assessment of the localization partner landscape and market compensation for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It identifies the financial struggles faced by most national NGOs, with annual budgets under $100,000, and highlights disparities in compensation and benefits between national and international organizations, emphasizing the need for reforms to enhance sustainability and competitiveness. Key conclusions call for improved local capacity, equitable compensation, and the localization of humanitarian aid within the DRC's complex socio-economic context.

The Localization Partner Landscape and Market Compensation Survey conducted by USAID explores the ecosystem of national NGOs (NNGOs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and their capacity to collaborate with USAID. The report identifies the majority of NNGOs as small, often financially constrained, with annual budgets under $100,000. Despite a rise in organizations receiving USAID funding—from one in 2016 to 35 in 2023—only a few serve as prime contractors. The survey revealed significant salary disparities between NNGOs and international NGOs (INGOs), with INGOs offering average salaries 3.7 times higher than NNGOs, leading to high staff turnover as professionals leave for better-paying positions. The assessment emphasizes the urgent need for equitable compensation practices and highlights the challenges faced by NNGOs in terms of financial stability and operational capacity. Many organizations express concerns over their financial sustainability and pre-financing capabilities to initiate projects independently. Implementing reforms in financial management and recruitment could enhance the capacity of local organizations to engage with USAID effectively. The findings lay the groundwork for improved partnerships and strategic support to enhance local organizations' competitiveness in the DRC development sector.

The document outlines the initial findings of a Partner Landscape and Market Compensation Survey aimed at assessing local organizations in DR Congo. The objectives include identifying local NGOs, analyzing their capacity, and comparing compensation levels with international NGOs (INGOs). The landscape assessment identified 590 organizations, showing a significant focus on vulnerable populations, but with most having limited funding (67% receive less than $100K a year) and staffing (90% have fewer than 50 employees). For the market compensation analysis, a subset of 219 organizations was evaluated to determine salary scales, findings indicate that maximum salaries for various positions such as Country Director and Project Manager vary widely. The survey noted numerous fringe benefits offered, like paid leave and health insurance. However, it highlights the issue of self-reported data and potential bias in the responses. The ultimate goal is to establish a fair and sustainable salary scale tailored to the local economy and organizational capacity. The document serves as a resource for government and NGOs in understanding the local nonprofit landscape while seeking funding and operational compliance within government grants and RFPs.

The document outlines objectives for a Partner Landscape Assessment and a Market Compensation Survey aimed at local organizations supported by USAID. It details findings on the distribution of respondents, technical sectors, funding sources, financial stability, staffing capacity, and salary scales across various roles within these organizations. Key results include a significant portion of organizations receiving funding from USAID, low annual budgets for many, and varying salary scales reflecting market conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.