International NGO Safety Organisation

FAQs

Get to know us better

General

  • What kind of organisation is INSO?

    INSO is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) registered and headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands.

    There are currently INSO programs in 14 countries around the world.

  • Does INSO follow the humanitarian principles?

    Yes. INSO is a recognised signatory to the Red Cross Code of Conduct for NGOs in Disaster Relief and is deeply committed to its principles. Read more about our organisational principles.

  • Who funds INSO?

    INSO is funded by humanitarian donors like the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom government.

    Find out more about how we are funded.

     

  • Who started INSO and why?

    INSO was founded by Executive Director Nic Lee, an international aid worker with a vision of a more organised and independent NGO community.

    Read more about our history.

  • What does INSO do?

    INSO provides analysis, advice and training that helps NGOs operate in high-risk countries. See more about our services.

  • What does INSO stand for?

    ‘INSO’ stands for ‘International NGO Safety Organisation’.

Services

  • What services does INSO provide?

    We provide four key services to our NGO partners: reporting services, training, crisis management and coordination.

    From real-time incident alerts that help to inform NGO operations minute by minute, to site reviews, localised trainings and regular reports, we support NGOs at every level of their work.

    Learn about our services.

  • Do NGOs have to pay for INSO's services?

    No. All INSO services are 100% free of charge and are only available to eligible NGOs. INSO is a non-profit organisation.

  • How many NGOs does INSO support?

    INSO has more than 1,000 partners globally. Learn more about our Partners here.

  • How does INSO decide where to work?

    INSO only establishes safety platforms at the request of the NGOs operating in the country. Find out how to submit a request.

  • What is CHDC and how can I access it?

    CHDC is a database of all the incidents recorded across all INSO projects with an in-built mapping and analysis tool. It is only accessible to INSO partners.

    Check your eligibility to become a partner.

  • Who is eligible for INSO services?

    NGOs that are registered and operating (or have begun this process) in the country where they are operating and in the country of establishment or origin, who agree to abide by our Code of Conduct, are eligible to apply to become an INSO partner.

    If you work in the headquarters of an NGO that is present in at least three of the countries where INSO works, you may be eligible to receive our global support and reporting.

    The full eligibility criteria and pre-screening form can be found here. 

Registration

  • How do NGOs get INSO in their country?

    To ensure we only respond to genuine needs, all INSO projects are started at the request of the NGO communities they serve. To initiate scoping for a new country program, INSO must receive a written letter of invitation signed by a minimum of six NGOs.

    Read more about how to submit a request.

  • Can national or local NGOs join INSO?

    Yes, INSO is available to all local NGOs. We welcome and encourage local NGOs to join and have special services such as training specifically dedicated to your needs.

  • Can I join INSO as an individual?

    No, INSO is only available to organisations who determine the employees they want to register for our services.

  • My NGO has been declined registration with INSO. Why is this?

    We only support humanitarian organisations and NGOs that abide by the same humanitarian principles that we do: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. If your registration has not been accepted, it may be that your organisation does not align with these principles.

    If you disagree with the decision, you can contact our team.

  • I want to access INSO’s services. How can I register?

    We restrict access to our services to non-profit, non-government organisations, including United Nations (UN) agencies and members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as our humanitarian donors.

    If you believe you are eligible, you can start the registration process by completing this pre-screening form.

Recruitment

  • I want to work for INSO. How can I apply?

    We post many of our roles on our Careers page. INSO national roles are advertised in the country of operation or where our country office is located.

    If you would like to know what national roles are currently vacant, you can contact our country offices.

  • Do I need to have a military or security background to work for INSO?

    No. INSO employees come from a variety of backgrounds. Above all we value your ability to working in close teams and challenging contexts.

  • Does INSO offer accommodation in the field?

    Yes, all international staff are offered accommodation in the field.

  • Does INSO have medical insurance for international staff?

    Yes, all international staff receive medical insurance.

  • Does INSO have accompanied posts?

    No, INSO does not currently offer any accompanied posts or associated benefits.

  • What’s it like to work at INSO?

    Meet some of our staff and read about their experiences working for INSO.

  • Does INSO accept unsolicited applications?

    No, we do not accept unsolicited applications. We also encourage you to review the relevant requirements before applying for any of our roles.

  • I applied for an INSO job but haven’t heard back. What’s happened with my application?

    After applying for a role with INSO, you should receive a confirmation that we have received your application in good order.

    Due to the high numbers of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  If you do not hear from us, your application for the position has not been successful.

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