The “Brain Drain” Phenomenon seen in Egypt's Humanitarian and Development sectors

The “Brain Drain” Phenomenon seen in Egypt's Humanitarian and Development sectors

The brain drain phenomenon seen in Egypt's humanitarian and development sectors is a pressing issue that has far-reaching consequences on the most vulnerable populations solely dependent on this system for holistic support. As educated professionals and skilled workers leave the country searching for better opportunities abroad, the organizations tasked with addressing the needs of the most vulnerable are left depleted and unable to fulfill their mandates effectively.

One of the leading causes of brain drain is the poor governance prevalent in these sectors. The system's lack of transparency and accountability, which has persisted for years, has created an unsuitable environment for talented individuals. When those in #power prioritize maintaining their #influence over promoting genuine progress, it creates a sense of disillusionment and frustration among professionals passionate about making a difference. This leads to a significant brain drain within the sector, which is often underreported and not talked about enough.

Additionally, the #recruitment and #selection processes are extremely #biased and #favor individuals with connections rather than those with the necessary skills and qualifications. This discourages talented professionals from staying in the sector, and ultimately compromises the effectiveness and efficiency of the organizations. Without a merit-based system, the best and brightest candidates are often overlooked and left outside.?

Consequently, the humanitarian architecture in Egypt has lost considerable expertise and talent, causing the humanitarian and development sectors to become unstable without proper leadership, strategy, and efficiency.

The impact of losing skilled and ethical professionals from the humanitarian sector is profound, especially for the populations that rely on their support and aid. When there is a shortage of competent and sincere people working in these fields, the ability to implement effective and long-lasting solutions is seriously hindered. This exacerbates the existing challenges faced by the most vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied migrants and refugees, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and stunting progress.

The combination of bad governance, lack of accountability, and a poor economic situation has created an environment that forces skilled professionals to seek opportunities outside the system or abroad, while other genuine ones cannot get into the system due to its corruption and deterioration.?

#Egypt #BrainDrain #HumanitarianAid #Development #Accountability #vulnerablePopulations


Shivalika Gupta

Rural Transformation | Agrarian Development | Monitoring & Evaluation | Public Policy

8 个月

I am tempted to add that many, if not all, of the issues mentioned are true in Indian context as well. I have also experienced in many cases that the senior leadership, including in the "country" offices of international donors/non-profits, are not very keen on developing a second line of leadership. This is especially discouraging for mid-career professionals like me, who are committed to the cause and genuinely want to be mentored and guided into more decisive roles for the future.

Tanika Sasha Jones

Development, Communications, and Advocacy Strategist | Digital Marketing Specialist | Project Management | Multi-Marathoner

8 个月

Hi Mary. Interesting write up. Good bringing this to the forefront. I think sometimes the brain drain phenomenon is forgotten. It is still happening. Like Menna Roshdy said this is applicable to the field but I find it especially prevalent in developing countries. I know people who’ve left my own country and share similar reasons that you’ve highlighted for leaving. I know others planning to do the same at some point even if it’s short term. They hope to never come back. I would love to see you expand on this topic in the future as you immerse yourself back into the sector at home.

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Menna Roshdy

Public Policy | DEI | Capacity Building | GBV | MA: International Human Rights Law at AUC.

8 个月

Unfortunately many of the elements mentioned are applicable to the humanitarian and development field in general regardless of the context.

Hélène SYED, PhD

Migration Research and Data Specialist @IOM

8 个月

Hi Mary, your paper could be more robust with data, examples and references. I was looking for evidence based info but read mostly claims. If you have some evidence please share I am interested.

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