Ep 27: Michael Nyenhuis, CEO, UNICEF USA

Michael Nyenhuis, CEO of UNICEF USA joins Mike Shanley to discuss the work UNICEF does both in the USA and globally. Michael discusses the various partnerships between UNICEF USA and governments, local organizations, as well as private sectors. He highlights the importance of funding and explains why flexibility from donors is key, so that UNICEF can fund projects and spread resources where they are needed. Michael predicts what the aid and development landscape will look like in the next 5 years and why protecting and funding foreign aid programs globally is essential for support. Tune in to learn more about UNICEF USA and how organizations can support their mission to see that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:01] What is UNICEF's work globally and where does UNICEF USA fit into that work?

• [4:28] What is UNICEF's work with the vaccination campaign and the work they've done with Polio?

• [7:40] What does UNICEF's partnerships with governments look like?

• [10:05] How does UNICEF partner with local NGOs?

• [11:56] What are some of the most pressing needs for the current state of aid?

• [14:56] Does Michael see the role of NGOs changing and the way donors should look at their roles?

• [18:56] What does Michael see as the opportunities for evolution or development with organizations funding mechanisms?

• [21:00] Michael predicts what the aid and development landscape and market ecosystem will look like in 5 years.

• [24:10] How does UNICEF see localization?

• [27:01] How does UNICEF define what a local partner is?

• [31:36] What is the importance of protecting and funding foreign aid programs globally?

• [35:47] How do private sector partnerships come to be?

• [41:46] Does Michael have any advice for smaller organizations that are seeking partnership with UNICEF?

• [45:10] What does Michael see as his role as CEO of UNICEF USA?

• [50:28] What does a typical day look like for Michael?

• [52:23] How can leaders of NGOs be prepared for the uncertainty in the next 5-10 years?

• [55:00] What are Michael's thoughts on AI?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Donors are needed that are willing to trust UNICEF to use resources where they are needed.

• We have a responsibility as a wealthy country with resources to help those in other parts of the world who don't share in the riches that we have, and don't share the privileges and opportunities we've had.

• We can't isolate ourselves and only care about the country we're in anymore. This is a global world and we are global citizens and neighbors.

• The world has changed a lot and is changing faster all the time. We need to think about how we change systems, change policy, and change philanthropy to be more trust-based and more flexible to deal with the equity crisis that exists.

QUOTES:

• [1:29] "Our goal is to see that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected." - Michael Nyenhuis

• [6:18] "UNICEF is the largest single supplier of vaccines in the world. We vaccinate 45% of the world's under five children every year with all the basic vaccines that they need." - Michael Nyenhuis

• [30:29] "If the international NGOs don't see the local NGOs as competitors now for this resource, but truly as partners to help invest in and help grow and build capacity, then I think they can work together really well in order to attract the kinds of resources that can make a difference in their countries." - Michael Nyenhuis

RESOURCES:

Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA

Michael Nyenhuis's LinkedIn

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHY:

Michael J. Nyenhuis is the President and CEO of UNICEF USA, bringing in over 25 years of global humanitarian and development experience, fundraising acumen and proven results to this role. Before joining UNICEF USA, Nyenhuis was the president and CEO of Americares, a position he held since 2014. Nyenhuis was CEO of the global nonprofit MAP International for 13 years prior. A former journalist with a passion for global health, he previously served on USAID's Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid and chaired the board of the Integral Alliance, a global network of faith-based NGOs. He also currently serves on the board of InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based relief and development organizations working internationally, and the leadership council at Concordia, an organization and forum that promotes cross-sector partnerships for social impact. A Minnesota native, Nyenhuis holds a Masters in Business Administration from Emory University and Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Communications from University of Wisconsin Green Bay.