Lydia Poole

Lydia Poole an internationally recognised expert in humanitarian policy, crisis financing, and aid system reform, with over 20 years of experience delivering high-impact research, evaluations, and strategic advice across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

With a background spanning frontline humanitarian coordination in complex emergencies to advising senior leadership in multilateral institutions and donor agencies, Lydia has shaped some of the most influential agendas in the sector—including localisation, anticipatory action, pre-arranged financing, and aid accountability. Her work has guided the evolution of global frameworks such as the Grand Bargain, informed donor strategies, and helped build more responsive, evidence-based systems for crisis response.

Her approach is grounded in political economy analysis, deep stakeholder consultation, and a commitment to elevating local perspectives. She has delivered flagship studies, evaluations, and foresight analyses for FCDO, OECD, World Bank, UN agencies, and leading INGOs, helping bridge the gap between policy ambition and operational reality.