dr. (Rodrigo) R Mena Fluhmann

Biography

I am an Assistant Professor of Disasters and Humanitarian Studies and the Deputy Director of the Humanitarian Studies Centre (HSC). With nearly two decades of experience, my work has primarily revolved around humanitarian action, disaster governance, and environmental sociology, particularly in conflict-affected and vulnerable settings. I lecture on humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction, methodology, ethics, and safety and security for in-situ/fieldwork research.

Within the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), I co-coordinate the Humanitarian Governance project (HUM-GOV), funded by a European Research Council (ERC) advanced grant. This project investigates the evolving dynamics of humanitarian governance, with a particular focus on civil society actors and crisis-affected populations. Additionally, as part of this project, I am involved in the coordination of the Observatorio Humanitario de América Latina y el Caribe (OH-LAC).

At ISS I also serve as the Convenor for the Governance and Development Policy Major (GDP) within the Master of Arts in Development Studies, and as a member of the ISS Research Ethics Committee. Furthermore, I lead the Safety and Security for Fieldwork/In-situ Research course (S&S) at CERES, the Dutch Research School for International Development, and hold a visiting professorship at the UN University for Peace, Costa Rica.

My contributions to the field extend beyond academia, serving as a Board Member of the International Humanitarian Studies Association (IHSA) and the Expertise Centre Humanitarian Communication (HumCom). Additionally, I regularly serve as a reviewer for leading journals and actively engage in (applied) research, monitoring, evaluation, and advisory consultancy work, which keeps me closely connected to developments within my areas of expertise. These collaborations have included work with UNDRR, UNICEF, the ICRC, multiple Red Cross Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Islamic Relief International, the Dutch Relief Alliance, Welthungerhilfe, Save the Children, and Afghanaid, among others.

Before my current roles at ISS, my career encompassed positions as a researcher, project manager, and consultant with local and international NGOs, the United Nations, governmental organizations, and the private sector. My professional journey has also included academic roles, lectureships, and visiting professorships at various universities in different countries. Moreover, I have taken on leadership roles in humanitarian aid organizations, coordinated disaster responses, and conducted in-situ research in numerous conflict zones, crisis situations, and regions prone to disasters. My experiences have led me to engage with complex and disaster-affected regions such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chile, Colombia, Jordan, Peru, South Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen.

My educational background includes a PhD in Humanitarian Action and Disaster Governance from the ISS of Erasmus University Rotterdam, an MA in Environmental Studies from the University of Melbourne, and a BA in Sociology and a BA in Political Science from A. Hurtado University. Additionally, I hold diplomas in Quantitative Multivariable Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, Public Policy, and Sustainable Development. My experience and training in conducting fieldwork in challenging, complex, and remote areas are bolstered by certifications from reputable institutions such as the United Nations, Red Cross, Centre for Safety and Development, GCORE, and RedR.