APPROACH AND METHODOLOGYMcKinsey will work together with the Government of Haiti to establish and prioritize the needs of the IHRC. The work will have three primary elements: (1) diagnosing the specific needs and priorities for the recovery; (2) designing a recovery strategy and a coordinating authority with the means and operating processes to execute the strategy; and (3) staffing and launching the organization.IMPLEMENTATION, TIMELINE, AND DELIVERABLESMcKinsey estimates the commitment to last 6-10 months, and will deploy a team of consultants to work full-time in Haiti with the full knowledge and resources of the firm to support the effort. The work will be divided into clear 3-month phases and checkpoints in which progress will be assessed and adjustments made to the approach as needed. As part of the commitment, McKinsey will conduct an impact assessment at the conclusion of work to ensure lessons and best practices are captured and disseminated for future relief and recovery work.
The earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12 set off one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. An estimated 230,000 people died as a direct consequence of the quake, with an estimated 300,000 injured and 1 million rendered homeless. Haiti was already the poorest country in the Americas, ranked 149 out of 182 on the UN Human Development Index. Its state institutions were incapable of responding effectively to the catastrophe, with a disproportionate burden falling to international humanitarian agencies. With the establishment of the IHRC, the Government has a critical opportunity to strengthen their capacity to deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of its citizens both now and in the future. McKinsey's commitment is aimed at supporting the success of this crucial institution.