Strategic Misalignment in Protracted Humanitarian Operations and Its Implications for Funding Sustainability and Organizational Capacity

Abstract

Protracted humanitarian operations have become a defining feature of the contemporary global crisis landscape, driven by prolonged conflicts, climate-related disasters, forced displacement, and fragile governance structures. While humanitarian organizations were historically designed for short-term emergency response, many are now operating in chronic crisis contexts that last for decades. This shift has exposed a growing phenomenon of strategic misalignment, where organizational mandates, funding mechanisms, operational models, and stakeholder expectations are no longer coherently aligned. This article critically examines the nature of strategic misalignment in protracted humanitarian operations and analyzes its implications for funding sustainability and organizational capacity. Drawing on organizational theory, humanitarian governance literature, and funding architecture analysis, the study argues that unresolved strategic misalignment undermines long-term financial viability, erodes institutional learning, weakens staff capacity, and reduces programmatic effectiveness. The article concludes by proposing an integrated strategic realignment framework aimed at enhancing sustainability, adaptability, and mission coherence in long-term humanitarian engagement.