International Conflict and Security Consulting

Yes - INCAS is a for-profit company, but with modest profit margins that go beyond the monetary. We do bill clients for our services, of which a part covers expenses, a part is remuneration for consultants engaged by the project, and a part is maintained as INCAS' working capital. Subsequently, a modest profit is then either reinvested in the company or paid as dividend to the Managing Partners in proportion to their investment in the organisation. Our 'hidden profit' or second bottom line is the fact that our work is fulfilling in terms of an active contribution to societies that are rendered more secure after our intervention. Why does INCAS have offices and a focus on Nigeria, Russia, and India? Our remit and reach as a company is global, but for several reasons we have chosen to anchor ourselves in Nigeria, Russia, and India and their respective sub-regions. First, because our Managing Partners have strong links and networks in these three countries, making us very effective in delivering on client objectives there. Secondly, we like to sustain our engagement and see our work yield tangible results - beyond profit - which is made possible through these country anchors. Thirdly, our know-how and ways of working improve over time through sustained engagement in these three very different countries. They challenge us daily, help us learn, and make us do better. And finally, we believe in the future of these three countries and want to make a small contribution to their growth and prosperity. How does INCAS measure impact? Some situations lend themselves better to measuring impact than others. For instance, if there are regular attacks on installations, or facility construction efforts are frequently disrupted, impact can be judged when there are fewer or no attacks or disruptions. Return on investment is easily quantifiable in these situations. Measuring success in preventive action is trickier. How can you robustly state that you have "prevented something that never happened" from happening? However, we do have methods to show that we deliver results on the preventive side - and we can demonstrate the quality of our strategic work. Does INCAS negotiate on behalf of the client? We are rarely asked to negotiate on behalf of clients, largely because clients are better positioned to do so themselves. However, we will sometimes be asked by corporate clients to advise on deadlocked or difficult situations involving local communities, armed groups, or activists. In such eventualities, we begin by developing an understanding of the issues and gaining the confidence of the parties involved in order to intercede effectively. If we see that we can add value - and that there is scope for a sustainable win-win solution that benefits our client and other parties - we design and implement the processes necessary to get everyone there.