Sumedh Rao

Sumedh joined the ICCS in 2015 having worked as Research Fellow with GSDRC since 2010. He has worked as a policy analyst and researcher with the OECD, DFID, ODI and Development Initiatives. He has produced work for multilateral agencies (World Bank, UNDP, EC, WHO, OECD, Commonwealth Secretariat, UNECA, UNPBSO, UNESCO), bilateral agencies (DFID, Australia DFAT), governmental bodies (UK FCO, South Africa CoGTA), and non-governmental organisations (Amnesty International, U4 Resource Centre, International Justice Mission, Development Initiatives, Plan UK).

• Master of Public Affairs (Sciences Po, Paris)
• BSc Politics and International Relations (London School of Economics and Political Science)
• BSc Psychology (University College London)

• Conflict: Identity, trust, cooperation, conflict analysis, peacebuilding, statebuilding
• Governance: public sector reform, technical assistance and cooperation, democratic assistance
• Social psychology: behaviour change, collective action, intergroup conflict, political psychology

• Development Studies Association
• International Research Society for Public Management

Rao, S. (2015). Beyond dichotomies: Psychological insights for the collective action vs principal-agent and NPM vs NPG debates. Presented at the International Research Society for Public Management Conference 2015, Birmingham, UK.

Rao, S. (2014). Group morality in collective action for corruption. Paper Presented at 2014 International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration Annual Conference, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Rao, S. (2013). Group Morality for Collective Action for Corruption. Paper Presented at 2nd International Institute of Administrative Sciences African Forum, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Rao, S. (2015). Examples of PFM impacts on gender equality. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1181. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1181.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Formal and informal policing in Iraq. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1176. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1176.pdf

Rao, S., Scott, Z. and Alam, M. (2014). Decentralisation and Local Government: Topic Guide. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/topic-guides/decentralisation-and-local-government

Rao, S. (2014). Tax reform: Topic guide. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://gsdrc.org/go/topic-guides/tax-reform

Rao, S. (2014). Capacity building for social protection. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1168. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1168.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Operational models for politically aware subnational government projects. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1165. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1165.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Incentives for gender responsive budgeting. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1133.Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1133.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Dealing with election-related violence in fragile and conflict-affected states. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1126. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1126.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Reinvigorating Public Service: e-Discussion Consolidated Report. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham & Singapore: UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence. https://undp.unteamworks.org/file/449964/download/489879

Rao, S. (2014). Grievance Redress Mechanisms in Pakistan. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1117. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1117.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Social mobilisation in urban contexts. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1110. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1110.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Post-2015 accountability mechanisms. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1101. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1101.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Problem-driven iterative approaches and wider governance reform. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1099. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1099.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). New thinking on governance issues. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1092. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham.  http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1092.pdf

Rao, S. (2014, March 14). Public service motivation: Love or money?. University of Birmingham International Development Department Blog. http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/public-service-motivation-love-or-money/

Rao, S. (2014). Prioritising and sequencing public sector reform. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1080. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1080.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Conflict analysis of Mauritania. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/GSDRC_ConflAnal_Mauritania.pdf

Rao, S. (2014). Sending messages to reduce violent conflict. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1050. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1050.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Stakeholder effectiveness in natural resource management. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1043. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1043.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Relationship between illicit economic activity and illicit financial flows. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1019. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1019.pdf 

Rao, S. (2013). Citizens' role in political settlements. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1014. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1014.pdf 

Rao, S. (2013). National databases of the poor for social protection. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1007. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ1007.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Civil service reform: Topic guide. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/CSR_TopicGuide_2013.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Community policing in fragile and conflict-affected states. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 997. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ997.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Donor support of African parliaments. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 994. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ994.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Disaster risk governance at national and sub-national levels. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 991. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ991.pdf 

Rao, S. (2013). Addressing high rates of public service absenteeism. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 988. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ988.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Political economy analysis for economic and private sector reforms. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 971. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ971.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Literature Review on Budget Support. EPS-PEAKS Helpdesk Report. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. https://partnerplatform.org/?y5qbqany

Rao, S. (2013). Assessing seismic risk in Kenya. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 964. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ964.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Measuring the impact of PFM reforms on service delivery. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 946. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ946.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). New thinking on technical assistance to resolve knowledge and capacity gaps. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 935. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ935.pdf 

Rao, S. (2013). Mobile telephony innovation to improve education service outcomes. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 909. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ909.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Interventions for collective action and accountability. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 904. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ904.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Regional and national capacity to cope with humanitarian risk. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 896. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ896.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Impact of election assistance. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 895. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ895.pdf

Rao, S. (2013). Conflict and Stabilisation in Mali and the Sahel Region. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 876. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ876.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). ‘Triggers’ to scale up assistance in advance of shocks. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 863. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ863.pdf

Birchall, J. & Rao, S. (2012). Interventions to tackle sex selection in Asia. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 856. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ856.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Estimating the 'legitimate' percentage of annual military expenditures. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 854. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ854.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Effectiveness of demand-led technical assistance and cooperation on public sector reforms. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 850. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ850.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Effective methods to improve police performance in cities and regions in developing countries. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 849. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ849.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Impact of municipal billing systems on revenue collection. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 847. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ847.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Distortionary economic impacts of aid interventions in fragile states. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 840. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ840.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Integrating parliamentary and political party strengthening in sectoral programmes. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 835. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ835.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Country Risk Indices. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 829. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ829.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Indicators for investment and business climate. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 827. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ827.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Signature and compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 826. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ826.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Employment Intensity of Growth in Agriculture. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 825. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ825.pdf

M’Cormack, F. & Rao, S. (2012). Theory of Change approaches to post-conflict governance programming. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 819. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ819.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Poverty and vulnerability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 809. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ809.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Literature and debates around behaviour change. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 796. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ796.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Approaches to better target audiences. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 795. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ795.pdf

Rao, S. (2012). Impact of electoral measures on elections and a country's development. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 794. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ794.pdf

OECD. (2012). Ensuring Fragile States Are Not Left Behind: 2011 Report on Financial Resource Flows. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). http://www.oecd.org/dac/incaf/2011report_financial_ressouces_flows_full.pdf

OECD. (2012). Ensuring Fragile States Are Not Left Behind: 2011 Factsheet on Resource Flows in Fragile States.  Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  http://www.oecd.org/dac/incaf/49108935.pdf

Rao, S. & Marquette, H. (2012). Corruption indicators in Performance Assessment Frameworks for budget support. U4 Issue Paper 1. Bergen, Norway: Chr. Michelsen Institute. http://www.u4.no/publications/corruption-indicators-in-performance-assessment-frameworks-for-budget-support/downloadasset/2688

Marquette, H., Flanary, R., Rao, S. & Morris, D. (2011). Supporting Anti-Corruption Reform in Partner Countries - Concepts, Tools and Areas for Action. Full Report. Tools and Methods Series - Concept Paper 2. Brussels: EuropeAid. http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/infopoint/publications/europeaid/documents/251a_full_en.pdf

Marquette, H., Flanary, R., Rao, S. & Morris, D. (2011). Supporting Anti-Corruption Reform in Partner Countries - Concepts, Tools and Areas for Action. Summary. Tools and Methods Series - Concept Paper 2. Brussels: EuropeAid. http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/infopoint/publications/europeaid/documents/251a_short_en.pdf

Scott, Z. & Rao, S. (2011). Topic guide on decentralisation and local government. London, UK: Commonwealth Secretariat / GSDRC. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/DecLocGov2011.pdf

Rao, S. (2011). Examples of successful fuel subsidy removal. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HDQ754.pdf

Rao, S. (2011). Overview of key governance issues related to natural resource management. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 765. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD765.pdf

OECD. (2011). Managing risks in fragile and transitional contexts: The price of success?. Paris: OECD. http://www.oecd.org/dac/incaf/48634348.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Donor Experience of Working with Traditional and Religious Institutions. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 736. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD736.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Monitoring and Evaluating Civil Service Performance. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 722. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD722.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Private Investment Constraints in Business in the Poorest Countries. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 715. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD715.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Local Government Capacity and Leadership in Fragile Areas. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 714. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD714.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Investment Climate in Fragile and Conflict Affected States. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 713. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD713.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Political Economy of Sierra Leone. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 710. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD710.pdf

Haider, H. & Rao, S. (2010). Political and Social Analysis for Development Policy and Practice: An Overview of Five Approaches. Emerging Issues Paper. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/EIRS10.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Review of Justice Sector Support in Afghanistan. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 700. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD700.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Critique of Governance Assessment Applications. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 699. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD699.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Evaluation of Governance Programme Indicators. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 698. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD698.pdf

Rao, S. (2010). Impact of ‘Resource Curse’ Mitigation. GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 693. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD693.pdf

Baudienville, G., Domingo, P., Basu Ray, D., Rao, S. & Hedger, S. (2010). Aid Instruments in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations: Impacts on the State- and Peace-Building Agenda. Final report. London: ODI. www.odi.org.uk/resources/download/5405.pdf

OECD. (2010). Transition Financing: Building a Better Response. Paris: OECD. http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/conflict-and-fragility_20743637;jsessionid=dnip8drk9gtck.x-oecd-live-01

OECD (2009). Mutual Review for Development Effectiveness in Africa Report 2009. Paris: OECD. http://www.africapartnershipforum.org/dataoecd/62/43/42179846.pdf

OECD. (2008). 2008 DAC Report on Multilateral Aid. DCD/DAC(2008)58/ADD. Paris: OECD. http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/59/11/42901553.pdf

Furnham, A., & Rao, S. (2002). Personality and the aesthetics of composition: A study of Mondrian & Hirst. North American Journal of Psychology 4, 233-242. http://www.academia.edu/1203303/Personality_and_the_aesthetics_
of_composition_A_study_of_Mondrian_and_Hirst