Needs Assessment Overview Assessment and Classification of Emergencies (ACE) Project IASC Weekly Meeting 28 January 2009

The ACE project : the assessment and classification of emergencies

GA and IASC mandate General Assembly OCHA mandate to maintain an “overview of all emergencies” and in “organizing … joint needs assessment missions.” (res. 46/182, art. 35b & c) June 2007 IASC WG requested OCHA to undertake a mapping of assessment initiatives and establish a framework for NA November 2008 IASC WG explicitly requested OCHA to work towards the harmonisation and consolidation objectives March 2009 report to IASC WG plan & time frame for harmonising needs assessment prototype consolidation tool

The ACE project : the assessment and classification of emergencies The Overall Goal of ACE is : strengthening the evidence-base for humanitarian decision-making to improve humanitarian action and accountability

The ACE project : the assessment and classification of emergencies How do we achieve this goal ? Encouraging a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral process for data collection, analysis and interpretation to assess the priorities of affected communities and to inform decisions on response (this process is referred to as (this process is referred to as common needs assessment)

The ACE project : the assessment and classification of emergencies The assessment and classification of emergencies incorporates two closely related components : 1. 1.Harmonisation of needs assessment Establish a framework for multi-sectoral needs assessments Work with clusters on a common approach to needs assessments 2. 2.Consolidation of key humanitarian data Classifying humanitarian situations in a response analysis tool supported by agencies and other experts

Harmonisation of needs assessment : how do we go about it? 1. Learning from the mapping exercise and first round of consultation Numerous and diffuse needs assessment already in place Need for a framework

Information topics / Indicators Pre-crisis information: Early Warning Surveillance systems Baselines and periodic surveys Contingency Planning INITIAL ASSESSMENT Purposive sampling Check list Cumulative information Immediate Initial Response Appeal Cluster/sector specific or Multi-sectoral Assessments common information across sectoral tools estimated at 50% Statistically representative sampling Questionnaire On-going Initial Response Revised Appeal In-depth cluster- specific assessments Statistically representative sampling Questionnaire days days daysbeyond 30 days Onse t Sequence of humanitarian assessments following a sudden onset crisis CFSVA IR A EFSN A JA M MICS FAC T CCCM HEA IP C Rapid child protection Rapid protection Assessment PDNA LAT DAL A ILIA Sector specific detailed Programming CAP NICS UNDA C CATs FSMS INEE IDP Profiling Tool under developmentDeveloped Information / Indicators HeRAMS Tools Guidance on methodology

Harmonisation of needs assessment : how do we go about it? 1. Learning from the Bangkok Workshop and second round of consultation Common needs assessment is possible No one-fits-all global assessment method Practioners request best practices, guidance, templates Broad base of participation Preparedness is key Leadership required Endorsement of framework

Harmonisation of needs assessment : how do we go about it? 1. Learning from the Bangkok Workshop and second round of consultation Central role of clusters in implementing common needs assessment in both the preparedness and implementation phases Role of UNDAC

Consolidation of needs assessment : how do we go about it? 1. Learning from the Nairobi Workshop and the first round of consultation Consult decision-makers Form a reference group to feedback on prototypes

Harmonisation of needs assessment : where are we now? Mapping report finalised Incorporating Bangkok conclusions Proposed Plan of Action discussed with stakeholders Reporting back to IASC WG in March

Harmonisation of needs assessment : where are we now? finalising the plan of action Country, Regional and Global approach Creating working groups Develop communications Resource mobilisation Capacity building Information management inputs Country-level roll-out Role of regional groups

Consolidation of needs assessment : where are we now? Decision-makers survey soon completed Developing and piloting a prototype information consolidation tool in consultation with clusters In full use by end of 2009

Thank you Questions?