Assessments

Assessment in the Project Cycle DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING EVALUATION ASSESSMENT

Assessment and Emergencies RAPID ASSESSMENT RESPONSEMONITORING PROJECT DESIGN DETAILED ASSESSMENT CONTINGENCY PLANNING

SPHERE COMMON STANDARD TWO INITIAL ASSESSMENT Assessments provide an understanding of the disaster situation and a clear analysis of threats to life, dignity, health and livelihoods to determine in consultation with the relevant authorities, whether an external response is required, and if so, the nature of the response.

Assessment Standard Indicators ► Information is gathered using standardised procedures and made available for transparent decision making ► The assessment considers all technical sectors (water and sanitation, nutrition, food, shelter, health) and the physical, social, economic and security environment

Assessment Standard Indicators ► Through consultation, the assessment takes into account the responses of the local and national authorities and other actors and agencies ► Whenever feasible data are aggregated by sex and by age

Assessment Standard Indicators ► Local capacities and strategies to cope with the disaster, both those of the affected population and the surrounding population are identified. ► The assessment includes an analysis of the operating environment including factors affecting the personal safety and security of the affected population and of humanitarian staff

Assessment Standard Indicators ► Estimates of population numbers are cross- checked and validated with as many sources as possible and the basis for the estimate made known ► Assessment findings are made available to other sectors, national and local authorities and representatives of the affected population. Recommendations are made on the need for external assistance, and on appropriate responses that should be linked with exit or transition strategies.

Assessment Framework ► Clear Objectives ► Appropriate Team Composition ► Logistical support ► Information Requirements ► Guidelines and tools ► Data Collection Methods ► Informants ► Analysis Frameworks ► Recommendations ► Reporting

Clear Objectives : Typical Objectives of a Rapid Field Assessment for CARE ► Understand the humanitarian needs and provide analysis of the humanitarian situation ► Establish the feasibility and make recommendations regarding an operational response by CARE ► Recommend an appropriate program strategy for a response ► Highlight any special issues of concern in the situation affecting the program strategy and operational approach.

Appropriate team composition ► Team Leader ► Program ► Logistics ► Security ► Technical sectors- health, watsan, food, shelter ► Media

Logistical Support ► Transport ► Communications equipment ► Accommodation and Meals ► Travel Permissions ► Interpreters ► Personal equipment ► Safety equipment

Information Requirements: Humanitarian Situation ► Affected Population- size, demographics, location etc ► Impact of disaster- physical, social, economic, political, security ► Capacities and Vulnerabilities of disaster affected population ► Priority needs of population- food, watsan, shelter, health ► Location and conditions of disaster area

Information Requirements: Response to date ► Organisation and response of disaster affected community themselves ► Response of responsible authorities ► Local NGOs ► International NGOs ► UN agencies ► Donors ► Other actors eg Military

Information Requirements: Operating Conditions ► Availability (or damage to) logistics infrastructure- ports, roads, airports ► Market conditions and availability of relief items locally ► Availability of support infrastructure- office and personnel requirements ► Relevant government regulations and requirements for operations ► Cost estimates for budget development

Guidelines and Tools ► Sphere ► Assessment Checklists ► Case specific interagency formats – eg Indonesia, Iraq ► Generic Rapid Assessment Guidelines – OFDA, IASC Framework ► Sector specific technical guidelines- WFP, health and nutrition, water technical, UNHCR

Data Collection Methods ► Qualitative data/ quantitative data ► Key Informant Interviews ► Field Observation ► Rapid surveys- eg damage assessment, epidemiological surveys ► Secondary Data review- other agency reports ► Focus groups ► PRA- transect walks, mapping, calendars etc ► REMEMBER TO TRIANGULATE DATA

Key Informants ► Disaster affected communities  Leaders, vulnerable groups, women, health workers, institutions, CBOs etc ► Local Government representatives and offices ► Local and International NGOs and coordinating bodies ► UN agencies ► Donor agencies

Analysis Frameworks ► Gender ► Do No Harm / Benefits – Harms ► Household Livelihood Security ► Protection ► Conflict

Recommendations Priority Needs Gaps in existing capacity Feasibility, including Resources Capacity and Expertise Cross Cutting Analysis/Issues Operational Considerations RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations ► Should CARE respond? Why/Why not? ► What should CARE’s response strategy be? What specific program interventions should CARE pursue and why? ► What special considerations does CARE need to take into account in its programming strategy with relation cross cutting issues? ► What the operational requirements be for CARE to implement the recommended program?

Assessment Outputs ► Internal Report-  Documentation of assessment findings  Clear recommendations to management/ membership ► External reporting-  Sharing with external stakeholders findings and plans ► Projects-  Concepts or Proposals with Costing, indicative budgets ► Requirements for operation-  human resource, logistics, procurement and otherwise ► Media Information-  Stories and Photos