Strength in NumbersGlobal Mapping Review of NGO Engagement

in Coordinated Assessments

NATF, 28 July 2011

Introduction to the ResearchProblemTimely assessment is fundamental to providing

effective, needs-based assistance but the prevailing practice of uncoordinated agency assessments is inefficient and results from recent CNA have often been disappointing

PurposeTo map experience from recent humanitarian

responses, distil good practice and analyse lessons learnt with a view to making recommendations for how the ECB and broader humanitarian community can focus their efforts in the future

Research MethodologyConsultations with UN, NGOs, Red Cross and

inter-agency initiativesLiterature ReviewOn-line surveyA focus on early phase (1 and 2) CNA and

those which incorporate NGO participation.

LimitationsA bias towards those with experience of CNALimited time (12-days)

A Review of Current CNA ProgressGlobal Initiatives Inter-agency Methodologies The IASC Needs Assessment Task

Force (NATF) Assessment Capacities Project

(ACAPS) OCHA Assessment and

Classification of Emergencies Project (ACE)

United Nations Disaster Assessment & Coordination (UNDAC)

Emergency Capacity Building Project – Joint Needs Assessment (JNA)

Emergency Market Mapping Analysis (EMMA)

Household Economy Analysis and the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC)

The Multi-Cluster Rapid Initial Assessment Multi-Cluster Initial/Rapid Assessment

(MIRA) The Humanitarian Dashboard ACAPS Secondary Data Review (SDR) Methodology for Rapid Humanitarian

Assessment (REDLAC) European Commission Humanitarian Office

(ECHO) Initial Needs Assessment Checklist (INAC)

Cluster Assessment Methodologies: Local Estimate of Needs for Shelter &

Settlement Toolkit (LENSS) Health Resources Availability

Mapping System (HeRAMS) Global Health Cluster Rapid Health

Assessment Guidelines (RHA) Environmental Needs Assessment in

Post-Disaster Situations The Short Guide to Rapid Joint

Education Needs Assessment Toolkit

Country/Regional Initiatives Sphere India Unified Response

Strategy (URS) Vietnam Joint Disaster Rapid

Needs Assessment (JDRNA) Bangladesh Rapid Initial Report

(RIR) and Rapid Emergency Needs Assessment (RENA)

Unicef Multi-Sector Indicator Block Mapping (MSiB) in Haiti

Challenges to NGO EngagementObservations from a review of agency practice in 48 CNAs in 2003-2011

Observations from a review of assessment practice in the Philippines in 2010

CNA practice benefits from strong government engagement;

CNAs are more often used in rapid onset natural disasters than for conflict-related crises;

In conflict-related crises one of the motivations for CNAs is for security purposes;

While food security assessments often benefit from strong coordination they are difficult to classify;

Disasters are increasingly assessed jointly with common methodologies used by agencies;

Many of the most timely CNAs were undertaken for mid-size emergencies;

Recent large-scale CNA tend to deliver results several weeks after the crisis;

The important role played by the Red Cross Movement albeit with a focus on internal CNA;

Reasons for the lack of CNA in the first 2-weeks after the typhoons: Lack of awareness; Competition for Resources; De-prioritisation; The lack of an Enabling

Environment. The limited participation of

government; The lack of National NGO

participation.

Highlights from the ResearchMany NGOs have only limited knowledge of

CNANGOs often struggle to prioritise strategic

assessment over operational assessmentSome NGOs don’t have sufficient trust in the

value of CNA - some never willNational NGOs are often omitted from CNA

completely or until late in the process

The ‘Methodology Gap’

Headline RecommendationsStrengthen communication in order to build a

‘culture of CNA’Value partnership at global and country-levelDevelop a ‘good enough’ approach that is fit

for purposeAllow approaches and tools to be

contextualisedEmphasize the importance of preparednessTry to anticipate and address potential

blockers (strategic vs. operational needs and disasters vs. complex emergencies

Demand leadership – globally and at country level

A Cycle of Good Practice for CNAPrepare – a culture of

CNA

A common approach & standardis

ed tools

Strengthen data

analysis

Act on the results in real time

Review Performan

ce & strengthen

Practice