How can you ensure high-quality humanitarian assistance?

1 Assess the needs

The first step to ensure high-quality humanitarian assistance is to assess the needs of the affected population and the context in which they live. This involves collecting and analyzing relevant data and information, such as the number, location, and profile of the people in need, the severity and causes of their needs, the available resources and capacities, and the potential risks and opportunities. A needs assessment should be participatory, inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based, and should follow the standards and guidelines of the humanitarian sector, such as the Sphere Handbook or the Humanitarian Needs Overview.

2 Plan the response

The second step is to plan the response based on the findings of the needs assessment and the strategic objectives and priorities of the humanitarian community. This involves defining the expected outcomes and indicators of the response, the activities and resources required to achieve them, the roles and responsibilities of the different actors involved, and the timelines and milestones for implementation and monitoring. A response plan should be realistic, coherent, flexible, and aligned with the humanitarian principles and the humanitarian coordination system, such as the Cluster Approach or the Humanitarian Country Team.

3 Deliver the assistance

The third step is to deliver the assistance according to the response plan and the agreed standards and protocols of the humanitarian sector. This involves mobilizing and managing the human, material, financial, and logistical resources needed to provide the assistance, ensuring the quality and accountability of the services and goods delivered, and respecting the dignity and preferences of the affected population. A delivery of assistance should be timely, efficient, effective, and safe, and should follow the principles of do no harm, protection mainstreaming, and localization.

4 Monitor and evaluate the impact

The fourth step is to monitor and evaluate the impact of the assistance on the affected population and the context. This involves collecting and analyzing data and feedback on the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of the response, comparing them with the baseline and the targets, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the response, and learning from the successes and failures. A monitoring and evaluation of impact should be regular, systematic, participatory, and transparent, and should follow the standards and guidelines of the humanitarian sector, such as the Core Humanitarian Standard or the Grand Bargain.

5 Communicate and coordinate

The fifth step is to communicate and coordinate with the relevant stakeholders involved in or affected by the humanitarian response. This involves sharing and exchanging information and data on the needs, the response, and the impact, establishing and maintaining dialogue and consultation with the affected population and other actors, building and strengthening partnerships and networks, and advocating for the rights and interests of the affected population. A communication and coordination should be clear, consistent, respectful, and inclusive, and should follow the principles of communication with communities, information management, and humanitarian diplomacy.

6 Adapt and improve

The sixth and final step is to adapt and improve the humanitarian response based on the changing needs, context, and feedback. This involves reviewing and revising the response plan and the delivery of assistance, incorporating new data and information, addressing gaps and challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities and innovations. An adaptation and improvement should be continuous, proactive, responsive, and creative, and should follow the principles of adaptive management, learning and innovation, and quality assurance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?