Identifying and addressing gaps (and overlaps) in assistance or services to the affected population is a key function of FSC, from the onset of the crisis and continuously thereafter. It contributes to the FSC’s overall monitoring efforts described in 5.15.1 above.
A gap analysis involves the comparison of variables related to plans, targets and achievements of FSC partners, normally carried out monthly. It looks at current or projected gaps (while also allowing FSC teams to address overlaps):
- Actuals against targets (current gaps): FSC partners’ collective actual achievements against objective targets. This kind of gap analysis highlights specific areas which have not received adequate support and monitors whether FSC objectives are being met.
- Plans against targets (projected gaps): FSC partners’ planned activities and numbers against objectives targets. This kind of gap analysis is used to forecast a collective response and to confirm partners’ initial commitments.
- Duplications: Identifying overlaps is also a key function and is a regular activity for any country-level FSC. It builds on the gap analysis and allows FSC teams to identify geographic or programmatic areas of overlap.
Gaps may be geographic, e.g. certain areas are not covered for particular types of activity or service, or programmatic, e.g. certain activities or services do not meet the needs.
The purpose of a gap analysis is to inform stakeholders about the status of the FSC response against plans or targets. This tool is crucial for the FSC team to steer the coordination. It is a powerful tool used to inform and advocate to decision-makers and FSC actors alike and is important for both resource mobilisation and accountability to the affected population.
What is the role of the FSC Coordinator? Although the gap analysis is a key reporting requirement /minimum product for IMOs (including a funding gap analysis), the Coordinator is overall responsible for ensuring the information reflects the reality on the ground (to the best of his/her knowledge).
While the FSC coordination team identifies and communicates the gaps, FSC partners are asked to regularly review potential overlaps, agree on the priority gaps and, to the extent possible, adjust their ongoing and planned activities to fill those. This includes both current and anticipated gaps (if or when organizations scale down operations).
The Coordinator should consider the following:
Identifying Gaps and Overlaps
- Keep the coverage, targeting and standards of assistance activities and services under constant review.
- Keep abreast of the resources available to different organizations and their plans to expand, reduce or phase out particular food security assistance activities.
- If relevant, encourage FSC partners to bilaterally cross-check targeting criteria and beneficiary lists when working in the same areas. In certain circumstances, the FSC can also facilitate a wider Deduplication Exercise (see example from Cox’s Bazar).
Addressing Gaps
- Alert FSC partners individually and collectively when action is, or will be, needed to cover gaps, reduce overlap or maintain standards.
- Guide FSC partners in their choice of areas to work in and activities to prioritize, steer them to cover priority gaps.
- Negotiate with FSC partners to adjust their activities and plans, when needed and possible, to avoid duplications and cover gaps.
- Use any pooled resources available to the FSC to fill the most critical gaps.
- Keep the CLA, the ICCG and other stakeholders, especially the government and donors, informed of any significant gaps.
In case of significant gaps, the CLAs should inform the RC/HC and advocate for resources to fill those gaps. When direct threats to lives and livelihoods arise, the role of the CLAs as the Provider of Last Resort (see 3.3.2) becomes crucial.
Data responsibility is paramount as the humanitarian system collects and shares more data than ever before. The ways in which data is collected, shared and used can present challenges to the privacy and security of affected people - data can place already vulnerable people at greater risk of harm or exploitation, when not handled responsibly.
In 2021, many countries started rolling out the IASC operational guidance by developing country-specific response-wide Information Sharing Protocols (ISP) to address gaps between global frameworks and their practical application in field operations. It is recommended that clusters, if necessary, develop their own ISPs.
What is the role of the FSC Coordinator? The FSC coordination team should promote data responsibility within the FSC and among FSC members, following the principles, key role and responsibility outlined in the gFSC guidance.
Resources and Guidance:
- The gFSC Field Guide to Data Sharing (gFSC, Placeholder, 2023).
- FSC Checklist for Data Protection / Responsibility (gFSC, Placeholder, 2023).
- FSC Template for Data Sharing Agreement (gFSC, Placeholder, 2023). This can be provided to FSC members to ensure appropriate data sharing (of beneficiary lists etc).
- IASC Operational Guidance on Data Responsibility in Humanitarian Action (2021) – cluster level actions for data responsibility, pp. 22-24.