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    6.2.2 Types of Coordinated Assessments
    • 06 Dec 2023
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    6.2.2 Types of Coordinated Assessments

    • Updated on 06 Dec 2023
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    Article summary

    FSC Coordinators are involved in different kinds of coordinated assessments within the FSC (6.4) and with other clusters/sectors (6.5). Whether at cluster or inter-cluster level, coordinating needs assessments brings significant benefits.

    What are Coordinated Assessments? Coordinated assessments are planned and carried out by humanitarian partners to document the impact of a particular crisis and identify the needs of affected populations. This includes both inter- and intra-cluster/sector joint assessments and harmonized assessments:

    • For harmonized assessments, data collection, processing and analysis is undertaken separately. However, the data are sufficiently comparable to be compiled into a single database and be subjected to integrated analysis. This is made possible by the use of common operational data sets, key indicators, and ‘geographical and temporal synchronization’ (i.e. geographic coverage and timing should be complimentary) as well as similar methodology.
      Result: 1) Multiple assessments with common indicators, 2) Various interoperable methodologies, 3) Single or multiple reports.
    • For joint assessments, data collection, processing and analysis form one single and common process among agencies. The result is a common report.
      Result: 1) Common assessments; 2) Common methodology; 3) Common report with joint recommendations.
    • In contrast, uncoordinated assessments do not use harmonised methodologies or timeframes, making it harder to use results for the overall analysis. Thus assumptions / adjustments will be needed to overcome differences, comparability of needs across different areas will be limited).

    Why Coordinate Assessments? The benefits of coordinating assessments and using shared information management systems are significant. It is crucial to ensuring solid integrated intersectoral analysis during humanitarian crises, and better decision-making and planning as a result. 

    By coordinating assessments, organizations can:

    Within the FSCWith Other Sectors

    By coordinating geographical coverage

    By coordinating methodology and timing

    By coordinating assessments between sectors

    • Increase coverage.
    • Use resources more efficiently and reduce duplication of effort. 
    • Minimize beneficiary and key informant (e.g. local authorities) assessment fatigue.
    • Ensure comparability of results across different areas, hence identify needs and gaps with greater precision, in a transparent way, free from organisational bias.  
    • Promote joint findings and a shared vision of needs and priorities. 
    • Encourage coordination during response and consistency within the FSC.
    • Promote interagency learning.
    • By creating standard, shared tools and coordinated workplans, it supports assessment preparedness at country level (see more below).  
    • Donors: Coordinating assessments (and ensuring transparent, joint results) will 1) better guide donor funding for the response and may 2) increase the possibility of donor funding for FSC (or inter-sector) assessments.
    • Obtain a more comprehensive picture of needs (and their overlaps), to serve as a basis for integrated planning.
    • Encourage coordination during response and consistency among Clusters.
    Coordinated Assessments: Roles and Responsibilities at Country Level:

    The RC/HC, supported by OCHA, is responsible for coordinating emergency assessments across clusters/sectors at the country level, while the FSC (along with other clusters/sectors) is responsible for engaging in all relevant aspects of multi-cluster/sector assessment coordination. CLAs are responsible (and accountable to the HC) for coordinating sectoral assessment and analysis – a task commonly undertaken by the Coordinator. This includes both establishing an internal mechanism for the planning, implementation, analysis and coordination of sectoral assessments, and engaging in inter-cluster/sector assessment coordination. Operational agencies have the primary responsibility for undertaking assessments.

    Coordinated Assessments - What is the role of the Coordinator? The Coordinator should consider the following actions: 

    Within the FSC:

    • Develop a clear cluster needs assessment plan/calendar with partners which is aligned with the HPC and the IPC cycle (see 6.7.1) to ensure food security data is available on time. In a protracted crisis, this should be done in the beginning of the year and updated timeline regularly.  
    • Set out standards for FSC assessments and promote joint assessments within the FSC, coordinate assessments of cluster members and promote the use of common tools and indicators for harmonized assessments when a joint assessment is not possible. 
    • Ensure the integration of priority cross-cutting issues (i.e. protection, disability, gender and age etc – see 5.7) in cluster needs assessments.
    • With FSCpartners, agree on arrangements appropriate to the context, including:
      • Involving all relevant partners, ensuring expertise and resources/capacities are available.
      • Agreeing a division of labour (who will assess what, where and when) in order to get comprehensive picture of the situation. 
      • Identifying organisations with access to the affected populations.
      • Agreeing on the method/s to be used (see 6.3.1 on assessment preparedness).
      • Agreeing on “joint” assessment vs “harmonized” assessments. 
      • Agreeing on the common, core data to be collected and practical arrangements and responsibilities (see core indicators in Annex II).

    With OCHA and other Clusters

    • Ensure FSC needs assessment plan/calendar is shared at ICCG level to facilitate coordination and avoid overlaps.
    • Support inter-cluster assessments taking place through the ICCG or a dedicated intersectoral Needs Assessment Working Group. 
    • Ensure that food security specific indicators and considerations are integrated into multi-sectoral assessments (and assessments by other clusters, if relevant).  

    See more on the role of the Coordinator and recommended actions by phase under 6.3.

    Coordinated Assessments - What is the role of FSC Partners? 

    • Support joint assessments (participating where possible, providing human resources and logistic support, including shared cars, guest house, printing, tablets, etc.) and/or harmonize their own assessments. 
    • When conducting their own assessments:
      • Adhere to agreed definitions, harmonized data collection methodologies (using common tools and minimum agreed indicators) as set out by FSC; 
      • Synchronize their timing; and 
      • Complement each other in terms of location. 
    • Share information on assessments with the Coordinator and FSC partners. 
    • Contribute to joint cluster/sector analysis (see 3.6.2 on minimum commitments).  

    Needs Assessment Working Group: Although context specific, it can be useful to establish an FSC Needs Assessment Working Group (NAWG) (or simply a “TWG”, pending the preference in terminology, see 3.6.5) to support current and future coordinated FSC assessments with agreement on tools and standards. Often an inter-sector NAWG or “Assessment and Analysis Working Group” (AAWG) is established by the RC/HC or by the ICCG. The Coordinator should coordinate any planned assessments with other sectors, in particular the “4Cs” (health, nutrition, WASH and food security).

    Methods and Tools: Various methods are available for food security assessments in emergency contexts. Some of the more widely used tools are included in 6.4 but for details on how to conduct an assessment, Coordinators should refer to specific food security assessment guidance. 

    The approach agreed with FSC partners should reflect established policies and practices in the country, the expertise and capacity available, and the familiarity of in-country personnel with particular methodologies. 

    TIPS: 

    • Country Context: The country context will often inform what the Coordinator will focus on and what his/her role should be in relation to assessment coordination – e.g. if there is an IPC (see 6.7), if specific assessments are undertaken with the government; if there is a strong technical capacity present within the FSC; if appropriate FSC (and multi-sector) assessment tools are available etc. This chapter provides a starting point only. The approach will be country specific and adapted to the given context.
    • Repository: It is recommended to keep a repository of all assessments (a standard database should be developed and regularly updated based on agreed key indicators) and a record of the data sources and calculations, i.e. how criteria for prioritization, figures and conclusions are reached (see also 5.11 on archive maintenance). The IMO should support with this. 
    • Coordination of needs assessments in refugee situations: UNHCR prepares for, leads and coordinates the response in refugee emergencies in partnership with other agencies, including needs assessments. See 3.6.3, 4.2.2 and see also IASC Operational Guidance for Coordinated Assessments, p. 10 (check IASC website for expected updates in 2023).
    • Support: The Coordinator can lean on in-country resources including the NAWG, technical staff and support units available (for example on technical matters, sampling etc.). This includes WFP Research Assessment and Monitoring (RAM), IPC TWGs and FAO colleagues. In case in-country resources are limited, the gFSC can support (gFSC Help Desk). 

    Guidance: See details on the key steps a Coordinator should consider for both joint and harmonised assessments in IASC Operational Guidance for Coordinated Assessments, pp. 6-11.

    Resources: See FSC Assessment webpage. See additional assessment specific resources and guidance under 6.4 (food security assessments), 6.5 (multi-sectoral assessments) and 6.6 (market assessments).

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