Protracted Emergencies: For protracted crises, sector specific and, if deemed necessary, multi-sectoral assessments are done with regular intervals to inform sectoral responses and to provide the foundation for joint analysis. This will result in a consolidated overview of the needs of affected people through a Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), which is the main analysis tool used during slow onset or protracted crisis, or at a later stage of a sudden onset crisis (6.8).

Sudden Onset Emergencies: For sudden onset emergencies (and in contexts that may result in an IASC Scale-Up activation – see 1.2.5), joint inter-sectoral rapid assessments are usually implemented early on to ensure a common understanding of the situation. Based on the findings, humanitarian actors can develop a joint plan (e.g. Flash Appeal), mobilize resources and monitor the situation. The results also inform and support the design of subsequent more detailed sectoral needs assessments and analysis.

Emergency Assessment Phases: The current IASC operational guidance for coordinated assessments identifies five phases, each with specific objects and characteristics, to guide a coordinated response.

See Annex I for an overview of the five phases of the IASC Assessment Framework (including the purpose, assessment level, methods, food security specific output and examples). Check IASC website for updates on guidance.