However, a typical HRP process will commonly include the following steps – all with the active participation of the FSC Coordinator:

Step 1: [HNO Planning Phase] Agree on scope of the analysis – JUNE 

• Prior to initiating the HNO, the parameters of the analysis will be agreed at ICCG inputs and HCT level, including deciding on a costing methodology. A detailed country specific timeline outlining the different milestones for implementation of the HPC should be provided at the country level). This is commonly done through a HPC kick-off workshop.

Note: There should be a clear justification for any changes in the costing methods. This should be discussed with FSC partners. All clusters should then report and discuss this with OCHA and the ICCG. 

Once the calendar is set, the FSC coordinator elaborates the FSC timeline and informs the partners about the milestones.

Step 2: [Data Consolidation Phase] Undertake secondary data review: analyse trends, identify opportunities for joint analysis with development/peace actors, and identify data gaps – JULY / AUGUST

• Clusters undertake secondary data review, including the analysing trends and identifying critical data gaps. Next, to better serve the information requirements, the ICCG (or the Assessment and Analysis Working Group), with HCT guidance, will decide whether a joint needs assessment (such as a MSNA) is required, or harmonized in-depth sectoral assessments.

Note: See 6.5.3 for details on when and how the FSC should support MSNAs.

Step 3: Plan and collect primary data (as appropriate) – JULY / AUGUST

• Clusters may undertake a joint needs assessment (MSNA or FSA, as required by the context). According to the HPC ten steps, this will be undertaken during July and August, however, the timeline may have to be adjusted (initiated earlier if possible) to accommodate the time requirement for this type of exercise in the specific context. For MSNAs, this is discussed at ICCG level and for FSAs, this is discussed at FSC level with partners. 

Note: See 6.5.3 on MSNAs and 6.4 on FSAs for details on the role of the Coordinator.

Step 4: Conduct joint intersectoral needs analysis – JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

• A joint intersectoral analysis is undertaken, and the intersectoral narrative, needs and severity analysis is drafted (see text box on JIAF in 9.4.1). 

Note: During this period, the FSC HNO chapter should be drafted, and sectoral PIN calculated. A detailed country specific timeline should be provided at the country level. The Coordinator should advocate for the timeline to be aligned with FSC processes such as the IPC.  

Step 5: [HRP Planning Phase] Define the scope of the HRP and formulate initial objectives – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

• This step focusses on inter-sectoral process.

Note: Ensure that food security is as visible as possible in the overall strategic objectives. 

Step 6: [Response Analysis Phase] Conduct response analysis – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

• Review appropriateness, relevance, and feasibility of different responses.
• Articulate intersectoral and multi-sectoral response approaches based on the results from the response analysis (based on severity, time-criticality, and complementarities/ synergies).
• Estimate target population number.

Step 7: [Response Planning Phase] Finalize strategic and specific objectives and indicators - OCTOBER

• Finalize formulation of strategic and specific objectives and identify indicators to monitor specific cluster objectives.
• Clusters develop response plans and define cluster objectives (activities, indicators, targets).
• Sub-national and/or government consultation/review draft HRP response parameters.
• Present and seek endorsement by the HCT of the strategic objective and approach, number of people targeted, and response monitoring framework.

Step 8: Formulate projects/activities and estimate cost of the response plan - NOVEMBER

• Initiate drafting of HRP (if Project based: project development, vetting and upload).
• Estimate the cost of the response.
• Secure HC/HCT endorsement.
• Finalize and draft response plan.

Note: Formulating activities and estimating cost takes time (usually around 3-5 months). This is crucial to factor in if the unit costs for food security activities are not yet available.

Step 9: Conduct After Action Review – DECEMBER / JANUARY 

• The ICCG (with OCHA facilitating) discusses strengths and weaknesses from the finalised process to streamline for coming year.

Note: The participation of the FSC team is crucial to ensure that any concerns are raised in appropriate fora. See here for more on the After Action Reviews of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle. 

Step 10: Finalize and implement monitoring plan – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 

• Prepare the monitoring plan.
• Conduct monitoring activities throughout the year.
• Share information gathered by the monitoring work.

For more details see the HPC 2023 Facilitation Package. Coordinators should check for updated versions.