Managing Humanitarian Projects → Assessing needs and capacities

Assessing needs and capacities

Timely, reliable and coordinated assessment is critical in targeting the most vulnerable, and avoiding gaps and duplication in response.  

 Assessment involves gathering and analysing information to determine:

•  the context, impact and on-going risks presented by the disaster itself,
• the vulnerability and capacities of the affected population to cope, and the need for any intervention.
• the gap between needs and capacities
• opportunities and strategies for recovery and long term development.

See also ‘Information Management’ page

Assessment process

Adapted from UNDTMP Disaster Assessment (1994)

Considerations for post disaster assessments

• Use standardised assessment procedures and tools, and ensure transparency in analysis and communication of findings to those affected.

• Assessment considers all sectors (protection, WASH, nutrition, food, shelter, health), and the social, economic, political and security environment.

• Consult and include the responses of local and national authorities and others
• Identify local capacities and involve those affected to ensure relevance of assessment information, strengthening of disaster response and preparedness capacity and reduced risk of treating those affected as ‘passive victims’.
• Collect data separated by age, gender and vulnerability and check accuracy through alternative information sources.

• Reflect international humanitarian law and basic human rights.
• Take account of the responsibilities of national and local authorities, and of national law, standards and guidelines in relation to international law
• Consider the underlying context, requirements of all associated sectors and the response of other agencies.
• Share information to enable rapid response and effective coordination.
• Consider cross cutting issues such as, environment, HIV and AIDS, gender, disability and age, in all aspects of the assessment.
• Employ a gender balanced assessment team and timely but culturally appropriate information gathering techniques.
• Involve continuous re-assessment to facilitate relevant action for the changing context and needs of those affected.

Adapted from Sphere Humanitarian Charter - Common Standard 2