In collaboration with

1. Development of integrated project and financial management tools in conformity with the 2003 FPA The Sphere Project In collaboration with

2. Qualitative approach : the “Sphere Project” • Materials have been drawn from: • The Sphere Project • Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards • in Disaster Response • The goal of this global NGO process is to improve the quality and accountability of disaster response. • For more information consultwww.sphereproject.org

3. Application of SPHERE • Do applications of the SPHERE manual exist in the NGO projects?

4. Objective To familiarize the contents and applications of the SPHERE manual in light of requirements of ECHO and other donors

5. Work phases Survey of SPHERE B. Contents of SPHERE (map of manual) C. Use of SPHERE (practical applications)

6. What it isn’t What it is A. Survey of SPHERE What it isn’t (and what it doesn’t do) It is not a manual for management of emergencies It is a manual for the organization of emergencies with the aim to improve the quality of the interventions (increase the efficacy of humanitarian aid) and strengthen the responsability of humanitarian agencies (higher control) in relation to: • Local beneficiaries and authorities; • Donors; • Partners and personnel. It does not define an unchangeable reference system, but minimum standards which garantee the right of population in emergency situations to live with dignity What it is (and what it does) It is not a static reference system, but the result of a process in continuous development (SPHERE Project) It is a system of ethical-giuridical values (Humanitarian Charter) to which humanitarian agencies comply It is a common language for the application of project cycles in humanitarian emergencies

7. A. Survey of SPHERE History Objective: to create a language and a reference base common to the emergency actors. • First edition of SPHERE • First definition of the Humanitarian Charter and sectoral Minimum Standards Objective : improve the quality of humanitarian interventions reinforcing the principle of accountability. • Insertion themes of protection and race • Debates, training, websites and newsletters • 20 agencies to pilot the application Objective : institutionalize the use of manual and strengthen the communicative area. • Continuation of phase II activity • Strengthen training processes • External evaluation (in execution) • Concentration in 3 areas (RDC, India e Centr. Am.) • Revision of manual (Nov. 2003 – new edition) • Institutionalize SPHERE (governments and donors) Phase I 1997 – 1998 Phase II 1998 – 2000 Phase III 2000 – 2004

8. A. Survey of SPHERE Revision of manual Constant work of updating and comparison Creation of 6 focal points (specialists and experts in sectors) Possibility of participating in the revision via internet Finish the process in November 2003 Adding to and updating the minimum standards, the indicators and guidance notes Introduction of Food Security (integrated into Food Security, Nutrition & Food Aid) Create and strengthen ties between various sectors (chapter on standards common to all sectors) Insertion of cross cutting issues: children, eldery, disabled, women, AIDS, environment, human rights, protection Major attention to vulnerable groups Creation of instruments to create a communicative arena Strengthen ties between human rights, legal instruments and technical chapters – advocacy instrument SPHERE as process Aim of revision

9. Application of SPHERE How much importance is given to the use of SPHERE in the NGO projects, requirement expressed in the rules of ECHO and the official documents of many donors?

10. A. importance SPHERE Why it is important Institutional level WIDELY DIFFUSED (diffusion of manual & institutionalization) 20 organizations in “pilot agency” group UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), OCHA DAC, VOICE, government institutions IMPORTANCE FOR ECHO (qualitative approach and control of standards) ECHO level FINANCING OF SPHERE BY ECHO QUALITY PARTNERSHIP AND INTRODUCTION OF PCM INDICATIONS NEW FPA – attention to performance indicators NGO level IMPORTANCE FOR NGO (qualitative approach & responds to donors requirements) SPHERE as an operative instrument Demonstrates “KNOW HOW” To make its work monitorable and evaluable

11. B. Contents of SPHERE Manual index 1. Fundamental humanitarian principles (ethical bases) 1. Standard common to all sectors 1. What is SPHERE (how and when to use the manual) Introduction 3. Minimum Standard Food Security, Nutrition e Food Aid 2. Minimum Standard Water Supply, Sanitation e Hygiene 4. Minimum Standard Shelter,Settlement,Non-fooditems 5. Minimum Standard Health Services 4. Sources (legal instruments) 3. Minimum Standards (compliance to standards) 2. Rules and responsabilities (compliance to principles) 2. Standards and indicators, vulnerability factors Objective: introduce manual to reader Part I – Humanitarian Charter Objective : compliance of the reader to the moral reference framework of the humanitarian interventions Part II – Minimum Standards Objective : knowledge of SPHERE reference system

12. Chapter “Standards common to all sectors” B. Contents of SPHERE 1. Participation 2. Initial Assessment 3. Response 4. Targeting Common Standard 5. Monitoring 6. Evaluation 7. Worker competencies and responsabilities 8. Supervision, management and support of personnel No technical intervention may be carried out without keeping in mind these common standards

13. B. Contents of SPHERE Standards common to program cycles Common Standard 1: Participation The distaster-affected population actively participates in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the assistance program. Common Standard 6: Evaluation There is a systematic & impartial examination of humanitarian action, intended to draw lessons to improve practice and policy and to enhance accountability. Common Standard 2: Initial Assessment Assesments provide an understanding of the disaster situation and a clear analysis of needs to determine the necessity of an intervention and its nature. Common Standard 3: Response A humanitarian response is required in situations where the relevant authorities are unable and/or unwilling to respond. Common Standard 5: Monitoring The effectiveness of the program in responding to problems is identified and changes in the broader context are continually monitored, with a view to improving the program, or to phasing it out as required. Common Standard 7-8: Worker competencies and management & support Common Standard 4: Targeting Humanitarian assistance or services are provided equitably and impartially, based on the vulnerability and needs of individuals or groups affected by disaster.

14. B. Contents of SPHERE Ex. of detailed index for sector Chapter “Water Supply, Sanitation e Hygiene Promotion” 1. Links to international legal instruments 2. Importance of the chapter during emergency Introduction 3. Links to other chapters 4. Links to common standards with other sectors 5. Vulnerable categories (analysis principles) 1. Hygiene promotion (community) • Minimum Standard • Key indicators • Guidance notes Minimum Standard 2. Water supply system 3. Excreta disposal 4. Vector control (disease carriers) 5. Solid waste management 6. Drainage 1. Check-list and technical forms Enclosures 2. Various examples and typical forms 3. Bibliography

15. Application of SPHERE manual

16. Terminology Standard General statements which define minimum levels to be reached in various sectors • Qualitative statements • Universal statements and applicable in all contexts • Statements based on the principle that all populations have the right to live with dignity

17. Example Water Supply Standard 1: Access and water quantity “All people have safe and equitable access to a sufficient quantity of water for drinking, cooking and personal and domestic hygiene. Public water points are sufficiently close to households to enable use of the minimum water requirement”

18. Terminology Indicators “Thresholds” which demonstrate if and how standards are reached • Quantitative and qualitative indicators (units of measure of a standard) • Universal indicators appliable in all contexts • Indicators which measure and communicate the impact (or result) obtained in addition to evaluating the processes and methods used

19. Example Water Supply Standard 1: Key indicators (selection) • Average water use for drinking, cooking & personal hygiene in households = at least 15 liters/person/day • Maximum distance from any household to nearest water point = 500 meters • Queuing time at water source no more than 15 minutes • Water sources and systems are mainteined such that appropriate quantities of water are available in a regular basis • It takes no more than 3 minutes to fill a 20 liter container

20. Terminology Guidance notes Help to use the standards and indicators correctly with respect to the context; offer advice on priority issues and describe dilemmas, controversies or gaps in current knowledge • They can refer to one or more indicators • They permit the evaluation of practical difficulties

21. Example Water Supply Standard 1: Guidance notes (selection) • Needs: “The quantity of water needed for domestic use may vary according to the climate, sanitation facilities available, people’s normal habits, their religious and cultural practices etc…”. Table follows. • Quantity and quality: “Until minimum standards for both quantity and quality are met, the priority should be to provide equitable access to an adeguate quantity of water that meets minimum quality standard”.

22. Application of standards and indicators • How are standards, indicators and guidance notes actually used ? • In which phases work can the procedures defined by SPHERE be applied ?

23. C. SPHERE in use Ex. Non-food items Chapter “Shelter” Personal hygiene: Each family shall access to a sufficient quantity of soap and other products to ensure personel hygiene, dignity & well-being. STANDARD 2 Indicators (selection): Each person has access to 250 g bathing soap per month Each person has access to 200g laundry soap per month Women and girls have sanitary materials for menstruation Infants and children up to 2 years old have 12 washable diapers Additional items essential for ensuring personal hygiene, dignity and well-being can be accessed KEY INDICATORS Guidance notes (selection): 1, 2. Existing cultural practices and familiar products should be assessed in specifying items supplied. Avoid specifying products not appropriate and substitute products in relation to traditional use (ex. Ashes or sand instead of laundry soap). Additional supplies should be provided in special cases (ex. Incontinence, HIV, diarrhoea, eldery, disabled, etc…) 3. Women and girls should have appropriate material for menstruation. Women should be involved in making choices (se also Excreta disposal standard 2, note 4); 5. Per person/per month: 75ml/100g toothpaste, 1 toothbrush, 250ml shampoo, 250ml baby lotion, 1 razor (men); Per household: 1 hairbrush or comb, 1 nail clippers. GUIDANCE NOTES

24. Ex. Common standards Chapter “Standards common to all sectors” C. SPHERE in use Monitoring: The effectiveness of the program in responding to problems is identified and changes in the broader context are continually monitored, with a view to improving the program STANDARD 5 “Monitoring” Indicators (selection): The information collected for monitoring is timely and useful, it is recorded and analysed in an accurate manner and informs the ongoing program. Systems are in place to ensure regular collection of information and to identify whether the indicators for each standard are being met. Women, men, children from all affected groups are regularly consulted and involved in monitoring activities. KEY INDICATORS Guidance note (selection): 1, 2. Keep information updated and limited directly to the program. Concentrate on the following areas: health statistics, access to water, its quality & consuption, use of toilets & latrines, etc…. 3. Keep in mind local cultural practices especially regarding women. People able to collect information from all groups in a culturally acceptable manner should be included. GUIDANCE NOTES

25. C. SPHERE in use Ex. Clinical Service Chapter “Health” Clinical services people have access to clinical services that are standardized & follow accepted protocols and guidelines. STANDARD 5 Indicators (selection): 1. The number, the level, and location of health facilities are appropriate to meet the needs of the population. 2. A standardized essential drug list is established by the lead health authority and adhered to by health agencies. KEY INDICATORS Guidance notes (selection): 1. a) community level: 1 community health worker per 500-1000 population, 1 birth attendant per 2000 population, 1 supervisor per 10 home visitors, 1 senior supervisor b) peripheral health facility (ca. 10.000 population): 2 to 5 staff, minimum 1 qualified health operator, etc… c) central health facility (ca. 50.000 population): minimum 5 qualified health operators, etc… d) hospital: at least 1 doctor with surgical skills, etc… 2. Occasionally, alterations to established national protocols & drug lists may be necessary, e.g. if there is evidence of resistance to recommended antibiotics or anti-malarial agents. If protocols and/or essential drug lists do not exist, guidelines established by WHO or UNHCR should be followed, eg. New Emergency Health Kit. GUIDANCE NOTES

26. C. SPHERE in use Ex. Shelter Chapter “Shelter” Design and construction conditions of heat, fresh air and privacy are garanteed. The design of the shelter and the materials used are familiar, local shelter initiatives and locally sourced materials and labour are respected STANDARD 1 Selection of indicators: 1. The beneficiaries participate in the definition, planning and construction of the shelters. 2. The benficiaries may mantain and upgrade te shelters using locally sourced material. 3. Attention is given to problems connected to water, sanitation, drainage and waste management. KEY INDICATORS Selection of Guidance notes: 1. Ways to involve benficiaries and vulnerable categories; 2. Possibility for maintenance and upgrading of shelters; 3. Attention to problems mentioned. GUIDANCE NOTES

27. C. SPHERE in use SPHERE and the Logframe Charter Charter and Standard Indicators Guidance notes

28. Ex. of logframe with SPHERE indicators (from OXFAM) C. SPHERE in use Charter Standard Indicators Indicators and guidance notes

29. C. SPHERE in use How to monitor indicators

30. Use of indicator “each person shall have access to 250 g soap per month” C. SPHERE in use Helps to make an estimation of the cost of the operation in relation to the number of beneficiaries to cover with the intervention Garantees monitoring elements and evaluation, redefining the operation as required. Makes the NGO responsible for its operation Verifies the necessity on the basis of available quantity and steers the assessment following indicators in guidance notes Formulates an appropriate response to the needs of single beneficiaries and elaborates a kit conforming to minimum standards, or different (in this case giving motivation for the difference) Orientates the defined quantity appropriately following indications in the guidance notes and helps plan distribution efficiently. Garantees efficient monitoring Draws up an appropriate budget and plans for any unforeseen events following precise quantification

31. D. SPHERE and NGO the future Reference manual AUTOTRAINING • SPHERE manual • PCM-ECHO manual • SPHERE website • ECHO evaluation manual • DAC evaluation manual • DRN Solint manual TECHNICAL TRAINING AND COMPARISON • The internal comparison for the definition of an NGO approach • Technical training on location and in Italy

32. The end