Needs Identification Kick-Off
Workshop
ANNEX 3: Sessions Report
Gaziantep
7-8 April 2015
Session 1: Workshop Introduction
Needs Identification Framework (NIF) workshop was launched; participants introduced themselves and
their expectations. Expectations centered around coming up with a clear, realistic and productive plan
to bring together or ensure minimum harmonization of efforts across the different hubs.
Participants were then briefed on the NIF’s objectives and workshop’s agenda.
Session 2: Whole of Syria Assessment Registry, including an understanding of information gaps
Sharing of information on assessment initiatives is key to reducing overlaps while ensuring data
complementarity and interoperability across the hubs. Participants have echoed the need and
importance of having regularly maintained and up-to-date registry to keep track of planned, completed
and ongoing assessments. Assessment registries are recommended to be compiled at the hub level
taking into account confidentiality and anonymity of actors where needed.
Key recommendations emerging from the session include:
1. Draft and finalize a guidance note clarifying and detailing the process and responsibilities for
collecting and managing assessments meta-data (in a format potentially aligned with 4W).
2. Clean and merge existing registries into one WoS platform in addition to standardize and refine
existing tools for collecting data on assessments.
3. Roll out assessment registry tools and communication plan.
Sample analysis and other informational product mockups will be developed and presented to the
stakeholders to help review processes and provide a better analysis while encouraging and promoting
regular sharing of registry information.
Session 3: Analysis of existing data processing systems and its incorporation into the needs
identification framework
In an interesting session that generated discussions on complementarities and opportunities of
collaboration, the following Methodologies were presented at the workshop:
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Area of Origin by Reach
MNSA by SAMI
Dynamo by ICU
Governorates Profiles by OCHA
HTAU by NGO forum for NGOs operating in Northern Syria
Displacement Needs and Monitoring by IOM
The sessions provided a common understanding of the methods in place at the different hubs.
Find attached the presentations of the different methods.
Session 4: Guidance and practical steps for improved displacement tracking and estimating
populations in need (sector / inter-sector)
As a result of group work and plenary sessions a number of recommendations were identified allowing
an improved tracking and estimating populations in need:
1. There is need to undertake methodologies comparative analysis against defined criteria (e.g.
geographic coverage, unit of measurement, sectors covered etc...);
2. There is need to undertake a comparative analysis between data collection/analysis tools and
identify opportunities for way forward. Comprehensive comparison requires comparing the
results of the different methodologies in overlapping geographic areas and timeframe;
3. There is a need to continue mainstreaming protection issues in assessments in collaboration
with the protection sector;
4. There is need to strike a balance between qualitative and quantitative data when conducting
analysis;
5. There is need to explore ways of strengthening AAP and feedback mechanisms are when it
comes to assessments in affected communities;
6. There is need to evaluate the different standards and definitions and propose a harmonization
process as a way forward;
7. There is need for a detailed WoS Cluster/Sector and multisectoral assessments and monitoring
Calendar;
8. There is need for a assessments coverage mapping by method, by sub-districts by confidence in
information;
9. There is need to identify areas for standard analytical processes to harmonize across
methodologies (i.e. confidence levels, severity scales, prioritizations, units of analysis and stratas
etc…);
10. There is need to complement the existent CODs & FODs with the missing bits and pieces;
Session 5: Approaches that enable better needs and gap analysis
Based on the list of “needed actions” from the previous sessions, participants have prioritized as the
most urgent impactful work required to improve analysis.
Participants were tasked through a group exercise to discuss one of the key priority actions and define
clear objectives and sub-objectives, main activities, focal point and target dates for achieving their
objectives efficiently.
Group findings were presented and discussed at the end of the session and will serve as a basis in
drafting strategic actions points for tackling the NIF prioritized issues.
The priorities were as follows:
1. Need based response: ensure that existing initiatives feed in a unified understanding of the
situation. Identify the knowledge gap and define roadmap for filling the gaps in situation
awareness.
2. Registry: develop an assessment registry and map coverage of planned, completed or ongoing
assessments and monitoring systems.
3. PiN and total population: Define the population, movement and PiN for better planning
purpose.
Concept notes per priority area will be completed and refined in the SIMAWG Sub Groups, approved
and used as road maps to put these ideas to practice.
Session 6: Whole of Syria data collection and analysis framework
The key recommendations from the workshop were clustered together so they inform the development
of the Needs Identification Framework; work that will be followed up by the SIMAWG.