INTER-AGENCY WORKING GROUP EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA

Training on the 2018 Sphere Handbook on Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response

22nd – 26^th July 2019, (5 Days) Juba, South Sudan

The Sphere Project was initiated in 1997 by a group of NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to develop a set of universal minimum standards in core areas of humanitarian response: The Sphere Handbook. The aim of the Handbook is to improve the quality of humanitarian response in situations of disaster and conflict, and to enhance the accountability of humanitarian action to crisis-affected people. The Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response are the product of the collective experience of many people and agencies.

With a clear, rights-based framework, the Handbook builds on the legal and ethical foundations of humanitarianism with pragmatic guidance, global good practice and compiled evidence to support humanitarian staff wherever they work. Sphere holds a unique place in the sector and in the constantly evolving humanitarian landscape. Sphere is one of the foundations of humanitarian work. It is the starting point for new humanitarian actors and a standing reference for experienced staff, providing guidance on priority actions and where to find more detailed technical information.

This fourth edition (2018) marks the 20th anniversary of The Sphere Handbook and reflects changes in the humanitarian sector over that time.

Purpose

The purpose of this workshop is to build the capacity of Humanitarian in to comprehend the 4^th Edition of the Sphere Handbook on Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response This covers both the Learn theme (understanding Sphere) and the Act theme (Using Sphere).  The 2018 Handbook includes new guidance for working in urban settings, for addressing Minimum Standards in protracted crises, and for delivering assistance through markets as a way to meet the standards. All technical chapters have been updated to reflect current practice, and the harmonised Core Humanitarian Standard replaces the previous Core Standards.

Who should attend?

This course is for this course is useful for new users of the handbook as well as those accustomed to Sphere. Priority will be given to people who have shown commitment to humanitarian work, have potential to apply the knowledge gained and can act as Advocates for the broader use of Sphere among humanitarian actors, including their own organisation.

Course content

The Five-day training will cover all the aspects of 2018 Sphere Handbook with possibility of contextualization to meet learning needs and profile of the successful applicants / participants. Key topics to covered include: What is Sphere – the Handbook & Standards in Context, The Humanitarian Charter, Protection Principles, The Four Technical Chapters, Sphere & the Programme Cycle, Sphere, Cash & Markets, Sphere, Quality and Accountability, Sphere and Coordination, Advocacy – Realising the Full potential of Sphere, Sphere and Complementary Standards, Overview of the Core Humanitarian Standard

Pre-workshop assignments and background reading

Participants are asked to download read the 2018 Sphere Handbook at https://spherestandards.org/handbook/editions/ in preparation for the workshop.

Learning outcomes

The five-day training aims to enable participants to:

• Navigate the Sphere Handbook structure and components as an informed user.
• Relate the Sphere Handbook to different response contexts
• Explain the use of the Handbook at different stages of the programme cycle
• Apply Sphere guidance to support humanitarian response at each of the different phases of the cycle
• Explain how the 12 elements of the Humanitarian Charter affect humanitarian response programming.
• Discuss vulnerabilities and capacities of those in need of assistance
• Identify strengths and challenges of different programming options for the four technical sectors in different contexts.
• Identify some of the typical obstacles in meeting Sphere standards and indicators and describe strategies for dealing with them.
• Explain the role and expected norms of coordination activities and arrangements according to Sphere guidance.
• Concisely explain the decision-making philosophy for choosing between cash-based assistance and in-kind assistance.
• Appreciate the importance of markets and cash-based assistance in response
• Advocate for the broader use of Sphere among humanitarian actors, including their own organisation.

Course fees

NOTE: The course fee includes facilitation, course materials, lunch and refreshments during the days of the course, and a course completion certificate. The course fee does not include the cost of overnight accommodation or travel to and from the training venue.

To register please complete this online registration form here or open this link: https://forms.gle/rufdoNj1QrL6rZMd9

Registration deadline is 21^st June 2019

For more information, please feel free to contact; George Njeru – IAWG Coordinator, Email coordinator@iawg-africa.org Tel: +254 723 887 449

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