Fostering locally led humanitarian solutions together!
Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week, 2023 11 – 13 December
Home Quality and Accountability
Quality and Accountability Hub
Local Advocacy Movement on Accountability
This Quality & Accountability Learning Forum is a gathering and an opportunity for local, national, and international organisations to come together in a dynamic and interactive space where they can listen, learn, and share their unique experiences and challenges within the humanitarian and development sector. This platform offers a structured, moderated environment where participants can engage in thoughtful discussions aimed at advancing the quality and accountability of their work, all while considering the diverse contexts they operate in.
When: 9th & 10th of December, 2023
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
Apply before: November 5th, 2023
Lets Not Shift the Power: We have to Take it!
A new approach to promoting QAS in humanitarian and development Action
In 2022’s Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week, a five-day workshop on Quality, Accountability and Safeguarding (QAS) in Humanitarian Action, was organised by Community World Service Asia. This workshop that focused on taking a mentorship approach on promoting QAS, was engaging and innovative and was facilitated by Sylvie Robert, an Independent Consultant and expert on QAS, and co-facilitated by Rizwan Iqbal, Global Quality & Accountability Officer, ACT Alliance.
As we prepare for the upcoming annual regional QAS trainings this month, let us hear what Sylvie and Rizwan discuss in a quick chat post the workshop.
Sphere Regional Focal Point Forum for Asia, Bangkok, December 2022
Quality and Accountability Learning Camp
Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week Asia – 2023 – Save the Date
Cash Transfer Programming
When: Aug 03-05, 2023
Where: O’Spring Murree
Language: Urdu / English
Interested: Click here to register
Last Date to Apply: July 10, 2023
Background and Rationale
Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) refers to programmes where cash or vouchers for goods or services are provided to affected populations. It’s an approach that consists of linkages, capacities, incentives and relationships to encourage effective market recovery. CTP can be done for emergency response, early recovery and long-term development.
Community World Service Asia is inviting applicants to a 3 day workshop on “Cash Transfer Programming”. Those who are interested to learn more about cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian settings must join. The goal of this workshop is to build and strengthen the capacity of aid workers in Cash Transfer Programming so that they can be more efficient and effective in addressing most pressing needs in the humanitarian context by utilising best practices, relevant tools & standards.
Aims & Objectives:
This three day workshop aims to introduce & enhance the capacity of participants to consider Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) in assessments and responses to emergencies. At the end of the workshop participants will be able to:
- Define key CTP terms and concepts,
- Describe the stages in the CTP process,
- Describe additional information needed to assess the feasibility of using CTP,
- Link the need for market analysis as a critical factor in planning interventions,
- List issues related to designing and implementing cash transfer interventions,
- Describe key issues when monitoring prices and social issues,
- Consider what to include in the contingency planning process and preparedness activities in order to be ready for a timely CTP emergency response.
Methodology:
The “Blended Learning” approach developed by CWSA over decades of experience will be applied in this training. The approach is participatory and needs based in nature. It includes the selection of participants from various organisations at various levels. Content development and methodology will be based on the needs of the training participants and experienced and skilled trainers will lead the sessions. Action plans will be developed and follow-up refreshers, coaching and mentoring support will be assured.
Number of Participants:
18 – 20 participants will be selected for the training. Women staff and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to participants from organisations based in underserved areas. Applicants will be informed by 15th July, 2023 about their confirmation status.
Selection Criteria:
- Mid or senior level manager from civil society organisations, preferably field staff of large CSOs or CSOs with main offices in small towns and cities.
- Primary responsibility for project/programme assessments, design, monitoring and impact assessment at the project and/ or organisational level.
- No previous experience/ participation in training on Cash Transfer Programming
- Willingness to pay a training fees of PKR 10000/. Exemptions may be applied for by CSOs with limited funding and those from marginalised groups. Discount of 10% on early registration by 30th June, 2023 and 20% discount will be awarded to women participants.
- Commitment to apply learning in your work, including dissemination of learning within organisations.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is a humanitarian and development organisation, registered in Pakistan, headquartered in Karachi and implementing initiatives throughout Asia. CWSA is a member of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance, a member of Sphere and their regional partner in Asia and also manages the ADRRN Quality & Accountability Hub in Asia. For more details please visit our website: www.communityworldservice.asia
If you wish to participate, kindly register here
Sphere Minimum Standards
When: July 31 – Aug 02, 2023 (arrival at venue on 30th July 2023)
Where: O’Spring, Murree
Language: Urdu / English
Interested: Click here to apply
Last Date to Apply: July 10, 2023
Rationale:
The Sphere movement started in 1997 by a group of humanitarian professionals aiming to improve the quality of humanitarian work during disaster response. With this goal in mind, they framed a Humanitarian Charter and identified a set of humanitarian standards to be applied in humanitarian response. Sphere minimum standards emphasize a rights-based approach and a focus on the affected population. As a result, a more compassionate and empathetic response to humanitarian crises is promoted, with a primary focus on the needs and rights of affected individuals and communities. Overall, using Sphere minimum standards ensures a high level of quality, accountability, and effectiveness in humanitarian response. Adopting these standards can help to create a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of providing timely and appropriate assistance to those in need, thereby improving the outcomes and impact of humanitarian interventions.
Community World Service Asia is inviting applications for a 3 day workshop on “Sphere Minimum Standards” in Murree. The goal of this training is to strengthen the capacity of aid workers around Sphere Standards so that they can efficiently and effectively address most pressing needs in a humanitarian context by applying the Sphere Minimum Standards, which is a well-known Quality and accountability tool at the global-level.
Aims & Objectives:
This 3 day workshop aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge on the Sphere standards and to support them learn how to best apply these standards in their programmes.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the philosophy and approach of Sphere
- Understand and describe the relationship between Sphere, Humanitarian Charter and Rights Based Approach
- Learn to describe the use of Sphere Handbook
- Learn to apply Sphere in humanitarian projects/programme cycle Share experiences of applying Sphere Standards in Pakistan
Methodology:
The “Blended Learning” approach developed by CWSA over decades of experience will be used in this workshop. The approach will be participatory and needs based in nature. It shall include the selection of participants from various organisations at various levels, and the development of content and methodology will be based on the needs of the participants. Experienced and knowledgeable trainers/practitioners will be engaged and will help participants develop action plans, conduct follow-up refreshers and will provide coaching and mentoring support.
Number of Participants:
18 – 20 participants will be selected for the workshop. Women staff and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to participants from organisations based in underserved areas. Applicants will be informed by-July 15th, 2023 about their confirmation status.
Selection Criteria:
- Mid or senior level managers in a civil society organisation, field staff of large CSOs or CSOs with main offices in small towns and cities.
- Those having primary responsibility to design, assess, implement & monitor projects/programmes
- Staff with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) responsibilities at the project and/ or organizational levels.
- No previous experience/ participation in training on Sphere Minimum Standards
- Commitment to apply learning in their work, including dissemination of learning within their organization.
- Willingness to pay a Training Fees of PKR 10,000/-. Exemptions may be applied for CSOs with limited funding and those from marginalised groups. Discount of 10% on early registration by June 28th, 2023 and 20% discount will be awarded to women participants.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is a humanitarian and development organisation, registered in Pakistan, headquartered in Karachi and implementing initiatives throughout Asia. CWSA is a member of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance, a member of Sphere and their regional partner in Asia and also manages the ADRRN Quality & Accountability Hub in Asia. For more details visit our website: www.communityworldservice.asia
If you wish to participate, kindly register here
The Road Ahead; QAS Mentors reconvene for collaborative efforts to share and implement locally driven QAS approaches
In December 2022, thirty-five compassionate humanitarian professionals convened for a transformative Quality, Accountability, and Safeguarding (QAS) workshop. Their mission? To share and learn innovative, locally-driven approaches in implementing QAS standards and to explore the art and influence of the mentorship approach to promoting and mainstreaming QAS standards.
This gathering, titled, a Pool of Humanitarian Mentors Workshop, brought together an experienced array of global leaders and practitioners in the promotion and implementation of QAS, including Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH). As the workshop unfolded, attendees shared their diverse experiences, were introduced to new tools and approaches, while crafting a realistic and practical mentorship framework to be shared far and wide.
Six months later, on June 5, 2023, a regroup meeting of these mentors took centre stage. With eager hearts and minds, they reconvened to exchange experiences of how the mentorship approach garnered from the workshop had been applied and unfolded in their respective domains. Enthusiastic discussions ignited, seeking pathways for future collaboration and engagement, fuelled by the collective goal of putting people first and ensuring dignified response in every way possible.
As the mentors skilfully incorporated QAS learnings into their programming and organisational practices and policies, the workshop’s influence could be felt across the corridors of humanitarian action. Within the mentors’ own organisations, capacity-enhancing activities were launched, while relevant policies also underwent revisions, aligning with newfound QAS learnings. Yet, amid these noble endeavours, challenges emerged. Time management emerged as a common hurdle, as did the need to define broad concepts like Safeguarding and contextualising them for every region, locality and community participant.
To overcome these obstacles and amplify their impact, the mentors together mapped a path forward. Subgroups on key QAS themes will be formed, enabling a specialised focus and opportunities to engage in joint activities such as webinars and trainings. Additionally, a common resource library will be created, serving as a repository where mentors can share case stories, toolkits, approaches, and training materials.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) remains steadfast in its commitment to act as a catalyst and connector on QAS within the humanitarian landscape. By linking like-minded individuals, fostering interaction, and facilitating mutual learning, CWSA aims to enhance accountability to affected populations. With the mentors serving as beacons of knowledge and change, the journey towards a more accountable and safeguarded humanitarian sector gains momentum.
As the regroup meeting concluded, a sense of renewed purpose filled the room. Armed with shared experiences and an unwavering commitment to accountability and people-centered aid and development, these mentors are motivated to transform communities, uplift lives, and uphold the principles of quality, accountability, and safeguarding. Through their collective efforts, they embody the true spirit of collaboration, steering the course towards a more inclusive and responsible future.
A Sphere Training of Trainers
