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Bangladesh Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) Regional Training-2019
Needs Assessment Working Group (NAWG) Sylhet Region
Introduction
The Needs Assessment Working Group (NAWG) has organized its regional training on Joint Needs
Assessment (JNA) from 12-14 March, 2019 in Sylhet Sadar focusing on the vulnerability on Haor Region.
The covered districts from haor regions are Sylhet, Sunamganj, Maulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrakona,
Kishoreganj. The Regional JNA training at Sylhet started with all the representatives of different agencies
coming into the session and registering themselves for the module. Among the chief guests were Mr.
Anisur Rahman (Director, Monitoring & Evaluation of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief) ; Syed
Ashraf Ul Islam (Communication and Media Specialist, Department of Disaster Management); Kazi Dil
Afroza Islam (UNICEF); Kaiser Rezve (Program Head, Humanitarian and Resilience, CARE Bangladesh) who
launched the training by providing us with some knowledge on the background of JNA assessment.
The JNA Training participation was not only good in number but also great with the spirit of
engagement. The prominent National NGOs those can make a difference in the region have participated.
Mostly local and National level NGOs and some regional participants from the UN Agencies have
participated. We highly appreciate the very enthusiastic facilitation and participation from the Govt. of
Bangladesh. Their presence have taken our training to another level.
Objective of the Training
At 9 am the orientation of the training started with the Chief Guests and other guests invited in the
opening ceremony told us some words from their knowledge and experience to help understand the
condition of disaster management in Bangladesh at past and present times. Also, they appreciated the
approach taken by Care Bangladesh to have this training as it will create a network between the
government, NGOs and INGOs. Among the chief guests were Mr. Anisur Rahman (Director, Monitoring &
Evaluation of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief) ; Syed Ashraf Ul Islam (Communication and
Media Specialist, Department of Disaster Management); Kazi Dil Afroz (UNICEF); Kaiser Rezve (Program
Head, Humanitarian and Resilience, CARE Bangladesh) gave us some knowledge on the background of JNA
assessment. The zest of their sayings were that Bangladesh needs a joint effort or joint network between
the agencies in emergency situations so that they can create a line of help to the most vulnerable people
of BD. The cluster approach which was previously used only in United Nations organizations for different
sectors like food security cluster, health cluster, nutrition cluster etc were hosted by WFP, WHO, UNICEF
organizations; now the NAWG members will act in such way to cooperate in the emergency situations to
take effective steps that will consume less time to produce better and more accurate assessment reports.
According to Mr. Ashraf Ul Islam, institutionalizing through Standing Order of Disaster (SOD), JNA can be
a great platform for the agencies to work together. Mrs Kazi Dil Afroza Islam said that in the present
disaster management system of Bangladesh there is still lack of coordination and need assessment. The
UNICEF and Bangladesh Government has an approach to work together but if all the agencies come
together in this approach it can be a great effort for our country.
The core objective of the training was to contribute to the disaster preparedness of Bangladesh by
providing training at the regional level so that whenever a disaster strikes, a skilled and committed
resource pool will always be there to jointly lead the assessment process of disaster induced needs at
the locality.
The overall objectives that guided the training are:
• Understand the Humanitarian architecture & JNA
• Be familiar with the Process and Tools of the JNA
• Know that you are a piece of the puzzle in JNA
• Learn a new tool: KOBO, for JNA Data collection
• Go through a simulation of emergency situation for hands on training
Setting the Scene
Breaking the ice of Joint Needs Assessment
After the inauguration by the honorable guests an icebreaking session
was conducted so that the participants and the facilitators become
comfortable with each other and get prepared for the upcoming 3
days rigorous simulation based training.
Some rule of house was set to keep the sessions disciplined and
effective. Then people started introducing themselves with their
name, designation and one fun trivia about them. Though revealing
ones fun-trivia seem little inappropriate initially, but this session not
only brings a lot of fun, but also make people more comfortable with
each other.
Then people are asked to put their expectations on the expectation
wall and later those expectations are clustered and matched with the objectives:
Understand the Humanitarian Architecture & JNA
Be familiar with the Process and Tools of the JNA
Know that you are a piece of the puzzle in JNA
Practice primary data collection techniques (Learn a new Tool: KOBO, for JNA data collection)
Others
Participants are also requested to post their questions in the parking lot wall, in case they cannot pose
those in the session. For the first time there was a pre-post survey questionnaire introduced to the
participants, which will eventually help all of us understand the effectiveness of the training.
Rules of the House
Familiarization with Joints Needs Assessment:
Background of JNA
To familiarize the participants with the process of Joint Needs Assessment, it was crucial to provide
them with a background of Needs Assessment Working Group (NAWG), HCTT and the bigger picture.
Director, Humanitarian and Resilience program of CARE Bangladesh, Kaiser Rezve dived deep into the
bigger picture. He mentioned that ensuring effective assessment not only in national level but also going
down to local level needs to be achieved with inter cluster approach with cooperation of the
Government and NGOs. The HCTT, NAWG and the government is already working together which is
going to lead a singular assessment where Government organizations, NGOs and INGOs will work
together. The HCTT works in response planning, resource mobilization, preparedness, action plan, needs
assessment at national level. In the orientation part, all the speakers conveyed that the risk cannot
always be prevented. In those cases, risk reduction or risk transfer is taken in action for doing risk
prioritization for all sector damage reduction and needs assessment also. Thus JNA takes place in action.
To understand HCTT and its function well a game was introduced. Participants were divided into tables.
10 situations were described and they were asked to anticipate which situation falls under which
cluster’s responsibility. A brief history of Needs assessment and how it evolved over time was also
presented.
Syed Ashraf from the GoB has depicted how Disaster Management Framework is related to joint needs
Assessment in Bangladesh in his brief presentation.
Subarna Saha from UNOPS presented how the NAWG feeds into the objective of UNOPS, Strengthening
Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Programme (SHPR). One of its objective pillars is to augment
disaster Preparedness and disaster risk reduction and NAWG and JNA regional training is part of it. She
meticulously described how JNA reports are reciprocally not only funded by DFID, but also can be a
further funding evidence for DFIDs Emergency Response and Recovery Fund flow.
A session conducted by Apurba S Mahboob was dedicated to help participant understand, where they
belong as a piece of the JNA puzzle. While the whole circle of JNA described, it became obvious how
crucial the participants are to fulfill the circle of JNA process.
Finally to end the orientation Jafar Iqbal filled out on the JNA process of Bangladesh, how it works, who
takes part on it, when this process takes place. In this session some question arisen as for who the most
vulnerable people are in the society in times of disaster. As per the participants, in times of flood the
most vulnerable people should be the farmers and small farmers but why the women and disabled are
given more priority than them? The facilitators explained that the farmers does have source of income
or independency but the women or disabled are usually dependent on others. So in times of disasters
they become more vulnerable as they loses the source of their limited strength. And they cannot help
themselves in times of disaster or emergencies. The motto of humanitarian approach is to help the most
vulnerable first, people who are unable to help themselves and needs assistance to survive in a crisis
situation. Thus women, children and disabled people are prioritized in here.
An overview of all the tools used for different phases of JNA was presented and people came to know
the names and which format was used when and why was thoroughly described.
Learning KOBO
As always, we invited Mainul Hossain Rony (IMO – FSC & Nutrition Cluster) to conduct the session on
introduction to KOBO. Till this session the participants were learning through slides and theory. This is the
first time the participants get some hands on experience. From downloading the App Kobo-toolbox to
finding a questionnaire, it was not an easy task for someone who never done anything like this.
So, why KOBO? KoBoToolbox is an integrated set of tools for building forms and collecting interview
responses. It is built by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative for easy and reliable use in difficult field
settings, such as humanitarian emergencies or post-conflict environments. It is hosted and supported by
UN OCHA and can be used without limitations by any humanitarian organization
72 Hours Tool
Phase 1
Tool
Phase 2
Tool
Direct Observation
Community G D
Severity Ranking
Upazilla Meeting
While conducting JNA time and accuracy are the two most crucial factors and finding the right balance
within 72 hours becomes a real challenge. Kobo reduces the risk of losing time be making the whole
process digital.
Learning: A pre-fixed printed guideline was thought out to be helpful for a practical session. However, we
learnt that letting people walk step by step and creating their own guideline is the best way to provide
technical training.
Simulation
We created simulation for all three methods of JNA: 72 hours tool, Phase 1 tool and Phase 2 tool. The
atmosphere was not totally replicated, however a region specific situation was created through
messages.
Simulation: 72 Hours Tool
The first day went off with the simulation of 72 hours tool. After a warning participants were alerted that,
heavy rainfalls as well as runoff from the upstream hills in India have led to early flooding of vast areas of
croplands of haors and low-lying areas of northeast Bangladesh. Flooding started on 12th of March and
gradually affected six districts (Habiganj, Kishoreganj Moulavibazar, Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Sylhet).
Rising water overflowed and breeched embankments in many places and inundated vast areas of
cropland, damaging a significant number of houses and impacting the lives of more than 30% of the
population of these six districts.
An information table based on the SOS compiled data and an update on food security, livelihood,
accessibility, ICT & Communication, education, health and WASH situation, Protection and inclusion
related issues were described. The aggravating Factors and secondary snapshot was also provided.
Upazilla District total number of unions
Total affected unions
living in this Upazila since the disaster
Total HH
Estimated % of overall population affected
Estimated Household affected
Damaged Crops (Hactor)
Derai Sunamganj 6
original village
76 56706 17000
Gowainghat Sylhet 9
original village
86 34856 11452
Itna Kishoreganj 15
original village
94 74359 14000
Juri Maulvibazar 10
original village
78 22787 15500
Khaliajuri Netrakona 10
original village
100 49201 13200
Lakhai Habiganj 3
original village
95 12609 19005
Mithamain Kishoreganj 5
original village
87 19140 21245
With this simulation people got a revision of their KOBO toolbox expertise, since the 72 hours tool input
is conducted completely based on secondary sources. Participant divided into groups with one Project
Implementation Officer (PIO) per table were expected to do the following things:
Conduct a meeting among your team, send the meeting minutes back to PIO & DRRO
Make a plan of action for conducting 72Hours’ Assessment
Act accordingly
After receiving the link of the KOBO questionnaire and the username and password, it became clear to
participant on how to act accordingly. As the field team filled in the format along with PIO/UNO/Upazila
disaster management team and verified and validated the data together. Then they sent it to the NAWG
Analysis team online.
On the second day of training it began with the 72 hour simulation theory with the participation of the
PIOs and NGO representatives. In this session the theory part of 72 hour assessment was being
explained by Apurba Swatee Mahboob. The participants were genuinely interested in this session and
many questions were asked to the facilitators regarding this tool. Even with one day of the program
gone, many participants were questioning the JNA process and its effectiveness in real life. It was
explained how the agencies work and reach out. The participants wanted to know real life experiences
from the facilitators.
In the Q&A session everyone stood in a circle and questioned one another about what they learnt about
JNA and its processes and tools. When the participants were not able to answer the questions the
facilitators came forward to explain those questions. Some of the notable questions included the
difference between 72 hour assessment and phase-1 assessment; information management of
emergency situations of the government and the clusters of HCTT. After the successful completion of 72
hours tool a slide on theoretical part of the process was presented to them, so that the participants
could build their understanding on the whole process profoundly.
Simulation: Phase 1
Phase-1 theory session started where the trigger points of phase-1, phase-1 assessment tools, the
duration of this assessment and the roles of the people involved. Simulation of Phase-1 started
after the brief which included role play of each participants as stakeholders of emergency situation.
They were formed into 7 group and each group consisted of 1 PIO and 6 NGOs to come up with
solutions for the situation given to them together as a group.
The simulation lasted for about 2 hours and all the groups solved their given tasks of Upazilla
emergency situation using JNA Phase-1 process and KOBO toolbox. They all gave the feedback
that if disasters were given more priority at all times rather than only the emergency situations then
the tools and process would be more effective. They were also pointing out that the information
management of the Preparedness Phase should be given priority as well as in the emergency.
Another concern was about the information and data collected by the NGOs and PIOs does not
always match, which could lead to confusion. They suggested that when the NGOs are creating
their contingency planning for emergency situations if the PIO were involved in the process then
it will be easier for them to gather more data accurately due to the resources PIOs have. Also it
will ensure the coordination between Government agencies and NGOs. Another important
conclusion they came to understand is that they need coordination between themselves before the
disaster occurs for better work experience.
After the participants sent their data, the analysis team from NAWG has analyzed the data and
came up with the following map:
The analysis was also presented to the participant, which enabled them to realize the effectiveness
of using technology for assessment.
And both the priorities from 72 hours to phase 1 were compared directly:
After both the simulation on 72 hours and phase 1, participants were asked about the following
feedback:
After the simulation of Phase 1, session the cluster coordinators, Ms Irene Tumwebaze (Child
Protection Cluster) and Clare Hollowell (GBV Cluster) provided an overview on Protection,
Inclusion and Violence in emergency. The objective of this session was to help participants
understand the concept of protection in emergencies, core humanitarian protection principles,
SADDD and GBV and child protection in general in emergency. This session helped people
understand the significance of protection and inclusion in emergency over all.
Simulation: Phase 2
Initially some basic theory on Phase 2 was provided. Phase 2 intervene is more in depth. Phase 2 is more
of sectorial approach. The following rules usually is to choose which session to take part in:
Information available is good enough to mobilize additional resources and make immediate
strategic & operational decisions
More information is needed to take future strategic decision
72 Hours Priority Needs Phase 1 Priority Needs
• What were the major challenges regarding data validation? • Which questions were you be able to answer yourself? • Which questions needed validation meetings’ judgment?
On the basis of Phase 1 Report from NAWG, HCTT in a special meeting decided conduction of JNA Phase
2. NAWG field teams took 2 days of training on how to conduct JNA Field teams of 5 to be formed and
more severely affected Upazillas/unions to be focused for JNA Phase 2. More in-depth sampling,
statistical significance and people centric disaster management was depicted, After walking through the
theory on Phase 2, we moved on to simulation.
Participants were asked to divide themselves into 4 groups. After that each team will accomplish at least
one task:
After receiving 2 days long orientation in simulation on Phase 2 questionnaire the team was instructed
with the following:
Livelihood and Food Security
Nutrition and Health (Before Disaster)
Education
Community Infrastructure and communication
Protection and Vulnerability
Reporting Direct Observation Reporting Community
Group Discussion
Reporting severity ranking
After doing all the steps above, participants rank their priorities all together, based on a same upazilla
and they prepare for the Upazilla validation meeting.
According to the participants, the upazilla validation meeting could have been better, if they were not
instructed well for the meeting. In the Upazilla validation meeting enough evidences were not presented
along with no coordination or facts checking. This became obvious that how much preparation is
necessary for any coordination meeting during disaster. This session was difficult for them as a tough
situation was given to them where they needed to convince the UNO about the argument of their
approaches.
The training ended with taking feedback from the participants about the training, JNA processes and
tools, their suggestion about this process, what can be included. The created a mentimeter image about
their feedback also. After that the participants were congratulated with their certificates as trained JNA
participator.
Learning & Improvement
When we ask about the usability of the training, majority
responded positively. However, even having one negative
response assures us that we either could not target the
audience accurately, or our materials and delivery needs
more improvement.
Since there is nothing like absolute perfection, there should always be room for improvement. Female
participation was a consistent problem we’ve been suffering big time for long.
81%
15%
Do you think this training was useful for yourself or for your organisation?
Yes
No
Maybe
Annex
Participant List
Name Designation Organization Email
Nowshin Afrin Research Assistant Disaster Forum [email protected]
Chitta Ranjan Bala Program Officer World Vision [email protected]
Manik Mia PIO DDM
Md. Faruk Ahmed Director , Program JASHIS [email protected]
Drupad Chowdhury Nupur
Executive Director RAS Sunamganj [email protected]
Md. Azader Rahman UPIO DDM, Moulavi Bazar Sadar
Md. Rowshan Kabir DNC UNICEF [email protected]
Md. Abu Sadeq Project Officer FIVDB [email protected]
Md. Aman Ullah Program Officer, Emergency UNICEF [email protected]
Ummey Qulsum Nipun Program Officer UNICEF [email protected]
Bidhan John Costa District Nutrition Coordinator UNICEF [email protected]
Mohammad Abu Taher Field Officer, Disaster Management Caritas [email protected]
Md. Zashim Uddin Program Officer World Vision [email protected]
MD. Kayem Uddin District Manager,CEP BRAC [email protected]
Mahasin M T. M - Gender BRAC [email protected]
Jabir Ahammad Numan Acting Area Program Manager World Vision [email protected]
Md. Mosleh Uddin Lasker Project Manager VARD [email protected]
Md. Ambia Ahmed PIO DDM [email protected]
Md. Babul Hossain Project Manager POPI [email protected]
Md. Delowar Hossain Coordinator FIVDB [email protected]
Md. Humayoun Kabir PC SMKK [email protected]
Sheikh Fazlur Rahman TO- Resilience DAM [email protected]
Md. Harunur Rashid Senior Officer- TSR CARE Bangladesh [email protected]
Imtiaz Ahmed Child Protection Officer UNICEF [email protected]
Md. Reaz Uddin Project Coordinator Islamic Relief BD [email protected]
Bidhudan Biswas AP Manager World Vision [email protected]
Md. Shah Oliullah Program Coordinator Muslim Aid [email protected]
Guy Onambele FSC Coordinator FSI BD [email protected]
Clare Hollowell GBV Cluster UNFPA [email protected]
Mohammad Mainul Hossain Rony
IM – FSC & Nutrition FSC & Nutrition Cluster [email protected]
Kazi Dil Afroza Islam CFO Sylhet UNICEF [email protected]
Mohammad Jahan PIO Hobiganj DDM [email protected]
Anisur Rohman Director (M&E) DDM [email protected]
Syed Ashraf Ul Islam Communication Media Specialist DDM [email protected]
Kaiser Rejve Director, Humanitarian & Resilience CARE BD [email protected]
Mrityunjoy Das PC – Humanitarian & Resilience CARE BD [email protected]
Jafar Iqbal PM – Humanitarian & Resilience CARE BD [email protected]
Apurba S Mahboob TC, IM – Humanitarian & Resilience CARE BD [email protected]
Marwa Tasnim DT - Humanitarian & Resilience [email protected]
Subarna Shaha Program Officer (Humanitarian) UNOPS [email protected]
Irene Tumwebaze CPiE Cluster Coord UNICEF [email protected]