Course Details

Humanitarian Accountability and M&E (CHS, SPHERE) Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for integrating Humanitarian Accountability principles with robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), with a specific focus on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Sphere Standards. Recognizing that accountability to affected populations is paramount in humanitarian action, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of humanitarian quality frameworks, participatory M&E methodologies, and ethical approaches to data collection and feedback. Participants will gain deep insights into designing M&E systems that measure adherence to standards, implementing feedback mechanisms, promoting transparency, and ensuring that M&E processes contribute to dignified and effective aid, all crucial for maximizing impact and building trust with crisis-affected communities.

This course is designed for professionals engaged in humanitarian response and development in emergency contexts. It bridges the gap between conventional M&E and the imperative of accountability, empowering participants to design, manage, and implement M&E activities that are not only rigorous but also ethically sound, people-centered, and compliant with international humanitarian standards.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating humanitarian aid programs, particularly those seeking to strengthen accountability to affected populations, including:

• M&E Specialists in humanitarian organizations.
• Humanitarian Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Focal Points.
• Field Staff involved in emergency response.
• Donors and Grant Managers focused on humanitarian aid.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core principles of humanitarian accountability (CHS, Sphere) and their relevance to M&E.
• Design M&E frameworks that incorporate accountability mechanisms and standards.
• Implement effective feedback and complaint mechanisms from affected populations.
• Ensure ethical data collection and transparent communication in humanitarian contexts.
• Utilize M&E findings to drive accountable and adaptive humanitarian response.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Humanitarian Accountability

• Define Humanitarian Accountability and its critical importance in crisis response.
• Explore the historical evolution of accountability in humanitarian action.
• Understand the core principles of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability.
• Discuss the relationship between accountability to affected populations (AAP), M&E, and good humanitarian practice.
• Examine the benefits of strong accountability for affected populations and humanitarian organizations.

Module 2: The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and M&E

• Understand the Nine Commitments of the CHS and their direct implications for M&E.
• Discuss how M&E indicators can be designed to measure adherence to CHS commitments.
• Explore the role of feedback mechanisms, participation, and learning in CHS compliance.
• Examine the CHS Verification Framework and its link to M&E evidence.
• Learn about integrating CHS principles into every stage of the M&E cycle.

Module 3: Sphere Standards and M&E in Sectoral Response

• Understand the Sphere Handbook and its minimum standards in humanitarian response (e.g., WASH, Food Security, Shelter, Health).
• Discuss how M&E is used to track progress against Sphere's technical indicators.
• Explore the link between Sphere's foundational chapters (Humanitarian Charter, Protection Principles) and M&E ethics.
• Examine how to verify the achievement of Sphere standards through M&E data.
• Learn about tailoring M&E to specific sectoral standards (e.g., measuring water access, nutrition status).

Module 4: Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms (FCMs) in M&E

• Understand the purpose and types of Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms (FCMs) in humanitarian response.
• Discuss designing and implementing accessible, safe, and context-appropriate FCMs.
• Explore how FCMs provide critical qualitative data for M&E and adaptive management.
• Examine strategies for analyzing feedback, identifying trends, and responding to complaints.
• Learn about closing the feedback loop and communicating back to affected populations.

Module 5: Participatory M&E and Community Engagement

• Understand the principles of participatory M&E in humanitarian contexts.
• Discuss methods for involving affected populations in M&E design, data collection, and interpretation.
• Explore techniques for empowering communities to monitor their own progress and hold aid providers accountable.
• Examine how participatory M&E contributes to dignity, ownership, and relevance of aid.
• Learn about balancing participatory approaches with robust data quality standards.

Module 6: Data Ethics, Privacy, and "Do No Harm" in Humanitarian M&E

• Understand the heightened ethical responsibilities of M&E in humanitarian settings.
• Discuss stringent protocols for data privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent for sensitive data.
• Explore the application of the "Do No Harm" principle to M&E data collection and dissemination.
• Examine how to protect vulnerable individuals and avoid unintended negative consequences.
• Learn about managing data security in challenging and insecure environments.

Module 7: Reporting and Communicating for Accountability

• Understand how to prepare accountability-focused reports for various stakeholders (donors, communities, internal teams).
• Discuss strategies for transparently communicating achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Explore the use of accessible language, visuals, and diverse communication channels for affected populations.
• Examine reporting against CHS and Sphere indicators in donor reports.
• Learn about advocating for improved practice based on accountability data.

Module 8: Institutionalizing Accountability and Learning for Better Aid

• Understand strategies for embedding accountability principles into organizational culture and M&E systems.
• Discuss the role of M&E in fostering organizational learning and adaptation in humanitarian response.
• Explore how M&E contributes to continuous improvement and enhanced aid effectiveness.
• Examine the importance of leadership commitment to accountability.
• Learn about fostering a culture of openness, listening, and responsiveness to affected populations.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com