Strengthening Assessment and Coordination of Humanitarian Response - OCHA/UNDAC 2014-2016

This project aims to support the United Nations Disaster Assistance and Coordination (UNDAC) emergency system in providing timely and reliable humanitarian needs assessments and coordination support to the international community and affected countries following humanitarian crises. UNDAC is managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and consists of more than 220 national emergency experts from more than 80 countries. It is designed to help meet the needs for early information during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency as well as to support the coordination of incoming international humanitarian assistance at a national level or at the site of the emergency. The UNDAC system is capable of deploying emergency response teams within 24 to 48 hours anywhere in the world. DFATD’s support is assisting OCHA to manage the UNDAC emergency roster system. Project activities include: (1) conducting training and capacity development for emergency response team members; and (2) managing the deployment of Canadian and developing-country delegates as part of emergency response teams.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced rapid-response capacity of the international humanitarian system; (2) improved availability of critical information in the aftermath of humanitarian crises; and (3) strengthened coordination of international relief in response to humanitarian crises. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.