2021 Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) - Step by Step Guide

Introduction

This document provides an overview of the main steps involved in the development of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle. It should be read alongside the:

• Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) templates, which indicate what information to present and how to do so;
• Complementary guidance1 , which provides a depth of information on “what” and “how to” elements; and the
• Facilitation Package, which provides illustrative agendas and presentations to assist with orienting and managing the process and discussions.

The steps re‐assert the sequence of the needs analysis and planning, with needs analysis directly informing the decision‐making with regards to response, whether for the preparation of new plans or adjustments to existing ones. At both the analysis and planning stages, it emphasizes commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit and the Grand Bargain, such as:

• Cross‐sectoral and comprehensive assessment of needs;
• Risk and vulnerability analysis (including a sexual exploitation and abuse risk analysis);
• People‐centered and gender analysis;
• Integration of people’s voice and own priorities (accountability to affected people);
• Localisation of the response;
• Consideration of implications of the risk and vulnerability analysis in the response options phase;
• Identification and prioritization of responses to needs; and
• Systematic consideration of options for cash and voucher assistance and other response modalities.

The steps of the HPC have a rationale and cannot be skipped. However, the depth of the work under each step can and should be adapted to the ‘new reality’ of our operating environment as a result of the COVID‐ 19 pandemic, taking into consideration:

• Staff capacities. Decreased staff capacities may require fewer and shorter meetings. Analysis throughout 2020, such as for the 2020 HPC and updates, Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP) for COVID‐19, and others, can be used as a foundation and updated accordingly.
• Data and information availability. Changes to the type and amount of data collected for 2021, along with increased reliance on secondary data, expert judgement and assumptions are anticipated.