Inter-Agency Real Time Evaluation of the Response to Cyclone Nargis

Annex 4: Inception Report1. Objective and scope of the evaluation1.1 Objective:In recent years, efforts have been increasingly directed towards improving humanitarian responsethrough learning and accountability. The Inter-Agency Real Time Evaluation (IA RTE) – endorsedby the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Working Group in March 2007 as a one yearpilot, and extended for an additional year until the beginning of 2009 – has proven one importanttool through which such analysis may be conducted. In accordance with the IASC mandate, an IARTE on the response to Cyclone Nargis was proposed and has received the consent and support ofthe UN Country Team and humanitarian community in Myanmar.The humanitarian response to Cyclone Nargis was unique in constraints and approach.Characterized by uncertainty due to limits on access and communications, distinctive approacheswere employed for both coordination and operations. The response to date has been notable in theregional solidarity shown by member states of ASEAN, and other neighbors. ASEAN was also akey stakeholder which played a “bridging” role between Myanmar and the internationalcommunity. 21In a report to the IASC Working Group in March 2008, it was stated that “IA RTEs provide aunique framework for inter agency system-wide evaluation by reviewing the overall direction andcoordination of an emergency response rather than only agency-specific aspects of it.” In thisregard, the value-added for this exercise is primarily directed towards those working towards acommon end inside Myanmar and should not be seen as an evaluation of agency specificprogrammes or as a replacement for an agency’s own learning and accountability efforts.This IA RTE affords us the opportunity to reflect collectively as a humanitarian community uponthe systems in place, taking into consideration the individual capacities of agencies on the ground,as well as their unique strengths and challenges. Further, non UN actors have expressed a desire tosee their efforts increasingly recognized and reflected in interagency initiatives. The IA RTEpresents an opportunity to describe the operational and strategic support needs of the humanitariansystem as affected by all four components of the humanitarian reform, and to reflect upon the roleof non-UN actors. The real-time nature of the study allows for improvement of those interactionswhile the relief and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing.Through this IA RTE, negotiations for and the management of a humanitarian operation will beassessed, and feedback provided to both field and headquarters on a real-time basis. The IA RTEwill assess key challenges and needs on the ground, as well as accountability, brining in an externalperspective, analytical capacity and knowledge at this point in the response.The evaluation is intended to review current operations and provide real time feedback on thefactors and determinants of improved provision of aid and accountability to affected communities;to serve as an input to the planning of recovery and rehabilitation efforts; to provide real timefeedback on the effectiveness and relevance of international agencies efforts to facilitate thehumanitarian response; and to explore and suggest measures that will help progress towardsorganizational accountability. Findings and recommendations will inform and improve ongoing21 Revised Appeal: Cyclone Nargis Response Plan 2008 Consolidated Appeal, 10 July 2008. p. 1.48