INSTITUTIONALISING SPHERE PROJECT IN INDIA

 

A Proposal

Project title:                                           Sphere India Piloting

– Institutionalising Sphere Project in India

 

Project Applicant:                          Sphere India

 

Address:                                        Sphere India Secretariat

                                                     C/0 Oxfam GB

                                                     C 5 Qutub Institutional Area

                                                          New Delhi –110 017

 

Tel:                                               +91-11-2651 6481/6487

Email:                                            info@sphereindia.org

Contact Person(s):                         Mr. NM Prustry

Chairperson, Sphere India

                                                     Director (Emergency & Rehabilitation), CARE India

                                                     Phone: +91-11-26564101

                                                     Email: nprusty@careindia.org

                                                     Mr. PJ Chacko

Vice-Chairperson, Sphere India

                                                     India Humanitarian Programme Manager, Oxfam

                                                     Phone: +91-11-2651 6481/6487

                                                     Email: pchacko@oxfam.org.uk

                                                     Mr. PV Krishnan

                                                     Sphere India Coordinator

                                                     Phone: +91-11-2651 6481/6487

                                                     Email: pvkrish@sphereindia.org

Project Holder:                                      Oxfam GB

 

Address:                                        C-5, Qutab Institutional Area

                                                     New Delhi – 110 017

                                                    

Phone:                                           +91-11-2651 6481

Fax:                                              +91-33-2651 6487

 

Legal Status of the Project Holder   Charity, company limited by guarantee registered in United Kingdom.  Registration Number: 612172.  Registered charity no.202918

Project Duration                                24 months

 

Total Funds Requested                       US$ 200,000

Background

 

The Sphere Project was initiated as a programme of the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR) and InterAction with VOICE, ICRC and ICVA. The project was launched in 1997 to develop a set of universal minimum standards in core areas of humanitarian assistance. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response.

 

The Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response are the product of the collective experience of many people and agencies thereby representing the views of many international humanitarian agencies. Since then, almost all the international humanitarian agencies have become signatories to SPHERE Project, underlining its significance in the international efforts to improve the efficiency of humanitarian response. A two-year process of inter-agency collaboration saw Sphere frame a Humanitarian Charter and identify Minimum Standards to be attained in disaster assistance, in each of five key sectors (water supply and sanitation, nutrition, food aid, shelter, livelihood and health services). Based on the principles and provisions of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, the Charter describes the core principles that govern humanitarian action and asserts the right of populations to protection and assistance.


The aim of the Project is to improve the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering that arises out of conflict and calamity, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance.

 

The Sphere Project is a significant process - it has entailed an extensive and broad-based consultation in the humanitarian community. The people who participated in writing the first edition of the Sphere handbook came from national and international NGOs, UN agencies, and academic institutions. Thousands of individuals from over 300 organisations representing 60 countries have participated in various aspects of the Sphere Project, from developing the handbook through to piloting and training. The Sphere process has endeavoured to be inclusive, transparent, and globally representative.

 

Text Box: Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering that arises out of conflict and calamity, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance.Standards of emergency response and agency conduct vary worldwide. In places such as Rwanda, the Balkans and Afghanistan and more recently in Iraq, political and security objectives outweigh the humanitarian imperative. In a country like India, the diversity, frequency and sheer size of the humanitarian crises coupled with political overtures often hinders effective response. As a result those who should have provided humanitarian assistance became part of the problem.

 

Thus, the aim of SPHERE is to improve the quality of response provided to people affected by disasters is appropriately consultative, collaborative, and participatory among all stakeholders to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system. Sphere Project is a unique interagency co-operative process that developed a framework for, and commitment to, quality and accountability in humanitarian practice.

During Phase I (1997-1998) a preliminary edition of a Sphere handbook was developed, including the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards for the core sectors of water supply and sanitation, nutrition, food aid, shelter and site management, and health services. Many humanitarian actors have recognized Phase I of the Sphere Project for the unique interagency co-operative process that developed a framework for, and commitment to, quality and accountability in humanitarian practice.

 

In Phase II (1998-2000) activities were focused on making the commitment to quality and accountability in humanitarian practice a reality through dissemination, debate and implementation. Employing the same collaborative and inclusive approach of Phase I, Phase II included two formal reviews of the preliminary handbook and new text regarding gender and protection issues was incorporated into the final first edition that was subsequently published in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. A website was launched, a training program begun and 20 agencies committed to piloting the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response.

 

Sphere Project is in Phase III (2000-2004) now. Many of the activities initiated during Phase II continue, and several new areas of work are in progress, including an external evaluation of the process and impact of Sphere. In response to recommendations from agencies piloting Sphere, it was decided to focus on the work of pilot agencies in 3 regions rather than globally. Thus, the Sphere Project decided to take up three countries for piloting the institutionalising process – India, Brazil and Congo. Through this programme, efforts are made to supporting both institutionalisation and Sphere training in selected countries with an aim to expand the understanding of the application of the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards by country pilot agencies.

Sphere India

 

Sphere India is the outcome of the consultation process of sphere pilot agencies of India subsequent to the decision to adopt India as one of the three countries for piloting the institutionalization process. Sphere India is a coalition, a collaborative partnership, between government and non-governmental agencies involved in humanitarian initiatives in India. Launched in 2002, Sphere India aims at contributing towards the quality of humanitarian response by ensuring improved coordination among various stakeholders in humanitarian work, while promoting the spirit and commitment embodied in the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response.

 

Text Box: The purpose of the Humanitarian Charter and the Minimum Standards in Disaster Response is to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, and to make agencies more accountable.India being a pilot country for the Sphere Project, local and international humanitarian organizations have come together to ensure their activities are in accordance with the humanitarian charter and their humanitarian responses meet the minimum standards. Sphere India has developed a two-year, $200,000 program that will enable institutionalisation of the Sphere Project in India. This will be completed through training of trainers for Sphere application, documentation, advocacy, and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned to support the nationwide adoption of the principle and mandate of Sphere Project in disaster response.

 

During the Assam Floods 2003, Sphere India constituted a joint interagency assessment in Assam. Through a pathbreaking move, perhaps first time of its kind in the world, Sphere Pilot agencies pooled in their collective resources and deployed a team of specialists to the state to undertake a rapid assessment in the sectors of food, nutrition, logistics, public health, livelihood, shelter, child rights and media/communication. Not only was the assessment accomplished with clinical efficiency, the report was also placed for discussion within 48 hours of completion of the task. The Assam Floods Joint Assessment by Sphere heralded its initiatives in India, creating a benchmark for the future.

Project Goal

 

The overall goal of institutionalisation of Sphere Project in India is: “To facilitate institutionalisation of Sphere Project in India, ensuring that the humanitarian agencies working in India, both at government and non-governmental level, adopt the principles and mandate of Sphere into their humanitarian initiatives”.

Project Objectives

 

1.0    Objective 1

 

Advocate Sphere Project. Disseminate SPHERE among the stakeholders at government, non-government and civil society level, seeking a consensus in adopting Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response as the basic guidelines for agency wise humanitarian operations.

1.1    Expected Results

 

a.    Government, non-government and civil society institutions are aware and understand the provisions contained in the Sphere Project.

b.    Pilot Agencies working in India recognize, adopt and incorporate Sphere Project in their humanitarian initiatives.

c.    Sphere India website is launched and maintained for disseminating information on Sphere Project, giving information on the best practices, lessons learned and process involved in institutionalizing the Sphere Project in India.

1.2    Activities Planned

 

a.    Organise Sphere Project orientation workshops in strategic locations across India. Total 15 orientation workshops of two days duration to be organized during the first year of the project.

b.    Design, print and publish Sphere Project IEC materials including Sphere Handbook, posters, reference guides and leaflets. Translate the IEC materials in select local languages and do mass distribution among various stakeholders.

c.    Promote Sphere India consultative bodies at state level selectively through local agencies, encouraging them to discuss Sphere and methods to incorporate them in their humanitarian initiatives in both government and non governmental level

d.    Hold monthly consultative meetings among pilot agencies consisting of government and nongovernmental organizations

e.    Launch the Sphere India website giving details on the Sphere India piloting initiatives, update the contents of the website regularly by posting best practices, lessons learned, Sphere India events and initiatives, etc.

f.     Document the experiences of pilot agencies in institutionalizing sphere in their humanitarian initiatives through case studies, lessons learned and best practices report, institutionalization process within the agencies etc.

g.    Undertake a study on the policies and codes related to disaster relief at both national and state government levels. Compare the findings with Sphere Project standards and publish an analytical report based on the findings.

h.    Motivate humanitarian agencies to incorporate Sphere in their humanitarian initiatives. Extend support and assistance to the pilot agencies to institutionalise Sphere in their humanitarian initiatives as and when requested.

2.0    Objective 2

 

To develop a cadre of Sphere Training professionals by organizing Training of Trainers Programme in India

2.1    Expected Results

 

a.       A Pool of expert professional trainers are available in India to carry forward the institutionalization process

b.       Humanitarian agencies are able to institutionalize Sphere with assistance of these locally available professional trainers

2.2    Activities Planned

 

a.       Organize four 7-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops in India, two in first year (2003-2004) and the two in second year (2004-2005) for 30 persons to be selected from various stakeholders. The process of screening and finalizing of applicants will be through set criteria to be developed by Sphere India management committee.

b.       Organize a minimum of four three-day workshops on Understanding of Sphere to 30 participants in selected locations towards developing a second layer of Sphere Personnel at the grassroots level.

c.       Make the list of accredited trainers and contact details available to the humanitarian agencies in India, both through mailers and through the website

3.0    Objective 3

 

Develop Sphere Project institutionalization guidelines for assisting the pilot agencies and other institutions to adopt, institutionalize and implement Sphere Project

3.1    Resulted Expected

 

a.  Guidelines and check lists are available for assessment, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Humanitarian work in the context of Sphere

b.  Sphere Project institutionalization indicators are available for agencies involved in humanitarian response

3.2    Activities Planned

 

a.  To develop guidelines and check lists for assessment, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian work in the context of Sphere Project and motivate agencies to adopt the same in their humanitarian initiatives in India

b.  Develop indicators for measuring the impact of institutionalizing Sphere among pilot agencies in India and motivate the agencies to undertake self assessment and bench marking of their institutionalizing initiatives based on the suggested indicators

c.  Make the guidelines and indicators available to the humanitarian agencies working in India through mailers as well as through the proposed website

4.0    Objective 4

 

Document the Sphere institutionalisation efforts of pilot agencies and/or other humanitarian agencies in India and disseminate the information through the proposed website

4.1    Results Expected

 

a.  A complete documentation on history, experiences, lessons learned, best practises and capacities of Sphere institutionalisation processes by humanitarian agencies available for learning and experience sharing among stakeholders

b.  Process documentation of institutionalising Sphere Project in India completed and available for reference and uploaded to the Sphere India website

4.2    Activities Planned

 

a.  Collect and disseminate emergency response manuals of each participating agency.

b.  Compile and disseminate directory of Sphere professionals in India, including trainers/training available locally for emergency response.

c.  Design and develop the Sphere India website as a virtual library of all reports and documents.

d.  Motivate and ensure that the pilot agencies document their experiences in internalising sphere in their humanitarian initiatives, including documentation of specific case histories

e.  Undertake the process documentation of institutionalising the Sphere Project in India for reference and learning.

Risks and Assumptions

 

§         The project is based on the assumption that all the pilot agencies are committed to institutionalizing sphere in their humanitarian initiatives and will extend complete support and cooperation to Sphere India

§         Governments, both at national and state level, will encourage the initiatives of Sphere India to promote humanitarian charter and minimum standards in humanitarian response

§         Sphere India expects the projected funds to be available in full to ensure efficient and complete implementation of the project

Sustainability

 

The project is based on institutional capacity building through participatory initiatives of the Sphere Project pilot agencies in India. Thus, it is expected that the pilot agencies will ensure that the Sphere institutionalization initiatives are taken up with total commitment within and among other humanitarian agencies within the government, national NGOs, INGOs, bilateral donors, multilateral donors etc. In addition, Sphere India has government and other non-governmental agencies in its management and promotion, with an aim of ensuring governmental acceptance to humanitarian charter and minimum standards, naturally leading to sustainability of the initiatives at grassroots level. Further, the proposed training of trainers will ensure availability of trained professionals to carry forward the institutionalizing process in India.

Coordination

The Sphere India is a coalition of humanitarian agencies in India. Its management committee comprises of representatives from pilot agencies, UN agencies, National Centre for Disaster Management (Government of India institution) and national level NGO-networks. Thus, Sphere is a representative body of all major stakeholders at national and international level, with representation of grassroots agencies too. Coordination is thus ensured at all levels in the humanitarian sector in India.

Sphere India Management

 

The Sphere India General Body is the highest decision making body of Sphere initiatives, consisting of members from various agencies, both at government and non-governmental levels. The General Body usually meets once in a year to decide on overall policies and elect the Management Committee. Sphere India is not a legally registered body, but it is a coalition of humanitarian agencies in India. The tenure and responsibilities of the members of Sphere India is based on the mutually accepted bye-laws of Sphere India that is binding to all members. The management committee of Sphere India consists of 15 elected representatives, including the Office bearers consisting of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer. The Management Committee appoints sub-committees or task forces as and when required to look into any specific agenda or situation. The current management committee is attached.

 

The Sphere India Coordinator will look after the day-to-day management of Sphere India initiatives and will report to the Management Committee. The execution of the Sphere institutionalization Project as given in this proposal will be the onus of the Sphere India Coordinator. An Executive Assistant and other support staff will assist the Coordinator in the implementation process.

 

The monitoring of the Sphere India initiatives will be done by the Management Committee or any sub-committee appointed to do so. The monitoring team will regularly check the progress of the initiatives against the set objectives and advice the project implementation team on necessary measures.

 

Project Holder: Since Sphere India is a movement initiated by Sphere pilot agencies, the management committee of Sphere India based on an unanimous decision of its member agencies, has appointed Oxfam GB India National office to act as the project holder and funds manager of Sphere India. Thus, the requested funds for implementing the Sphere institutionalizing in India should be sent to Oxfam GB.

Detailed Budget

 

Detailed Project Budget is enclosed. At the first instance, the Sphere institutionalizing process in India will require US$ 200,000 to undertake the proposed activities and arrive at the projected goal.

for SPHERE INDIA

 

 

 

NM Prusty                                                        PJ Chacko

Chairperson                                                       Vice Chairperson

Director (Emergency & Rehabilitation)             India Humanitarian Programme Manager

CARE-India                                                      Oxfam GB

 

 

Encl:     1.   Log Frame

2.       Activity Schedule

3.       Detailed Budget