Purpose:

The guidance aims to strengthen the results of disaster response by promoting a common approach to recovery amongst National Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It is hoped that this will strengthen programme quality. The desired result is that communities will be enabled to build more resilient lives as quickly as possible after disaster and crisis.

There are various situations in which thinking about recovery is important. They fall into the following three categories:

• early recovery planning alongside the initial relief response
• recovery at the point when communities begin to get back on their feet following disaster and crisis
• recovery as part of contingency planning and disaster preparedness activities.

Overview:

Section 1: Introduction – This provides the rationale for the guidance and the main references.

Section 2: Understanding the approach to recovery programming – This provides the theoretical background and definitions linked to recovery and IFRC ways of working. It describes the recovery programming approach and explains how recovery is linked to disaster management, including relief and longer-term programming. It also explains Red Cross Red Crescent Movement added value in recovery programming.

Section 3: Key strategic issues to make for recovery programming – This provides a summary of nine key strategic issues that need to be considered when developing or updating an operational strategy considering recovery. These are: 1. framing programming within the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement 2. ensuring the programme strengthens resilience 3. building on systematic and ongoing assessment and analysis 4. ensuring integrated or multi-sectoral programming 5. considering cross-cutting issues 6. making use of innovative approaches such as cash transfers and market support programming 7. building strong coordination both within and outside the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement 8. securing sufficient and realistic resources 9. building on or contributing to the National Societies’ own development.

Section 4: Practical application of the recovery approach to the programme cycle – This provides guidance on how to include recovery-related components into the programme cycle when designing a recovery programme that can be included in a disaster response PoA. This includes: • assessing and analysing recovery needs through a detailed assessment • situation analysis and response options analysis • planning and designing the recovery programme • planning monitoring and evaluation of the recovery programme • implementation-specific issues to be aware of, including transition and exit.

Annexes: IFRC Recovery guidance annexes – This provides useful reference tools and further details of topics covered in the main text such as integrated programing, considering cross-cutting issues and deciding on cash transfer options. It includes both a comprehensive checklist for ensuring the recovery approach is being applied throughout the planning stages and an in-depth assessment checklist.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audience: Technical staff, Volunteers

See also the Summary of the Guidance.