Introduction

In the aftermath of a disaster, governments, humanitarian actors, and development institutions must move swiftly from emergency response to structured recovery. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and Recovery Planning Training Course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and tools to conduct comprehensive post-disaster needs assessments (PDNA) and to develop recovery frameworks that are inclusive, risk-informed, and aligned with national development goals. This training bridges the gap between humanitarian relief and long-term reconstruction, emphasizing resilience building and sustainability.

Participants will learn internationally recognized methodologies, including the PDNA framework co-developed by the UN, World Bank, and EU, and gain practical knowledge on data collection, damage and loss assessment, and sector-specific recovery strategies. The course blends case studies, hands-on tools, and real-world scenarios to enhance participant capacity to lead effective recovery planning processes that are multi-sectoral, evidence-based, and locally driven.

Target Audience

• Disaster risk reduction and emergency management professionals
• Government officials involved in planning and reconstruction
• Recovery and rehabilitation officers from humanitarian agencies
• Policy advisors and program planners from development partners
• Economists and social scientists specializing in disaster impacts
• Civil engineers and infrastructure recovery consultants
• Data analysts and GIS experts supporting PDNA teams
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) specialists in recovery contexts

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles and process of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
• Apply internationally accepted tools and frameworks for PDNA
• Conduct multi-sectoral assessments of damage, loss, and recovery needs
• Analyze the social, economic, and environmental impacts of disasters
• Identify recovery gaps and prioritize sectoral interventions
• Develop recovery strategies aligned with development and climate goals
• Design institutional mechanisms for coordinated recovery efforts
• Integrate risk reduction, equity, and resilience into recovery planning
• Engage stakeholders through participatory and inclusive methodologies
• Utilize data and evidence for transparent, accountable recovery planning
• Build capacity for long-term recovery monitoring and impact evaluation

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamentals of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
Overview of global PDNA frameworks and guiding principles
Structure and phases of a comprehensive PDNA process
Coordination mechanisms between humanitarian and development actors
Scope and scale of assessments based on disaster types
Cross-cutting issues in assessment: gender, environment, governance

Module 2: Damage, Loss, and Needs Assessment Methodologies
Defining and calculating damage, losses, and needs
Sector-specific assessment approaches and standard tools
Macroeconomic and social impact estimation
Data collection methods and information management
Validation and triangulation of assessment results

Module 3: Sectoral Assessment and Planning Integration
Review of key sectors: health, education, infrastructure, housing, livelihoods
Sector-specific indicators and recovery costing techniques
Prioritizing short-, medium-, and long-term recovery actions
Linking sectoral findings to policy and investment planning
Aligning sector plans with national and donor recovery agendas

Module 4: Recovery Strategy and Framework Development
Principles of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive recovery
Strategic objectives, results frameworks, and implementation plans
Financing mechanisms and donor coordination
Institutional arrangements and operational responsibilities
Monitoring, reporting, and learning systems

Module 5: Stakeholder Engagement and Participatory Recovery Planning
Involving affected populations in recovery decision-making
Tools for inclusive community consultations and feedback
Partnership building across government, private sector, and civil society
Communication strategies for recovery transparency
Conflict-sensitive and culturally appropriate recovery measures

Module 6: Data, Technology, and Tools in PDNA and Recovery
Using GIS, remote sensing, and mobile tools in assessments
Information management systems and dashboards
Digital platforms for collaborative recovery planning
Data security, privacy, and ethical considerations
Visualization and presentation of PDNA findings

Module 7: Case Studies and Simulation Exercises
Review of global PDNA applications in various disaster contexts
Lessons learned from recovery frameworks and implementation outcomes
Group exercises in real-time needs assessment and response planning
Role-playing stakeholder negotiations and coordination meetings
Developing a mock PDNA report and recovery plan

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.