The second core function of field clusters is To Inform HCT Strategic Decision-Making. It is defined by the IASC as preparing needs assessments and analysis of gaps (across and within clusters) to inform priorities, identifying and finding solutions for (emerging) gaps, obstacles, duplication and cross-cutting issues and formulating priorities on the basis of analysis.

Undertaking regular analysis of protection risks and resulting protection needs is essential to all aspects of the work of the Cluster, not least response coordination, strategic planning and advocacy. Ongoing analysis serves to help shape the cluster response strategy, both in terms of longer-term trends as well as rapid response by protection actors, as well as informs the HCT at the strategic level for the humanitarian response as whole. Collective Protection analysis should be conducted regularly to identify protection dynamics, risks, and needs, utilizing the Protection Analytical Framework (PAF). This collective analysis builds on protection monitoring, as well as other primary and secondary sources of data and information. It requires clusters to undertake an assessment of the protection information landscape to identify the necessary information to be collected and shared by partners, and define information sharing protocols where needed. Based on this analysis, the Protection Cluster should produce regular Protection Analysis Updates (PAU) to provide a sector-wide situational understanding of protection risks, and brief the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), the Inter-cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), as well as donors and other relevant stakeholders on the protection context, issues and priorities.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

1. Information needs
2. Collective Analysis & PAU
3. HNO