IASC Early Recovery Cluster/ Network OPT – Factsheet

Fact Sheet

Early Recovery Cluster/Network oPt

About the Early Recovery Cluster/Network in oPt

The Early Recovery Cluster is responsible for addressing those early recovery issues not already covered by other clusters or sectors, which are essential to kick–start early recovery and transitional reconstruction efforts (for example: livelihoods, infrastructure and governance).

Given the multi–dimensional nature of early recovery, the Early Recovery Cluster simultaneously functions as an Early Recovery Network composed of early recovery focal points from each of the other clusters or sectors who together work on the integration, mainstreaming and coordination of early recovery issues and activities across all clusters/sectors.

The Early Recovery Cluster/Network meets on a weekly basis at 11:00 am on Tuesdays at the offices of UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP PAPP), Jerusalem.

The Early Recovery Cluster/Network is a platform for information–sharing and coordination among early recovery stakeholders, such as counterparts of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), donors, UN agencies and programmes, financial institutions, international and national NGOs.

Based in Jerusalem, the central Early Recovery Cluster/Network supports and works closely with the local early recovery coordination cell in the Gaza Strip.

Early Recovery Cluster/Network Co–Leads: PNA Ministry of Planning and UNDP

In line with the IASC guidelines, the Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator designated UNDP as the Early Recovery Cluster/Network Co–Lead, working closely with the PNA Ministry of Planning to lead and coordinate the early recovery planning and response.

As described in oPt’s Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) for 2009, the next stage of the CAP will be to formulate a framework for ER that is consensual and coherent with the strategies outlined in the new Palestinian Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP), the CAP and the Mid–Term Review Plan (MTRP). Addressing early recovery within humanitarian processes such as the CAP expresses the urgency of systematically transitioning from humanitarian relief to development despite the persistent, politically induced, humanitarian challenges in the oPt.

Early Recovery Cluster/Network: Scope of work

Cooperation and coordination with the PNA through the Ministry of Planning on the development of a phased and coordinated early recovery approach, including support to the process leading to a an early recovery and reconstruction donor conference (tentatively scheduled on 2 March 2009 in Cairo).

Coordination of the Gaza Early Recovery Rapid Needs Assessment (GERRNA), which aims to obtain a snapshot of the early recovery needs of the population of Gaza, building on recently undertaken rapid needs assessments. The findings are shared with the PNA and will contribute to the ‘Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan based on a Damage and Needs Assessment'.

Coordination of the Post Conflict Needs Assessment (PCNA) is expected to be conducted once an agreed set of conditions are in place, thus allowing to assess the needs and capacities for the longer term reconstruction and development of Gaza. The results of the PCNA should inform and be part of the PRDP planning cycle (2010–2012).

Membership (as at 5 February 2009)