Sphere Training, 15-16 November 2024, Ethiopia

I) Introduction

COOPI, Cooperazione Internazionale, is an Italian NGO that has been working in Ethiopia since 1995, addressing both humanitarian and development needs. With its Coordination Country Office in Addis Ababa, COOPI operates in Amhara, Oromia, Afar, Somali, Tigray, and Sidama regions. Its programs target vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), crisis-affected communities, farmers, unemployed youth, rural populations, and small enterprises. COOPI works closely with local and international NGOs, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and government authorities to ensure effective and inclusive project implementation.

COOPI focuses on key areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), food security and livelihoods (FSL), sustainable energy, and disaster risk reduction and emergency response (DRR). It improves access to clean water and sanitation, promotes efficient irrigation for agriculture, and supports energy-saving stoves and solar energy solutions to protect natural resources and encourage local economic development. COOPI also integrates resilience-building into its projects to help communities prepare for and respond to environmental and social challenges.

In 2019, COOPI introduced a global policy on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) to ensure safe and respectful environments across its programs. This policy reflects COOPI’s commitment to ethical and accountable operations.

COOPI is currently active in both emergency and development projects across various regions of Ethiopia, addressing the pressing needs caused by drought and conflict-induced humanitarian crises. Its interventions focus on improving food security, protection, food security and nutrition; ensuring access to clean water, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Through these efforts, COOPI aims to support communities in transitioning from crisis management to sustainable development, fostering resilience, and enabling long-term growth.

As part of its commitment to promoting quality and accountability in its projects and activities, COOPI Ethiopia plans to organize a capacity-building training for its staff and partners in Assosa, located in the Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. This initiative underscores COOPI’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness and impact of its programs in addressing local challenges.

2) Objective
The overall objective of this training is to improve the capacity of humanitarian staff and stakeholders in understanding and applying the SPHERE Standards to improve the quality and accountability of humanitarian response efforts.
Specific Objectives
The specific objectives include:
o To improve the understanding of SPHERE standards among humanitarian staff and stakeholders, emphasizing their relevance and importance in crisis response.
o To encourage the integration of SPHERE standards into the design, implementation, and monitoring of humanitarian projects for improved outcomes.
o To create a platform for participants to discuss best practices, challenges, and lessons learned in adhering to SPHERE in various contexts and
o To inspire and empower participants to effectively utilize the 2018 revision of the Sphere Handbook, with a specific focus on Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (ES/NFI), and Protection, equipping them with practical skills and actionable strategies for implementation.

The two-day Sphere Standards training, scheduled for November 15–16, 2024, in Assosa, Ethiopia, is tailored to meet the specific needs of COOPI and its partners, with a focus on enhancing understanding and practical application of the Sphere Standards.