OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE Humanitarian Response for Conflict-Affected Families in OCTOBER 2016 – DECEMBER 2016

Implementing Organization: Mercy Corps, Iraq

Donor: OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Project Reference: AID-OFDA-G-16-00273

Grant period: July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017

Report period: October – December 2016

Contact information:

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Program Overview 4

Performance Summary Tables 4

Implementation 7

Challenges and Lessons Learned 12

MERCY CORPS Second Quarterly Report: Humanitarian Response for Conflict-Affected Families in Iraq 2 Agreement Number AID-OFDA-G-16-00273 October 2016 – December 2016

Executive Summary

Following the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) operation to retake key areas from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), displacement has escalated. Looking to retake the city of and surrounding areas in Ninewa Governorate, the largest ISIL stronghold in Iraq, ISF and allied forces launched their latest offensive on October 17, 2016, which has led to the displacement of 125,568 largely to the South and East of Mosul City. The International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) noted 3,034,614 displaced individuals by the end of 2016.1 Since December 29, 2016, military operations have intensified in Mosul causing displacement of over 9,000 people in four days. Nearly 160,000 people have been displaced since the operation to retake Mosul began in October 2 2016; nearly 3 million IDPs are displaced across the country.

Military blockades and damage to infrastructure as a result of the offensive have contributed to an increase in fuel costs and food prices. Food and non-food items remain a key priority for newly 3 displaced households, returnees, protracted displaced and host communities.

To meet vital and immediate humanitarian needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with support from Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) under the Humanitarian Response for Conflict-Affected Families in Iraq program, Mercy Corps is providing Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), emergency non-food items (NFIs), and WASH support (water supply, sanitation, and hygiene) to IDPs in non-camp settings. The program’s goal is to facilitate conflict-affected households and communities (to meet their critical basic needs. This response is targeting Individuals: 113,950 (85,710 IDPs, 3,350 returnees, and 24,890 host community) individuals. Subset specifically for Mosul response: 66,400 IDPs.

During the reporting quarter, significant gains were achieved in terms of MPCA and NFI distributions. In total, Mercy Corps carried out twelve cash distributions reaching 3,0144 households representing 16,706 individuals. Please see table a.1. below for further details:

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 (one-off payment)

16,058 individuals 694 individuals 648 individuals (2,886 households) (145 households) (128 households)

Table a.1

1 The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) accessed: 28 January 2017. 2 IOM 2017. Displacement Tracking Matrix. Mosul Portal. http://iraqdtm.iom.int/. 3 UNHCR Mosul Crisis Appeal, July 2016 and Joint Humanitarian Contingency Plan, 2016 4 This includes individuals from Round 1 and Round 3. Round 2 beneficiaries are a subset of Round 1.

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Distributions took place in , Shirqat and in Salah Al-Din, in Anbar and Qayara in Ninewa. Mercy Corps also reached 34,909 individuals with 8,260 NFI kits (including 300 winterization kits).

Mercy Corps has positioned the program to scale up implementation quickly over the upcoming quarter, conducting assessments, targeting activities, signing contracts, and conducting area specific project activities A change in approach by the ISF in how screening for affiliation with ISIL is conducted has affected the intended outcome of our WASH strategy. As a result, Mercy Corps will reduce interventions with transient populations and focus more on settled displaced and host communities. This strategic decision was taken in response to a change in context with regard to spontaneous settlements, transit centers and collective centers, which has negated the need for intensive WASH support for populations in transit. ISF have moved screening sites closer to the front line and are also assessing populations on the move. This reality, coupled with increased displacement within host communities, has informed our decision to intervene at school, household and municipal level.

Program Overview

Goal: Conflict-affected households and communities are able to meet their critical basic needs.

Performance Summary Tables

Sector: Logistics Conflict affected families in Iraq, including newly displaced IDPs, protractedly Support and Relief displaced IDPs, returnees, and host communities, have improved access to essential Commodities non-food items.

Program participants 113,950 individuals Budget Target $6,524,764 Targeted

Program participants 51,615 Individuals Budget Actual $1,365,435 Reached (and % spent) 21% Geographic Area Anbar, , Salah al-Din, Ninewa, and governorates Sub- Sector 1.1 Non-food items OFDA Indicator Baseline Target Progress Progress Means of verification (Quarter) (Cumulative) 1.1.1. Total # of people 0 5,000 0 0 receiving NFIs, by sex (Hygiene Signed distribution list; site visits and type Kits) 0 102,000 34,909; 34,909; (NFI Kits5) 33,690 33,690 individuals individuals Light Light NFI kits and Signed distribution list; site visits NFI kits and 1,219 individuals 1,219 individuals Winterization Kits

5 17,000 NFI kits based on a family size of six individuals

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Winterization

Kits 1.1.2. Total # & per item 0 22,0006 8,260 NFIs 8,260 NFIs USD value of cash ($284,524) total; ($284,524) total; distributed for NFIs 7,960 NFI 7,960 NFI ($256,687 ($256,687 USD); Signed distribution USD)7; 300 winterization list; site visits 300 winterization kits ($27,837 kits ($27,837 USD) 8 USD)

1.1.3. Total number of 0 6,515 HH 3,014 HH 3,014 HH people receiving cash 39,090 16,706 (total 16,706 (total and vouchers, by sex individuals individuals) individuals)

8,048 male 8,048 male

8,658 female 8,658 female

0 3,830 HH 2,886 HH; 2,886 HH; One-off 7,751 male 7,751 male Signed distribution ($400) 8,307 female 8,307 female list, Site visits 9 0 2,200 HH 145 HH *1; 145 HH *1; MMCAx2 328 male 328 male

($360) 366 female 366 female

10 0 2,685 HH 128 HH*1; 128 HH*1;

MMCAx3 297 male 297 male ($360) 351 female 351 female

1.1.4. Total USD value 0 $6,015,800 $1,252,680 $1,252,680 USD of cash/vouchers total USD USD distributed for NFIs, by 0 $1,532,000 $1,154,400 $1,154,400 USD type One-off USD Signed distribution list, Site visits 0 $792,000 $52,200 USD $52,200 USD MMCAx2

0 $966,600 $46,080 USD $46,080 USD MMCAx3

6 17,000 NFI kits and 5,000 hygiene kits 7 7,960 NFI kits were distributed; 4,260 NFI kits with per unit cost of $35.05 USD and 3,700 light NFI $29.02 per unit costs. Differences in costs are due to different procurement locations and processes. 8 Per unit cost of winterization kits: $92.79. 9 First of two additional cash distributions competed. 10 First of three additional cash distributions competed.

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Sector: Water, Sanitation Conflict affected families in Iraq are provided lifesaving WASH and Hygiene services in line with scale and speed of displacement from Mosul, and have improved access to appropriate facilities and hygiene practices. Program participants 63,600 Individuals Budget $4,332,399 Targeted (9,408 families) Target

Program participants 0 Individuals Budget $801,922 19% Reached Actual (and % spent) Geographic Areas Anbar, Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Ninewa, Kirkuk and Erbil governorates

Sub- Sector 2.1 Water Supply Infrastructure

OFDA Indicator Baseline Target Progress Progress Means of verification (Quarter) (Cumulative)

2.1.1 # of people directly 0 63,600 0 0 benefiting from the water HH beneficiaries project supply infrastructure completion list; site visits

2.1.2 # of free residual 0 18,000 0 0 chlorine tests conducted Field activity reports; site NFIs, by type visits

Sub- Sector 2.2 Sanitation Infrastructure

2.2.1 # of people directly 0 48,600 0 0 HH beneficiaries project benefitting from the completion list sanitation infrastructure

Sub- Sector 2.3 Hygiene Promotion

2.3.1. # of people 0 40,000 0 0 receiving direct hygiene promotion (excluding Hygiene promotion mass media campaigns attendance list; site visits and without double- counting) 2.3.2. # of respondents TBD 28,000 0 0 who know 3 of 5 critical Pre-and Post-KAP survey times to wash hands results

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Implementation

Staff Recruitment Mercy Corps made significant gains during the reporting period in terms of staff recruitment. To initiate implementation of the WASH program, 21 team members in four governorates were recruited; including WASH engineers, WASH assistants, hygiene promotion Officers and Assistants. The team is in place, assessments are ongoing and contracts are being finalization. The next quarter will see rapid implementation based on target groups and locations identified as per assessments.

In line with the program’s expansion of MPCA into , as defined in the program work plan, new program and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team members were hired, while existing Anbar team members remained. All staff are in place in Baghdad and Anbar, with the exception of four program staff. These positions have been advertised and CVs have been received.

During the reporting period, Mercy Corps continued the recruitment process for additional staff covering MPCA and NFI distributions for Ninewa and Salah Al-Din governorates, including eight program staff , seven field Monitors and one senior project officer to be based in Erbil covering implementation in Ninewa governorate.

The program is also partially supported by one senior program officer, one project officer and thirteen field monitors across all operational officers to support implementation, monitoring and reporting.

Program Planning From October to December 2016, Mercy Corps implemented work plans in line with strategies and timelines developed during the previous quarter. Program planning included detailed weekly activity and movement plans outlining responsible persons, schedules and intended outputs. These plans are shared and discussed among the humanitarian team on a twice-weekly basis. Close internal coordination is ensured to facilitate availability of our countrywide team to gain access and implement in newly retaken areas, thus supporting Mercy Corps adaptable approach.

Flexibility is a key component of Mercy Corps strategy enabling rapid response to continuously emerging needs in a volatile context. Interdepartmental communication and regular meetings held ensure security protocols are in place and up to date; safeguarding our team and those we work with. Security assessments are conducted as the first activity in any proposed area of operation to determine if safe access is possible and if so, to design area specific standard operating procedures (SOPs). Procurement planning, financial reporting and monitoring are prioritized in line with Mercy Corps and donor policy. During the reporting period, Mercy Corps initiated Preferred Supplier Agreements (PSA) with Money Transfer Agents (i.e. Mercy Corps’ preferred modality of cash distribution) to manage risk and capitalize on local and national structures. WASH PSA’s were also finalized with implementing partners to distribute Light Non Food Items (LNFI) and Winterization kits. Planning meetings were held with Money Transfer Agents and NFI distributing partners outlining the scope of work and monitoring progress. Three Budget Variance Analysis meetings were held monthly to track expenditure against budget and procurement and implementation plans adapted accordingly.

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Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) Market Assessments: Mercy Corps conducted five market assessments during the reporting period namely Qayara, Hammam Al Alil and Gojgli in Ninewa governorate, Shirqat in Salah Al-Din governorate and Baghdadi in Anbar governorate. Mercy Corps’ first line response to meet immediate and protracted need is MPCA distribution. Mercy Corps conducts market assessments to determine the functionality of the market and, therefore, the appropriateness of a cash response. The market is deemed conducive to MPCA distribution when the following criteria are met:

• The market can respond to increased demand. • Household level purchasing power is a key factor in inhibiting market growth. • Key commodity prices are in line with market trends. • Liquidity among traders is conducive to increased demand. • Security risks have been analyzed and mitigation measures taken.

Market Price Monitoring: Ahead of household MPCA assessments, the Mercy Corps MEL team carried out 23 market price monitoring surveys in primary wholesale and retail markets. In Baghdad, eight surveys were carried out in Mada’en District. In Anbar, two surveys were carried out in . In Ninewa, five surveys were carried out in and in Salah Al-Din; eight surveys were carried out in Tikrit. The team found that basic household items remained readily available and retail market prices were mostly consistent between different individual vendors. Price monitoring was conducted on a bi-weekly basis in retail markets in Salah Al-Din governorate. Salah Al-Din: 4 retail markets in (Tikrit city, Alam city), 2 retail markets in District (Samarra Center), and 2 retail markets in Balad District (Balad center). See table b.1. below:

# of Price 11 Governorate Monitoring exercises Diyala 17 Kirkuk 5 Sulimaniyah 12 Salah Al-Din 8 Table b.1.

Local stakeholder engagement: Mercy Corps ensured coordination with local stakeholders through visits with local councils and leadership structures to introduce the organization and explain the objectives and methodology of the program. During this coordination, Mercy Corps received stamped lists of displaced households across areas of operation. After further discussions with the local mukhtars (community leaders) the teams learned which households had left the area to return home and which remained. In some cases, in advance of Mercy Corps receiving the list, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) officials request to vet the lists to ensure no households were affiliated with ISIL.

11 Price monitoring data was not collected in Ninewa and Baghdad during this reporting periodf

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MPCA Assessments: Once Mercy Corps confirms market viability, a program staff conduct a vulnerability assessment of households based on vulnerability criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the cash assistance program. MEL team members utilize household lists they receive from local councils and community leaders to conduct MPCA assessments. All tools, including the vulnerability assessment and scoring mechanism, are used by the Cash Consortium of Iraq and endorsed by the Cash Working Group Overall, Mercy Corps conducted 13,159 MPCA assessments in Anbar, Baghdad, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk, Diyala and Ninewa during the reporting period.10, 465 households were deemed eligible for assistance. Mercy Corps coordinated and implemented distribution to an additional 4,364 households as requested by Cash Consortium of Iraq (CCI) partners who required support to deliver on targets.

Distribution: In total, Mercy Corps carried out 12 cash distributions during the reporting period. 3,014 households (16,706 individuals) were reached. Distributions took place in Tikrit, Shirqat and Baiji in Salah Al Din, Ramadi in Anbar and Qayara in Ninewa.

Mercy Corps assessed the distribution location selected by the contracted money transfer agent to ensure it met criteria e.g., chairs, drinking water, two secure rooms for waiting and receiving cash, air conditioning, and safety. Post-Distribution Monitoring took place within two weeks of implementation and assessed the quality and quantity of the received items, as well as the efficiency of the distribution process. Further details on the PDM findings can be found in the PDM report annexed.

WASH: During the reporting period, Mercy Corps laid the groundwork for implementation of emergency WASH interventions in Salah Al Din, Erbil and Kirkuk as part of the Mosul response. WASH assessment tools were refined and uploaded to Mercy Corps’ preferred online data collection system (i.e. ONA), and the WASH team was trained on data collection. During this reporting period, 41 sites were assessed including six transit centers, 12 spontaneous settlements and 23 schools. Additionally, program staff have developed training manuals for hygiene promotion, creating separate manuals for adults and schoolchildren as well as manuals for water quality trainings. The WASH team has been trained on all aforementioned manuals and is ready to conduct trainings with program participants once all sites for implementation are agreed with communities, local and administrative leaders based on assessment findings. The designs and Bills of Quantity (BOQs) for emergency latrines, emergency showers, septic tanks, and cesspools were completed in the last quarter. In this reporting period, the team completed designs and BoQs for school latrines, designs of hygiene kits for schoolchildren, design of training kits for schoolchildren, design of hygiene promotion brochures and hygiene promotion signboards for improving hygiene awareness in primary schools.

To support implementation under the WASH component, including construction of emergency latrines, emergency showers, water points, septic tanks, and provision of water trucking and desludging, Mercy Corps has signed PSAs with contractors from Baghdad to cover implementation in Salah Al-Din, Anbar and Baghdad governorates; and from Erbil to cover Erbil and Ninewa governorates. After finalization of the PSAs with the selected contractors, a meeting was conducted with all contractors to have a clear understanding of needs and expectations. Contractors were also inducted on Mercy Corps adaptable

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and flexible approach in response to rapid or unpredictable movement of people requiring potential modification to locations and/or mode of response. Mercy Corps, with our contractors, are thus well positioned to provide rapid and appropriate assistance in line with displacement trends.

In parallel to gains made with regard to WASH assessments, procurement of WASH supplies have been under way. In the reporting period, 1,000 garbage bins and 7,000 garbage bags for transit centers and spontaneous settlements have been procured. Additionally 5,000 brochures for hygiene promotion training, 5,000 hygiene kits for school children, 40 Training hygiene kits for school children, 40 information Boards and 40 maintenance supplies for 40 schools have been procured and stocked at the warehouse ready for distribution in the next quarter.

NFI: To date Mercy Corps has reached 34,909 individuals with 8,260 NFI kits including 300 winterization kits. Distributions took place in Salah Al Din governorate, specifically Tikrit, Baiji, Samarra, Balad, Dejail and Shirqat districts. namely Makhmour was also targeted. In Ninewa governorate Nimroud Sub-District, Qayara, Hamadaniyah, Gogjali and Al Hedher were prioritized for and received distributions based on criteria such as need, target group and absence of functional markets.

NFI kits are stored at Mercy Corps designated warehouses in Erbil, Tikrit, and Kirkuk, and are dispatched to implementing partners a day prior to distribution. Distributions take place in collective and or/transit centers and in newly retaken villages where there is no functioning market.

Mercy Corps has PSA’s in place with five local contractors. Mercy Corps advocates contractual partnerships with local organizations to support time and cost efficient movement and distribution of NFIs, risk management and ease of access to newly retaken areas. As noted in the challenges section below, relationships are key determinants of access. Mercy Corps requests the support of our local partners to gain access in newly retaken areas, where they are already operational and where we do not have access. Where Mercy Corps has access, working with a local partner supports relationship building and buy-in from local communities and leadership structures.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Mercy Corps field staff is responsible for beneficiary identification and liaises closely with local leadership structures to highlight household’s status with regard to displacement and vulnerability and to verify eligibility. Community leaders and local government are engaged to facilitate understanding of criteria for eligibility. The principles of humanitarian assistance are also noted and discussed with stakeholders such community leaders and with community members under-going assessment i.e. Mercy Corps’ commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Mercy Corps ensures those listed meet established criteria through random verification visits to a sample of 15% (in person and via phone) of households on beneficiary lists while for schools Mercy Corps will target 100% for on-site verification. Beneficiary lists will also be shared with other INGOs implementing MPCA and WASH activities. This is streamlined through Mercy Corps engagement and leadership of the Cash Consortium of Iraq where data sharing agreements are in place. This cooperation avoids duplication in terms of targeting and facilitates complementary programming.

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Mercy Corps, through the Cash Consortium of Iraq (CCI) also shares data on individuals missing civil documentation. International Rescue Committee (IRC) are leading on follow up for potential support to participants referred by Mercy Corps. Agreement for data sharing on the part of the participant is sought during the assessment process.

Mercy Corps field teams monitor and support cash and NFI distributions as well as WASH activities. Quality programming including open and transparent identification and distribution, humanitarian standards, implementation of Mercy Corps and donor policy, and efficient processes are supported by such close monitoring.

Mercy Corps commitment to accountability is prioritized through the establishment of complaints and feedback desks at distribution sites as well as Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) exercises. The latter primarily focuses on the efficiency of the distribution process and the appropriateness of the items distribution. Mercy Corps is currently developing detailed PDM report, our initial analysis notes the below top-level findings:

Preliminary PDM data to date notes the following: • 70% said the distribution was well organized • 80% said they received the items they expected • The three most useful items, as reported by households were: detergent power (30%), jerry can (28%), soap bars (15%) Mercy Corps incorporates PDM feedback into our on-going planning, informing adaptations in approach as required. For example, with regard to NFI distribution, in response to changing seasons and populations movement e.g. the practice of populations in transit eventually settling with host communities; Mercy Corps introduced a revised NFI kit namely a winterization kit to meet newly identified need such as warmer blankets.

Coordination:

Coordination is a key priority for Mercy Corps across our country program. As co-chair of the Cash Working Group (CWG) and our position as leading agency with the Cash Consortium of Iraq, Mercy Corps is well positioned to lead and contribute to coordination efforts. Mercy Corps participates in all relevant sectoral cluster meetings at national and subnational level. We collaborate and coordinate with national level fora through representation, dialogue and data sharing as appropriate. We ensure collaboration with district, sub-district and community level leadership structures and government through information sharing, access permissions, and beneficiary identification and coordination. The organization participates in general INGO coordination meetings, such as the Tikrit INGO committee. Mercy Corps engaged bilaterally with other INGOs working in the same regions and sectors, particularly the other CCI partners (IRC, NRC, DRC and Oxfam). Mercy Corps is also represented at a national level on the ICCG (intercluster coordination group).

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Challenges and Lessons Learned

Distribution: While distributions were completed with no major issues, additional households who were not beneficiaries as noted through the assessment process, arrived to the distribution location requesting assistance based on their self-identified vulnerability. Mercy Corps staff reiterated the program methodology in a sympathetic and respectful manner. In consultation with the MEL department, as well as security, Mercy Corps will consider how future such incidents can be avoided or mitigated.

Liquidity: Mercy Corps has encountered difficulties in scheduling distributions with Money Transfer Agents where liquidity at their level and the bank level has presented as an issue. Mercy Corps is working closely with Money Transfer Agents and banks to address the issues of liquidity. All postposed distributions were rescheduled. We have invited additional tender applications to expand on our options for distribution and are in the final selection stage.

Access and Security challenges: Mercy Corps has noted two particular challenges to interventions: access and security. Through our collaboration and coordination efforts, Mercy Corps understands the universal impact of these issues across all agencies seeking to provide support. In particular, the situation changes on a recurrent basis in terms of control by various entities of retaken areas, which requires updated permissions to facilitate access. Each area requires different permissions e.g. Federal Police approval in addition to civilian-military request from the National Operation Center (NOC) and National Security Approval in some areas in contrast to approval from the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) in other areas. To mitigate such risks, Mercy Corps employs a dedicated Senior Liaison Officer to support access and permissions as required. Coordination has also proven to be a key factor in facilitating access to unstable environments.

In ISF operation areas in Mosul, risk of terrorist attacks and explosions remains high. The threat to personal safety is analyzed by a dedicated security team and access facilitated based on this analysis. As the security situation remains volatile, access to these areas is both difficult and changeable in the evolving context. For example, Mercy Corps noted that it was unsafe for our team to conduct household level assessments in Qayara, Ninewa. In an effort to resolve this challenge, Mercy Corps shared our concerns with the Cash Consortium of Iraq (CCI. Partners such as DRC, NRC, and Oxfam noted similar challenges. To mitigate the security risk and facilitate access, the aforementioned organizations collaborated in Qayara, by conducting joint assessments at a centralized point. The exercise proved successful and distributions are planned for January 2017.

Post Distribution Monitoring: In addition, Mercy Corps noted that conducting Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) exercises for NFI distributions was proving unsuccessful insofar as recipients were predominantly unreachable one-week post NFI distribution. This was largely due to the fact that phone coverage was low, following restrictions on phone use/ownership in ISIL controlled areas and as recipients were targeted in transit, they had yet to secure access to a phone. Mercy Corps conducts PDMs on the basis of five primary considerations: 1) To assess the quality of the distribution process; 2) To measure the appropriateness of the items distributed; 3) To test the effectiveness of products

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utilized; 4) To verify the effectiveness of our targeting process; and, 5) To facilitate accountability mechanisms. Mercy Corps has adapted our model to facilitate a post distribution questionnaire to determine the quality of the process and the appropriateness of the products on the day of distribution. Targeting of beneficiaries is 100% coverage of IDPs for NFIs and therefore targeting does not require assessment. Accountability mechanisms are prioritized via a complaints and feedback process, i.e. comments box12. Displacement trends are also noted. Although the effectiveness of the product is not feasible to assess in this context, strict quality control measures are in place at the point of procurement, warehousing and dispatch.

Change in ISF approach to screening: Delivering NFIs has been restricted due to continuously changing conditions on the ground. Program staff have adapted screening processes, conducting them closer to the frontline and carrying them out while people are in transit. To ensure the program is reaching those most in need, Mercy Corps supports and works with local implementing partners who are already present in a proposed operational area to intervene where we are unable to travel.

Mercy Corps’ WASH approach was also affected by this change in approach by ISF. Mercy Corps had originally intended to intervene in transit centers, collective centers and spontaneous centers in Ninewa governorate in particular. As these sites have reduced in number and moved closer to the front line, Mercy Corps has noted an emerging need in terms of support at community level for IDPs/returnees. Mercy Corps has adapted its approach to focus more on community, school and municipal level as appropriate.

Plan for Next Quarter

Mercy Corps plans to urgently move ahead with distributions that were planned for December. Teams will continue conducting market Assessments in newly retaken areas to determine functionality of markets and therefore dictate the approach. Where markets are functional, MPCA assessments will be conducted to ensure households are identified for support. Mercy Corps expects to complete all cash distributions by the need of the next reporting quarter.

Mercy Corps plans to conduct post-distribution monitoring for all distributions conducted in the last two weeks of December within the first two weeks of January. We will also ensure to carry out market price monitoring twice monthly.

NFI kits will be prioritized in areas where there is no functional market. Mercy Corps anticipates greater need as ISF forces move closer to Mosul city. Mercy Corps will continue to analyze military operations against ISIL, track ISIL attacks, and monitor any other displacement and needs as a result of conflict.

Mercy Corps will also endeavor to further strengthen referrals to protection partners who can support vulnerable households in need of legal assistance.

12 For the WFP program only.

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In the next quarter, the WASH program will start implementation in various sites, which will be identified by the assessment team. The work plan includes hygiene kits distribution accompanied by hygiene promotion in schools and communities and rehabilitation/construction of school latrines. Mercy Corps will erect temporary emergency latrines in transit centers as required. Septic tanks and water points will also be constructed at operational transit centers and spontaneous settlements.

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