6. Terms of reference

All key stakeholders should agree on the terms of reference of assessment before deployment. Written terms of reference for the assessment mission should outline objectives, suggested methodology, timings and expected outputs, with reference to individual team member responsibilities. A generic terms of reference (TOR) for an assessment mission is attached for adaptation and use (see Annex 4.3   Generic assessment terms of reference, and Annex 4.4 Sample detailed terms of reference).

Objectives of the assessment mission should be documented clearly within the terms of reference (refer to section 6.1) and understood by all members of the assessment team and the CO, as well as interested stakeholders such as ERWG. The assessment team should also be able to communicate the objectives of the mission to stakeholders they meet in the field (see The good enough guide).

Based on the TOR, the team should develop a clear plan of what information is required, what tools and methods will be used in data gathering, who will be consulted, and how the data will be analysed to determine recommendations.