Successful delivery of the UNICEF Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) evaluation in Yemen

Konterra in collaboration with our consortium partner RMTeam recently completed the evaluation of the UNICEF Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) in Yemen commissioned by the UNICEF Yemen Country office.

The evaluation found that the RRM is highly relevant and provides timely, appropriate support to displaced people by building on comparative advantages of UN agencies and INGOs. According to the secondary data review, RRM achieved its objective of delivery within 72-hours of displacement 45 percent of the time at best, which given the difficult operating environment, the evaluation found was a significant achievement. The mechanism serves as an entry point for assisting highly vulnerable groups with a focus of women and children although evidence points out to the need to further address the needs of men and children.

Challenges to reach populations in extreme insecure and conflict frontline areas remain. Cash assistance was highly appreciated by service users, though the transition from short-term assistance and long-term support through the UN Cluster system did not always work, with many service users initially facing long periods without additional assistance. Partnership approaches were integral to the success of the RRM, allowing agencies to have a more coordinated approach and reach a greater geographic scope more efficiently.

The UNICEF Yemen RRM evaluation was led by Ian Pinault, with the support of Sophie Dunn, Fadhl Alshamiri, Yasser Motee, Ghiath Alnaamh. It was managed by Erisa Yzeiraj Pereira and quality assured by Jane Burke. For further details on the evaluation, visit the UNICEF site here.