This Learning Audit & Needs Assessment identifies capacity gaps and learning needs amongst Vodokanal (Water Utilities staff in Ukraine.

Understanding these gaps is essential for developing targeted training programmes, that can enhance the skills and knowledge required to address the complex challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. 

The LNA also assessed the existing strengths among vodokanal staff, so RedR can recommend the best ways that partners can leverage best these capabilities. 

Using the findings to train responders on the most urgent topics

RedR conducted this in-depth and detailed Learning Needs Assessment to better inform the ongoing capacity strengthening program for Ukraine’s water utilities (vodokanals). The overarching questions that this Learning Needs Assessment seeks to assess are:

• What are the current capacity gaps and learning needs among vodokanal personnel in Ukraine?
• What are the capacity strengths among vodokanal personnel involved in water supply and sewage services?
• How can RedR UK respond to the needs of the vodokanals in ways that are most appropriate and relevant?
• What are the capacity needs for future programming of RedR and other partners?

It enables RedR to tailor their response to the evolving needs of the vodokanals in Ukraine. By understanding the specific learning needs and capacity gaps, RedR can provide training that is most relevant and impactful, thereby enhancing the overall WASH service delivery in Ukraine.

Key findings

The main findings of this learning needs assessment are:

• Demographics of Respondents: A total of 70 responses were received, with 69 from the target learner groups (Senior Management, Engineers, Operators). The majority of senior managers (51%) and engineers (eighteen) have worked at the vodokanal for more than five years. Operators also largely have over five years of experience (six out of eight respondents). Respondents are located across 17 oblasts, with 41 responses from UNICEF’s priority oblasts
• Training Topic Priorities: Respondents identified several priority training topics essential for improving their response capabilities:
  • Operators: Highest priority topics identified by operators, engineers, and senior managers are Modern Water Treatment and Supply Systems and Energy Efficiency and Power Optimization. High priority topics include Modern Wastewater Treatment and Discharge Management, Water Quality – Measurement and EU Standards, and Leak Detection.
  • Engineers: Highest priority topics identified by engineers, senior managers, and operators are Modern Water Treatment and Supply Systems, Modern Wastewater Treatment and Discharge Management, and Energy Efficiency and Power Optimization
  • Senior Managers: Highest priority topics identified by senior managers, engineers, and operators are EU Standards and Best Practice, Policy and Management, and Investment Planning.

Read our case study on the Contextualised Training Programme on the Minimum Standards for Camp Management in Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries, delivered between May 2022 and February 2023.

In response to the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022, many first responders had little to no humanitarian experience but were faced with the challenging task of addressing complex operational and protection issues, including the planning and management of displacement sites. Strengthening local knowledge and skills to provide an effective humanitarian response aligned with humanitarian principles and sector standards became crucial.

The project aimed to design and deliver a contextualised, easily accessible training programme on the Minimum Standards for Camp Management for staff and volunteers from local organisations, municipalities, community-based groups, and faith-based organisations involved in managing displacement sites.

If you’d like to give financially to support projects for disaster-affected communities all over the world, you can do so here. 

This Cross Cutting Issue (CCI) Guidance Framework is a compilation of the key tools, resources and guidance that organisations can use to strengthen integration of CCIs in WASH programming throughout the humanitarian program cycle.

This compilation was the result of a consultative process with key stakeholders and review of available resources in February 2024. It consolidates the work of Working Groups developing cross-cutting approaches, and reflects the current priority issues for WASH in Ukraine.

It enables WASH actors in Ukraine to readily access support, aggregating existing guidance and best practices in WASH thematics.

This framework will guide you on how to meaningfully ensure participation, minimize existing barriers and ensure safe and equitable access to WASH interventions.

Why do cross-cutting issues matter?

Integrating CCIs into WASH programming makes humanitarian services and responses safer, more effective and more timely by proactively identifying and mitigating the barriers and risks that people face in accessing assistance.

By addressing CCIs in all stages of the programme cycle it anchors protection mainstreaming principles into the WASH response ensuring adherence to the right to WASH services and human-rights. Integrating CCIs into WASH in Ukraine will contribute to ensuring ‘the most vulnerable people affected or displaced by the war can access basic WASH services and materials to maintain basic hygienic practices, with a focus on people with disabilities including children with disabilities and persons of older age, women and girls, and minority groups.’ Failing to address CCIs in WASH compromises the effectiveness of the response.

This Learning Needs Assessment identifies capacity gaps and learning needs among engineers and technical specialists engaged in response and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

Understanding these gaps is essential for developing targeted training programs, that can enhance the skills and knowledge required to address the complex challenges posed by the conflict. 

The LNA also assessed the existing strengths among engineers, so RedR can recommend the best ways that humanitarian partners can leverage best these capabilities. 

Using the findings to train engineers

The findings from the LNA informed the development of a specialised training program focused on structural detailing and blast-induced damage assessments. This program aims to equip engineers and technical specialists with the necessary skills to conduct thorough and accurate assessments, ensuring that buildings are safe for occupancy and use. 

It enables RedR to tailor our response to the evolving needs of the crisis. By understanding the specific learning needs and capacity gaps, RedR can provide training that is most relevant and impactful, thereby enhancing the overall response to the infrastructure challenges in Ukraine. 

Key findings

The study revealed that technical capacity and confidence among respondents were relatively low in most areas. However, areas where respondents felt most confident included preparing technical documents (such as scopes of work and bills of quantity), construction quality assurance and control, and non-structural repairs. This indicates a strong foundation upon which further skills can be built. 

Major challenges identified included security issues due to the ongoing conflict, insufficient funding and resources, lack of specialists and skilled personnel, and inadequate tools and equipment. These challenges are compounded by the continuous threat of shelling, economic instability, and the complex logistics of working in a war zone. 

Priority learning areas identified included rapid damage assessments and classifications of buildings, understanding the blast effects on structures, performing load calculations and computer modelling, and conducting building and shelter construction/reconstruction. These areas were highlighted as critical for improving the technical capacity of engineers to effectively assess and repair damaged infrastructure. 

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the LNA recommends the development of a learning program with the following priority areas: 

• Building and Shelter Construction/Reconstruction: Training in this area will focus on the practical skills needed to rebuild and repair shelters and other structures safely and efficiently. 
• Rapid Damage Assessments and Classifications of Buildings: This training will provide engineers with the knowledge and tools to quickly assess the extent of damage and determine the safety of buildings. 
• Preparing Technical Documents: This will cover the creation of essential documentation such as scopes of work, bills of quantity, and scoring criteria, which are critical for project planning and execution. 
• Blast Effects on Structures: Understanding the impact of blasts on buildings is crucial for assessing structural integrity and safety. 
• Construction Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Ensuring that reconstruction meets the required standards and is carried out safely and effectively. 

Additionally, non-technical training areas such as project management, coordination with the international relief system, and monitoring and evaluation were highlighted as critical for enhancing the effectiveness of response efforts. These skills are essential for managing complex reconstruction projects, ensuring effective collaboration among stakeholders, and maintaining accountability and transparency. 

The LNA underscores the urgent need for targeted training programs to build the capacity of engineers and technical specialists in Ukraine. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging existing strengths, RedR UK aims to support a more effective and resilient response to the infrastructure challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. This initiative will not only improve the immediate response but also contribute to the long-term recovery and stability of the affected communities, ensuring that rebuilding efforts are sustainable and provide safe, dignified living conditions for all.