Following the devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025, RedR UK has published an Initial Learning Needs Assessment (LNA) examining technical capacity gaps and priority training needs related to post-earthquake damage assessment and building repairs.
The earthquake, which affected large areas along the Sagaing Fault, caused widespread damage to housing and community infrastructure, compounding existing vulnerabilities linked to conflict, displacement, economic hardship and limited technical capacity. The scale and complexity of damage, combined with severe constraints on skilled personnel, materials and funding, has placed enormous pressure on responders tasked with assessing damage and supporting safe, timely recovery.
Purpose of the LNA
Commissioned by RedR UK, this Initial LNA was designed as a qualitative, exploratory assessment, rather than a large-scale survey, reflecting the challenging access and operating conditions in Myanmar. Its purpose was to explore whether there is a shared and credible demand for training on damage assessment and repairs, and to identify:
- key technical capacity gaps,
- priority learning audiences,
- contextual constraints affecting practice, and
- indicative considerations for training design.
The assessment forms an evidence base to guide future training decisions and contribute to the development of more consistent, practical and context-sensitive technical approaches to post-earthquake recovery.
Methodology
The LNA was conducted between September and December 2025 and was based primarily on:
- Semi-structured Key Informant Interviews with over 20 national and international practitioners involved in the Myanmar earthquake response, including engineers, architects, programme managers, coordinators and technical advisors.
- A focused desk-based review of relevant tools, guidance and reference materials currently used or cited by responders.
- A remote co-creation workshop involving more than 40 participants from UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and private-sector specialists, aimed at validating findings and refining priorities for training and tool development.
While not statistically representative, the strong consistency of themes across interviews and workshop discussions provided confidence in the relevance of the findings.
Key Findings
The LNA highlights a clear and widely shared need for capacity strengthening in damage assessment and repairs in Myanmar. Key findings include:
- Significant technical capacity gaps in moving beyond rapid life-safety assessments towards informed decisions on habitability, repairability and prioritisation of repairs, particularly across Myanmar’s diverse and often non-engineered building typologies.
- Ongoing reliance on adapted ATC-20-style rapid assessment tools, which are essential for access decisions but provide limited guidance on incremental repairs and risk reduction.
- Severe shortages of skilled technical personnel at all levels – from engineers and assessors to supervisors, masons and carpenters – leading to critical repair decisions often being made by underqualified or overstretched actors.
- Major constraints on feasible repair solutions caused by degraded supply chains, price inflation and variable material quality, underscoring the need for training grounded in real-world conditions rather than idealised standards.
- Risks associated with fragmented and uncoordinated technical messaging, raising concerns about inconsistent or contradictory advice being given to affected households.
At the same time, the assessment identified important strengths, including strong motivation among local responders to learn and share experience, and valuable contextual knowledge held by Myanmar engineers and artisans that can be built upon through participatory training approaches.
Priority Training Needs
Based on the findings, two clear priority areas for capacity strengthening emerged:
- Advanced technical training for engineers, focused on post-earthquake damage assessment and incremental repair and retrofit approaches, primarily as professional development and preparedness.
- Hands-on, face-to-face training for non-engineer practitioners, including carpenters, masons and households, recognising the central role of self-recovery in Myanmar’s context.
In parallel, participants highlighted the need for a simple, visual and context-appropriate damage assessment methodology or tool, accessible to non-engineers, incorporating decision-making flowcharts tailored to Myanmar’s main building typologies, and developed through multi-actor collaboration to promote shared ownership and harmonised practice.
This Learning Needs Assessment identifies capacity gaps and learning needs among technical and non‑technical responders involved in damage assessments, repairs, and reconstruction activities in Ukraine.
Understanding these gaps is essential for developing context‑specific training programmes that support safe, technically sound, and effective decision‑making in an active conflict environment.
The LNA also assessed existing strengths among responders, enabling RedR to recommend how humanitarian partners can best leverage current capacity while addressing critical technical and operational gaps.
Using the findings to shape damage‑assessment training in Ukraine
RedR conducted this in‑depth Learning Needs Assessment to inform the adaptation of its damage‑assessment and reconstruction‑related training programmes in Ukraine. The assessment focuses on the evolving needs of responders as the response moves beyond rapid classification towards repair, retrofitting, and demolition decision‑making.
The overarching questions this Learning Needs Assessment seeks to address are:
- What are the current capacity gaps and learning needs among responders involved in damage assessments in Ukraine?
- What capacity strengths already exist across technical and non‑technical roles?
- How can training better support complex, conflict‑specific damage‑assessment activities?
By understanding these learning needs and operational constraints, RedR can ensure that training is relevant, progressive, and aligned with real‑world practice.
Key findings
Priority learning needs identified include:
- Conflict‑specific technical skills, including blast effects on structures, load calculations, and retrofitting for blast resistance
- Advanced structural evaluation, repair, and demolition decision‑making
- Foundational construction knowledge and site safety for non‑technical responders
- Construction oversight skills, including quality assurance, cost estimation, and technical reporting
- Personal safety, security, and mental wellbeing in an active conflict environment
- Flexible, blended learning approaches that reflect responders’ limited availability and operational pressures
Structural Damage Assessment for Engineers and Technical responders in Ukraine – Cohort 3
- Start Date: Tuesday 6th January 2026
- Free – for responders in Ukraine
- Online
The Structural Damage Assessment for Engineers and Technical responders in Ukraine training will be delivered through a series of 5 live facilitated sessions which last 3-hours each online.
Course Objectives
By the end of the training you will be able to:
- Apply the Ukrainian regulatory framework and Construction Good Practice Standards (CGPS) to damage assessments.
- Assess common types of structural damage in masonry and reinforced concrete buildings.
- Classify the severity of structural damage using a standard classification system and specify immediate actions to ensure safety.
- Conduct and record damage assessments efficiently using a dedicated digital data collection tool.
- Describe and evaluate appropriate repair strategies for various types of observed structural damage.
- Identify and mitigate personal health and safety risks when visiting and assessing damaged buildings.
What does the course cover?
Module 1: Damage assessment and classification of buildings: Introduction on structural forms and key principles
Module 2: Types and causes of building damage (blast effects on structures)
Module 3: Conducting damage assessments (tools and practicalities)
Module 4: Shelter assessments & Blast Design
Module 5: Repair and Retrofitting
Timeline:
The facilitated sessions will be held on 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th and 22nd January 2026 14:00 – 17:00 Ukraine time.
Who should attend?
This course is for Technical responders, individuals with professional qualifications or extensive experience in engineering, architecture, or construction, responsible for evaluating structural damage, assessing repair viability, and guiding technical aspects of shelter interventions. Their role ensures the safety, quality, and technical soundness of damage assessments and resulting shelter solutions. M&E staff who are not engineers but who support on these assessments.
How to join
If you would like to attend, please register through Eventbrite. You will receive instructions on how to join the course after registration.
HPass badge
Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to apply for a HPass Badge, a digital indicator of achievement, and a way for participants to demonstrate their skills and experience in the humanitarian sector. You can find more information on HPass Badges here.
Any questions? Check out our T&Cs here.
If you have any questions about this course or require further information, please contact engineering.skills@redr.org.uk.
In case of any complaints, please email complaints@redr.org.uk.
RedR UK is committed to making sure everyone’s needs are met, including people of different genders, ages and disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements or learning needs RedR UK is committed to try and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs, please email training@redr.org.uk at any stage of the booking process to talk directly to RedR UK about your needs.
Structural Damage Assessment for Engineers and Technical responders in Ukraine – Cohort 2
- Start Date: Monday 24th November 2025
- Free – for responders in Ukraine
- Online
The Structural Damage Assessment for Engineers and Technical responders in Ukraine training will be delivered through a series of 5 live facilitated sessions which last 3-hours each online.
Course Objectives
By the end of the training you will be able to:
- Apply the Ukrainian regulatory framework and Construction Good Practice Standards (CGPS) to damage assessments.
- Assess common types of structural damage in masonry and reinforced concrete buildings.
- Classify the severity of structural damage using a standard classification system and specify immediate actions to ensure safety.
- Conduct and record damage assessments efficiently using a dedicated digital data collection tool.
- Describe and evaluate appropriate repair strategies for various types of observed structural damage.
- Identify and mitigate personal health and safety risks when visiting and assessing damaged buildings.
What does the course cover?
Module 1: Damage assessment and classification of buildings: Introduction on structural forms and key principles
Module 2: Types and causes of building damage (blast effects on structures)
Module 3: Conducting damage assessments (tools and practicalities)
Module 4: Shelter assessments & Blast Design
Module 5: Repair and Retrofitting
Timeline:
The facilitated sessions will be held on 24th, 25th, 27th November, 1st and 4th December 2025 14:00 – 17:00 Ukraine time.
Who should attend?
This course is for Technical responders, individuals with professional qualifications or extensive experience in engineering, architecture, or construction, responsible for evaluating structural damage, assessing repair viability, and guiding technical aspects of shelter interventions. Their role ensures the safety, quality, and technical soundness of damage assessments and resulting shelter solutions. M&E staff who are not engineers but who support on these assessments.
How to join
If you would like to attend, please register through Eventbrite. You will receive instructions on how to join the course after registration.
HPass badge
Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to apply for a HPass Badge, a digital indicator of achievement, and a way for participants to demonstrate their skills and experience in the humanitarian sector. You can find more information on HPass Badges here.
Any questions? Check out our T&Cs here.
If you have any questions about this course or require further information, please contact engineering.skills@redr.org.uk.
In case of any complaints, please email complaints@redr.org.uk.
RedR UK is committed to making sure everyone’s needs are met, including people of different genders, ages and disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements or learning needs RedR UK is committed to try and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs, please email training@redr.org.uk at any stage of the booking process to talk directly to RedR UK about your needs.
Damage Assessments and Repair Management for Non-technical responders in Ukraine – Cohort 3
- Start Date: Wednesday 21st January 2026
- Free – for responders in Ukraine
- Online
The Damage Assessments and Repair Management for Non-technical responders in Ukraine training will be delivered through a series of 3 live facilitated sessions which last 3-hours each online.
Module Objectives
By the end of the training you will be able to:
- Understand good construction practices to ensure that all repair work is safe, durable, and completed to a high standard.
- Confidently identify and assess common types of non-structural damage to walls, windows, doors, and roofs caused by military action.
- Create clear photo and written reports to effectively communicate damage to engineers and contractors, while following essential on-site safety rules.
- Develop simple work plans and schedules to track progress and coordinate effectively between construction teams and community members.
- Use practical tools to estimate the cost of necessary materials and labour, helping to create realistic budgets for repair projects.
- Monitor and verify the quality of common repairs, ensuring the work being done is correct and matches the agreed-upon plan.
What does the course cover?
Module 1: Construction Good Practice Standards (CGPS) and Non-Structural Damage Assessment
Module 2: Damage Documentation and Repair Monitoring
Module 3: Construction Management, BOQ preparation, WBS preparation
Timeline:
The facilitated sessions will be held on 21st, 27th and 28th January 2026 14:00 – 17:00 Ukraine time.
Who should attend?
This course is for Non-technical responders in Ukraine, individuals focused on community engagement, humanitarian principles, and social data collection, primarily responsible for identifying the human impact of damage, assessing household vulnerabilities, and ensuring the assessment process is inclusive and people-centred. They ensure the broader humanitarian needs are captured alongside structural damage. In addition to responders involved in the logistics and administrative needs for damage assessments.
Programmes staff (from project officers to project managers) and M&E staff who are not engineers but who support on these assessments.
How to join
If you would like to attend, please register through Eventbrite. You will receive instructions on how to join the course after registration.
HPass badge
Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to apply for a HPass Badge, a digital indicator of achievement, and a way for participants to demonstrate their skills and experience in the humanitarian sector. You can find more information on HPass Badges here.
Any questions? Check out our T&Cs here.
If you have any questions about this course or require further information, please contact engineering.skills@redr.org.uk.
In case of any complaints, please email complaints@redr.org.uk.
RedR UK is committed to making sure everyone’s needs are met, including people of different genders, ages and disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements or learning needs RedR UK is committed to try and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs, please email training@redr.org.uk at any stage of the booking process to talk directly to RedR UK about your needs.
Damage Assessments and Repair Management for Non-technical responders in Ukraine – Cohort 2
- Start Date: Monday 3rd November 2025
- Free – for responders in Ukraine
- Online
The Damage Assessments and Repair Management for Non-technical responders in Ukraine training will be delivered through a series of 3 live facilitated sessions which last 3-hours each online.
Module Objectives
By the end of the training you will be able to:
- Understand good construction practices to ensure that all repair work is safe, durable, and completed to a high standard.
- Confidently identify and assess common types of non-structural damage to walls, windows, doors, and roofs caused by military action.
- Create clear photo and written reports to effectively communicate damage to engineers and contractors, while following essential on-site safety rules.
- Develop simple work plans and schedules to track progress and coordinate effectively between construction teams and community members.
- Use practical tools to estimate the cost of necessary materials and labour, helping to create realistic budgets for repair projects.
- Monitor and verify the quality of common repairs, ensuring the work being done is correct and matches the agreed-upon plan.
What does the course cover?
Module 1: Construction Good Practice Standards (CGPS) and Non-Structural Damage Assessment
Module 2: Damage Documentation and Repair Monitoring
Module 3: Construction Management, BOQ preparation, WBS preparation
Timeline:
The facilitated sessions will be held on Mondays 3rd and 10th November and the last session on Wednesday 19th November 14:00 – 17:00 Ukraine time.
Who should attend?
This course is for Non-technical responders in Ukraine, individuals focused on community engagement, humanitarian principles, and social data collection, primarily responsible for identifying the human impact of damage, assessing household vulnerabilities, and ensuring the assessment process is inclusive and people-centred. They ensure the broader humanitarian needs are captured alongside structural damage. In addition to responders involved in the logistics and administrative needs for damage assessments.
Programmes staff (from project officers to project managers) and M&E staff who are not engineers but who support on these assessments.
How to join
If you would like to attend, please register through Eventbrite. You will receive instructions on how to join the course after registration.
HPass badge
Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to apply for a HPass Badge, a digital indicator of achievement, and a way for participants to demonstrate their skills and experience in the humanitarian sector. You can find more information on HPass Badges here.
Any questions? Check out our T&Cs here.
If you have any questions about this course or require further information, please contact engineering.skills@redr.org.uk.
In case of any complaints, please email complaints@redr.org.uk.
RedR UK is committed to making sure everyone’s needs are met, including people of different genders, ages and disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements or learning needs RedR UK is committed to try and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs, please email training@redr.org.uk at any stage of the booking process to talk directly to RedR UK about your needs.
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.
The people of Ukraine — mainly the most vulnerable: women, children, older people, marginalized groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS, the Roma, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex (LGBTQI+) communities and people with disabilities— continue to bear the brunt of the impacts of the conflict.
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.