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In this handbook detailed approaches to strengthening national readiness and addressing the underlying drivers of risk are discussed. Being prepared to respond quickly, appropriately and effectively to an emergency is a core responsibility of humanitarian leadership. The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) plays a key role in coordinating inter-agency readiness to respond to potential crises in support of national preparedness efforts. The aim, ultimately, is to anticipate – not wait for – humanitarian crises.

The paper identifies key roles of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and Humanitarian Coordinator (HC). These include:

• Provide strategic leadership on emergency preparedness across all relevant agencies.
• Ensure agency heads are committed to providing staff and resources to support the processes for preparedness and anticipatory humanitarian action.
• Ensure the Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) approach is participatory from the outset, and that its application is practical, flexible and adapted to the context and available capacities.
• Lead country teams (UNCT/HCT) in identifying gaps in preparedness.
• For country teams with limited capacity, prioritize which actions they will implement with their existing resources, and communicate gaps to regional and global levels for additional follow-up and support.
• Ensure risk analysis and monitoring are key to dynamic and responsive preparedness and anticipatory approaches.