Operationalising Sphere: A Practical Guide to Contextualisation

Authored by Aya Yagan and Nabil Kumaim, this guide provides Sphere practitioners, trainers, and consultants with a practical framework for contextualising Sphere humanitarian standards to specific geopolitical and cultural settings. It outlines the structure of Sphere standards, the importance of contextualisation, and a step-by-step framework for adapting standards to local realities. Drawing on real-world examples from practitioners around the world, the guide examines the enablers and challenges that affect how standards are adapted, and stresses that even small contextual differences can affect how assistance is best provided. It serves as a companion to the Sphere Handbook, supporting its practical application across diverse humanitarian contexts.