The Practical Guide includes a discussion of the context in which post-conflict needs assessments take place, its links with the post-conflict recovery phase, and a broad typology of post-conflict settings that influence the approach to the needs assessment.

The guide reviews some key conceptual issues, including the need to embed the process within a longer-term vision on reconstruction, linkages to other processes, the selection of priority sectors, approaches to costing needs, integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and environment, and the need to focus on institutional capacity building. The guide includes recommendations on managing the needs assessment process, from the preparatory phase to the lessons-learned phase. It also presents indicative estimates of the costs involved in mounting needs assessments missions. Throughout the guide, the emphasis is on practical approaches and recommendations, with a focus on sequenced steps, phases and responsibilities.