The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process aims at reducing the vulnerability of developing and least developed countries (LDCs) by addressing medium and long-term adaptation needs. To support this process and to use adaptation finance effectively, there is an increasing need for practical tools that can support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of adaptation activities. In this context, the LDC Expert Group has emphasized the usefulness of vulnerability assessments. However, definitions of vulnerability are quite diverse, and so are methodologies to assess it. Standardised methods are needed to make results easier to compare across sectors and regions. GIZ’s Climate Policy Support Project, on behalf of BMZ, has commissioned the development of practical guidelines on how to conduct standardised vulnerability assessments that can also be used for monitoring and evaluating adaptation.