Cooperation takes time. How do we engage efficiently in emergencies?

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Jan 01 2020 Print

A Phased Approach

DTM team is not composed of subject-matter experts. They do not know what information partners need, so they should ask Partners.  On the other hand, Partners should know what information they need and for what concrete use. They should only ask to develop any data collection tools (including for DTM) when they are able to clarify their information needs and the use they will make of the results.    Analytical Framework can help Partners identify their information needs.

However, asking all partners and jointly develop data collection tools from their information needs is a time-intensive process. Especially at the start of a response, when DTM is often under a lot of pressure to deliver timely data, DTM teams will choose some of the DTM Field Companion questions and share results with partners.

DTM and Partners at global level (Global Clusters, AoRs, CASH WG, PSEA ad AAP experts and others) developed the DTM Field Companion, a collection of questions: 1) based on most common information needs of partners, 2) appropriate to the MSLA methodology and 3) formatted as a Data Analysis Plan.

Cooperation with partners will then start, following the recommended process. See:

  1. When should DTM and Partners cooperate?
  2. How can DTM and Partners cooperate?
  3. What are the roles of DTM and Partners in cooperation?

While engaging and cooperating to collect useful and usable data through DTM, Partners and DTM teams will keep in mind the phased approach needed to balance pressure for timely results and engagement between DTM and data users:

  •  DTM will coordinate with other data producers (e.g., in IMWG, Needs Assessment WG…) to understand plans & main information gaps.
  • DTM will use questions, answers and analysis suggested in the Field Companion.  These were developed together by Global DTM Support, Global Clusters, AoRs and Sectoral Experts.
  • DTM and Partners will engage as soon as possible. Prioritizing partners for engagement may be necessary, to enable implementation to continue. Prioritization can be based, for example, on Partners with largest impact or Type of crisis (e.g., is it a protection crisis?  If so, engaging with Protection cluster may be a priority) or evolving information needs. Inter-Cluster/Sector group and CCCM cluster may be natural partners to start engaging with.
  • DTM should Plan to reach all relevant stakeholders: Communicate the plan and articulate reasons for prioritization, including through Inter Sectoral Working Groups, Information Management WG and Needs Assessment Working Groups.

 

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