Addressing the Lack of Data and Digital Experts in the Humanitarian Sector

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rory Crew, a Technical Advisor at the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) Network, about the important role that data and digital technologies play in the humanitarian sector. One of the key points that emerged from our conversation was the need for more qualified individuals with expertise in these areas, particularly in the area of cash transfer programming. In this blog post, I will explore some of the reasons for this shortage and potential solutions for addressing it.

Addressing the Lack of Data and Digital Experts in the Humanitarian Industry

As the importance of data and digital technologies in the humanitarian sector becomes increasingly clear, there remains a pressing need for more qualified individuals with expertise in these areas. In the area of cash transfer programming, the involvement of data experts and computer scientists can have a number of benefits, particularly in the development of database systems, interoperability, and deduplication.

Development of database systems: Data experts and computer scientists can help organizations to design and implement effective database systems that are tailored to their specific needs and requirements. This can include the development of custom databases, the integration of existing systems, and the implementation of data security measures to protect sensitive information.

Interoperability: Data experts and computer scientists can also play a crucial role in helping organizations to achieve interoperability, which is the ability of different systems and technologies to work together seamlessly. This is particularly important in the humanitarian sector, where organizations often need to share data and information with each other in order to coordinate their programs and avoid duplication of efforts.

Deduplication: As mentioned previously, deduplication is the process of identifying and eliminating duplicate records from a dataset, and it is essential for ensuring that assistance is delivered to the right people and that it is not wasted on duplicate recipients. Data experts and computer scientists can use advanced data analysis techniques and computer algorithms to identify and eliminate duplicate records, which can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cash transfer programs.

Overall, the involvement of data experts and computer scientists in the area of cash transfer programming can have a number of benefits, particularly in the development of database systems, interoperability, and deduplication. By increasing the number of qualified individuals with expertise in these areas, the humanitarian sector can better serve the people it is dedicated to helping.

So what are the reasons for this shortage, and what can be done to address it?

One potential reason for the lack of computer and data jobs in the humanitarian sector could be a lack of awareness or understanding among organizations of the importance of these skills and how they can be used to improve the effectiveness of their programs. In order to address this issue, it will be important for the industry to increase awareness and understanding through targeted outreach and education campaigns, and provide training and guidance on how to incorporate data and digital technologies into their programs.

Another potential reason could be a lack of training or professional development opportunities for individuals who are interested in working in these areas within the humanitarian sector. To address this issue, the sector could consider partnering with academic institutions to offer specialized training programs, providing mentorship and support for individuals looking to develop their skills, and creating networking and professional development opportunities within the industry.

Competition for qualified individuals with expertise in computer and data technologies from other industries that may offer higher salaries and better working conditions could also be a factor. In order to address this issue, the humanitarian sector could offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide flexible work arrangements, and highlight the unique challenges and rewards of working in the sector.

Another potential issue facing the humanitarian sector is the retention of data and digital experts. Due to the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of the data and digital space, it can be challenging for organizations to attract and retain qualified individuals with expertise in these areas. Furthermore, working on data and digital systems within a risk averse NGO can be crushing, as people often only see the risks and not the upside. As a result, the smallest new solution can become a huge deal, making it difficult for organizations to implement innovative solutions and stay competitive.

One potential solution to this issue is for agencies to be more open to innovation and changes to existing business models. By adopting a more flexible and adaptable approach, organizations can create an environment that is conducive to growth and innovation, and can attract and retain qualified individuals with expertise in data and digital technologies. This could include implementing strategies such as encouraging experimentation and collaboration, providing support for the development of new ideas and approaches, and being willing to take calculated risks in order to drive change and improve the effectiveness of programs.

By being open to innovation and changes to existing business models, the humanitarian industry can better serve the people it is dedicated to helping and can ensure that it has the expertise it needs to stay competitive in the fast-paced world of data and digital.

Finally, a lack of collaboration and coordination among humanitarian organizations could make it difficult to create and fill new positions in these areas. To address this issue, the industry could foster collaboration and partnerships between organizations, share best practices and resources, and work together to develop standardized approaches to incorporating data and digital technologies into their programs.

To address the shortage of data and digital experts in the humanitarian sector, it will be important for the sector, to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of these skills, provide training and professional development opportunities, and foster collaboration and coordination among organizations. By taking these steps, the humanitarian community can ensure that it has the skilled workforce it needs to effectively serve the people it is dedicated to helping. It is only by working together and leveraging the expertise of data and digital professionals that we can truly harness the power of technology to improve the lives of those who need it most.