Information Technology Section

The Information Technology Section (ITS) is responsible for the provision of ICT infrastructure, services and support to OCHA, including:

• development and maintenance of applications (administration, websites and databases);
• provision of internal information management support (advice, guidance, standards and policies);
• improvement of internal communication (through OCHA’s knowledge/content management systems, including the
  Intranet); and
• coordination of inter-agency emergency ICT activities.

A key challenge for ITS in 2008 will be to define and implement the multi-year ICT strategy for OCHA, which will include upgrading OCHA’s technology platform. The strategy will address the requirements identified in the 2007 Information Management Review, including maximizing the functionality and interoperability of all online platforms, tools and applications – starting with ReliefWeb, OCHA Online and field websites.

Another challenge will be to implement an integrated field office administration system at headquarters and initially in a minimum of five field offices. ICT support to field offices will be enhanced through: expanded service desk support; Office-in-a-Box solutions for new offices; more training and collaboration with ICT staff in the field on OCHA strategies, policies and standards; and an annual workshop for all OCHA ICT staff worldwide.

Effective knowledge sharing will be the primary driving force behind OCHA’s Intranet portal. AIMB will adopt a user-centred design approach to ensure that the Intranet maximizes opportunities to increase OCHA’s return on ICT investment – improving productivity and the sharing of knowledge. ITS will also introduce best practices in portal management for the Intranet involving cross-functional ownership and management – without losing sight of the value of small-scale autonomy and innovation.

With the aim of ensuring timely inter-agency information technology response to emergencies, ITS, as chair of the IASC Sub-Working Group on Emergency Telecommunications (WGET), will continue to promote the standardization of emergency telecommunications and information technology solutions in the humanitarian community, and as process owner will coordinate and lead Emergency Telecommunications Cluster ETC) activities.