A structured system for information management is a key component for the JCC to facilitate strategic decision taking. The purpose of information management is to provide accurate information in a timely manner, in the appropriate format, with necessary accuracy to those who need it. This includes collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of a variety of information management products including situation reports, assessment reports, contact-lists, maps, and matrixes of relief items and/or priority needs. During the initial phase of a crisis, the information may be scarce, ambiguous, contradictory and assumptive.
A well-functioning information management system is a vital part of the JCC’s role, ensuring a steady flow of reliable information. This gives key stakeholders the required information to respond accordingly. Information management is a continuous process where all stages must be taken in to consideration.
The Directorate carries out continuous information gathering, monitoring, research and follow-up on crisis and humanitarian developments, collecting, collating and analysing information and exchanging it. It has the following Units:
This directorate’s work is rooted in the principles of activity based project management and reporting; monitoring what has been done by whom, where and when (4Ws) and establishing what is left to be done by whom, where and when. It presents its work concisely and as accurately as feasible in the circumstances of the crisis. Using a spatial data infrastructure, it collects, collates, analyses and disseminates information received from a variety of internal and external sources (assessment reports, situation reports, media, etc.) and consolidates it into appropriate output formats for distribution to stakeholders, e.g. situation reports, databases, charts, etc. The Directorate of Information and Data Exchange works in close cooperation with all other functional elements and it takes responsibility for:
