August, 2006

Dear Colleagues,

Following the adoption of the OCHA Information Management Strategy in 2004, OCHA has made significant process in proving itself as a leader and advocate for Humanitarian Information Management.

The HIC is now a well established tool with the capacity to improve information coordination in both natural disasters and complex emergency. OCHA has deployed Information Management Officers to its country offices worldwide as well as Regional Offices from where they can provide coverage to countries with no OCHA presence.

The Field Information Support team, based in New York has dedicated much time in ensuring not only the development of a suite of IM tools for use at both headquarters and country level, but also that training is available to all OCHA staff to ensure a culture of best practice throughout OCHA and range of technologies to suit all needs.

A great deal of recognition should also be given to the OCHA IM practitioners in the field whose ongoing work in the field of information management has shaped and guided the way in which IM has become a central part of OCHA activities.

I am pleased to share with you the first version of the OCHA Information Management Toolbox, a resource base designed to assist Humanitarian Affairs professionals in managing information to support their work in ensuring better humanitarian planning and response.

The Toolbox refers to four main areas, Information Management Principles and OCHA Standard Products; GIS and Technical Tools; HIC Management and Administration; and General Reference.  As with all tools, your feedback is welcomed.  In particular, please share with us examples of best practice from your own offices to assist in the development of the second version.

Regards

Oliver Lacey-Hall

Manager, Field Information Support (FIS) Project,
Advocacy and Information Management Branch,
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs