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The COD-PS follows the COD cycle, like all other CODs. The first step is to identify

Steps

  1.  Identify (possibly additional) partners in your IM Network who are 'experts' in population statistics/demographic data.

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  1. UNFPA should be included as defined by Joint letter regarding cooperation between UNFPA and OCHA on CODs
  2. Identify population datasets for a country that are available at different administrative levels and ideally age and sex-disaggregated.
  3. If datasets require processing to improve them (e.g. projections, etc) the methodology should agree to by the IM network and include in the metadata. This should be done during preparedness activities as it is expected that within 48 hours of an event triggering a humanitarian emergency,
  4. Gain endorsement by the IM Network that the dataset is the COD-PS
  5. Gain endorsement by the HC/RC  of the COD-PS
  6. the COD-PS dataset and metadata should be widely shared through national, regional and global channels (HDX) to support data compatibility pertaining to the emergency.


IM Network

The IM Network may already include COD-PS subject matter experts but you may want to consider others who are not typically part of the group.  You may also consider creating a specific working group to focus on this particular dataset and report to the larger network after each phase of the COD cycle.  Relationships are a key part of the COD cycle and just as important and the datasets.  Questions to ask yourself when considering the IM Network is for development of COD-PS: 

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The primary data source of data should always be the government or in-country institution supporting a country’s mapping activities.  OCHA staff should be in contact with the National agencies/ministries in the country to identify the “best available” COD -PS, and to keep aware of any updates.  Alternatives to government sources should be examined if there is Core CODs are not available or cannot be shared to with the humanitarian community.


Government Sources are the most authoritative sources.
The most authoritative source for the COD-PS is the national government.  The main reason for this is because humanitarian agencies will be working with the government and likely receiving other CODs / datasets/information from the government and alignment (P-code/name) is more likely to occur, thus helping communication, coordination, and development of a common demographic standard and understanding. The governmental agencies/ministries responsible for Population Statistics is likely different in each country (e.g., Population Census Office, Agency of Land Affairs, Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, etc.). In some cases, various levels of government may need to be consulted to acquire or understand the various administrative levels in a country.
Alternatives to Government Sources
In some situations, government sources may not be available  (e.g., there may be no data for a particular area of the country that is in conflict; the government is not able to share for various reasons, or a COD-AB is required quickly) and alternative sources need to be identified.  The first question to ask if government data is not available: what is are operational (including development) partners using? Other considerations when contemplating alternative sources are: why is this source authoritative; will using a non-government source impact the humanitarian community's relationship with the government; is the sharing/distribution of the dataset the biggest challenge and can this be overcome with a "humanitarian only, for emergencies only" agreement required; is the government likely to release data if an emergency does occur (thus requiring the community to quickly analyze, clean, and share a new dataset); what are partners using and why; and will exposing an alternate source push the government to share data?  Some ideas of alternative datasets are below both categories may be acceptable but rational for choosing this source must be included in the metadata. 

Consider the following criteria when identifying sources for COD-AB:

  • COD-PS should be operationally relevant and useful.
  • What are partners currently using and why?
  • Is the data source authoritative? If not, what is the rationale for identifying it as a COD?
  • Can it be linked (via P-Code or name) to the COD Administrative Boundary (COD-AB)?
  • To what administrative level is the data provided? What is the lowest administrative level is operationally required?
  • Is it age and sex aggregated (can an estimation be made)?
  • Are various sources required to create a complete COD-PS ?
  • Acquire as much metadata about the datasets and keep a data trail
  • If various sources are available or being used by partners compile these in a table for easy analysis and discussion with partners. (Example of table)

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