Standards
The population statistics COD standards and guidance are currently in development at the global level with UNFPA. The minimum standards identified in the current evaluation checklist enable data interoperability and harmonization.
COD-PS Required Characteristics (minimum requirements in red)
Metadata
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Tabular Attributes
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Process
The COD-PS follows the COD cycle, like all other CODs.
Steps
- Identify (possibly additional) partners in your IM Network who are 'experts' in population statistics/demographic data. UNFPA should be included as defined by Joint letter regarding cooperation between UNFPA and OCHA on CODs
- Identify population datasets for a country that are available at different administrative levels and ideally age and sex-disaggregated. They need to match the COD-AB and should be identified and processed at the same time.
- If datasets require processing to improve them (e.g. estimations, SADD, 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,
- Gain endorsement by the IM Network that the dataset is the COD-PS
- Gain endorsement by the HC/RC of the COD-PS
- 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:
- Who can provide population statistics datasets?
- Who is using demographic data in-country, regionally or globally?
- Who can help with providing answers to specific questions about the dataset?
- Who can help process the data? Who can help maintain the dataset over time?
- Who could be responsible for the data post the event?
In addition to the IMWG / IM network members, these particular partners should be consulted:
- Government: the ideal data source; can help develop estimates; can help clarify links between COD-PS and COD - AB
- UNFPA: work with the government on population data
- UNHCR: to provide refugee population data
- IOM: to provide IDP population data
- Others as required
The primary data source of data should always be the government or in-country institution supporting a country’s mapping activities. Ideally, a partnership with UNFPA should be used rather than direct contact with the government to acquire a dataset. Alternatives to government sources should be examined if there is Core CODs are not available or cannot be shared with the humanitarian community. The COD-PS should be identified and processed at the same time as the COD-AB as they need to have a one to one relationship, this may impact the dataset chosen.
Consider the following criteria when identifying sources for COD-PS:
- 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-disaggregated (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)
Resources
- COD-PS Quality Checklist - COD-PS Quick Check and COD-PS Gold Star check
- COD Data Plan Template (continue use table that was completed in the planning phase)
- How to verify the link between COD-AB and COD-PS (See Tom)
- Metadata required by HDX
- Joint letter regarding cooperation between UNFPA and OCHA on CODs