Overview
IMOs are broadly grouped into six profiles. An ideal IM team includes all six, though this doesn't mean the team has to have six people. One team member could be the mapper and visualiser, another could be the coordinator and analyst. It is useful to consider these roles when recruiting new staff or surge capacity to ensure the team has a good mix of skills.
COORDINATOR: manages an OCHA IM unit. Works with cluster IM focal points. Sets IM strategy and advises the OCHA head of office on information issues.
DATA MANAGER: works with numbers and data, including designing and managing databases and doing statistical analysis.
ANALYST: connects data and information and interprets it to finds trends and relationships. Works on documents such as the HNO.
MAPPER: uses GIS software to edit, manage and analyse spatial data. Works with satellite imagery and GPS. Produces cartographic and thematic maps.
VISUALISER: works with graphic design software to make complex information easy to understand. Works on humanitarian dashboards and snapshots and creates maps, charts and visuals to convey information.
GENERALIST: has a mixture of technical and nontechnical skills. Can chair an IM working group, make simple maps, organise a 3W and support clusters. Able to work alone in sub-offices or small country offices.