NOTE:  discussion of this subject captured when it was hosted at the Technical Support Package have been pasted into the notes at the bottom of this page.

Source: Provides the original data that is used as a COD

• The Source is owner or originator of a dataset. CODs ideally come from national authorities.
• In many cases, the Source will maintain a working relationship with the Contributor to ensure that questions about datasets and metadata are answered and updates and improves are shared

Contributor: Is the interface between the data source(s) and the humanitarian community

• Replaces the term “Sponsor” as it falls in line with HDX terminology
• Responsible for preparing and processing a dataset to meet the quality standards established in the TSP
• Ensures the dataset goes through the COD cycle so it is endorsed by the IM network in country and that improvements to the data are provided back to the Source where appropriate.
• May be responsible for sharing the dataset on HDX (and/or other platforms) with appropriate metadata when possible. (based on IM network COD strategy)
• Maintains awareness of new updates becoming available and known problems in the dataset
• Maintains close relationships to Sources and, if data license is not clear, develops data sharing agreement with the Source.
• Communicates dataset updates to partners via channels established in the TSP.
• Responsible for dealing with multiple data sources if required to merge/process data
• Adding expiration date of COD to metadata

Guardian: Coordinator of CODs and ensures that COD process is followed

• Overall responsibility for verifying that a dataset shared as CODs meet the quality standards established in this TSP
• Overall responsibility for verifying the dataset goes through the COD cycle so it is endorsed by the IM network and the HC
• Overall responsibility that a published update cycle is followed.
• Maintains close relationships with and provides support to Contributors, provides suggested improvements to the data are provided back to the Contributor and Source where appropriate
• May be responsible for sharing the dataset on HDX (and/or other platforms) with appropriate metadata when possible. (based on IM network COD strategy)
• Communicates dataset updates to partners via channels established in the TSP.
• Coordinate connections among data contributors/ IM network if required,
• Examination of expired CODs and tagging on HDX

Q and A (more to be added)

    1. Can an organization hold multiple roles?

• Yes an organization can hold multiple roles (e.g. OCHA can be the contributor and guardian for COD-AB) (e.g. WHO can be the contributor and guardian for Health Facilities) (e.g. UNHCR is source, contributor and guardian for refugee statistics)

    2.  Are all partners aware of this governance model?

• Yes, it was discussed and agreed to at the global level IMWG but it is possible that partners you are working with are not aware of it. To avoid confusion, the COD governance model should be discussed and agreed to in each country/emergency at the beginning of the COD discussion/work plan. If the model does not work for the situation the IM network is facing then changes should be made and agreed to by the group. This impacts the COD agreement that is required (suggested COD agreement template)