Humanitarian Transitions

Overview

Transition refers to the phased process of reducing international humanitarian assistance and coordination structures while strengthening national leadership and ownership of response and recovery efforts. As contexts stabilize, responsibilities gradually shift from international actors to government institutions, local authorities, and national partners, ensuring that gains made during the response are sustained over the longer term.

Information Management (IM) is a critical component of this broader transition. It involves the deliberate handover and adaptation of data systems, tools, standards, and workflows to align with national capacities and priorities. This includes simplifying processes, building local technical skills, promoting interoperability with government systems, and ensuring that data remains accessible, relevant, and actionable for national stakeholders.

Effective IM transition is not a one-time event but a continuous, planned process that begins early in the response. By prioritizing capacity strengthening, co-developing solutions with national actors, and documenting institutional knowledge, IM professionals can help ensure a smooth and sustainable transition—supporting informed decision-making long after international coordination mechanisms have scaled down.

Guidance

For OCHA Offices:

• IM Checklist for OCHA Offices in Transition

• Checklist IM pour les bureaux OCHA en transition

• 2023 OCHA Records Retention Policy

• OCHA Data Responsibility Guidelines

For the Humanitarian Community:

• Data Responsibility Working Group (DRWG) checklist on Data Responsibility in Rapid Scale-Down or Closure of Operations

• Data Responsibility Working Group (DRWG) checklist sur la Responsabilité des données dans la réduction rapide de la taille ou la fermeture des opérations

• IASC Operational Guidance on Data Responsibility

Guidance

For OCHA Offices:

• IM Checklist for OCHA Offices in Transition

• Checklist IM pour les bureaux OCHA en transition

• 2023 OCHA Records Retention Policy

• OCHA Data Responsibility Guidelines

For the Humanitarian Community:

• Data Responsibility Working Group (DRWG) checklist on Data Responsibility in Rapid Scale-Down or Closure of Operations

• Data Responsibility Working Group (DRWG) checklist sur la Responsabilité des données dans la réduction rapide de la taille ou la fermeture des opérations

• IASC Operational Guidance on Data Responsibility