UN World Data Forum Expert Blog based on Development Counts project findings published
5th October 2020
Research insights from the Development Counts project have formed the basis of a new expert blog as part of the virtual UN World Data Forum 2020. The UN World Data Forum brings together data and statistical experts and users from a range of sectors to spur data innovation, mobilize high-level political and financial support for data, and build a pathway to better data for sustainable development. As such, we are delighted that our project has fed into this year’s virtual event – which will take place online 19-21 October 2020.
The Development Counts expert blog draws on early findings from our in-depth interviews with development professionals about how data skills are used in their work and their perceptions of the types of data skills that will be most useful for future global development professionals.
In particular the blog highlights:
- Data linked roles in global development as an emerging career option: Recognition that data skills linked to global development is not an area graduates are commonly trained in which can make recruitment challenging, and that the sector has also been relatively slow in valuing data skills when it comes to recruitment and remuneration of employees and so graduates with these data skills turn to the private sector.
- Broader skills required than only the technical: The value of graduates having contextual knowledge, an understanding of ethical practice, and soft skills, such as teamwork and communications, combined with data handling skills.
- Training should provide a springboard into applied data handling: There is not necessarily an expectation that graduates would have comprehensive data skills as technical training can be provided, but rather that university education has exposed them to the potential and possibilities of data analysis for real world issues and provided a baseline level of data literacy.
- Competence in readily accessible software: Collaborative working with international partners and the value of being able to replicate analysis has spurred on the move towards using open access software.
You can read the blog in full by clicking here. You can also register for the Virtual 2020 World Data Forum here.
