We believe that smart demand, supply and use of data drives better results for children. When the right data are in the right hands at the right time, decisions can be better informed, more equitable and more likely to protect children’s rights.
UNICEF’s Data & Analytics (D&A) team is the global go-to for data on children. It leads the collection, validation, analysis, use and communication of the most statistically sound, internationally comparable data on the situation of children and women around the world. D&A upholds the quality, integrity and organization of these data and makes them accessible as a global public good on the data.unicef.org website. The team generates data-driven thought products, ranging from short brochures to in-depth analyses like major reports, that inform UNICEF’s evidence-based programme strategy and advocacy and help identify emerging areas where children are in need. They also detail important progress in actions to support children. In parallel, the team’s work arms governments, other UN agencies, international NGOs, think tanks and academics, media and individuals with the necessary insight to prompt action to improve the lives of women and children.
D&A strengthens countries’ capacities to make informed decisions, and to lead initiatives based on the best available data. Key to this role is supporting countries’ collection of data on children and women and the Sustainable Development Goals through UNICEF’s global household survey programme, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). The team also leads global standard setting in measuring and monitoring data, including providing a leadership role in monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals as they relate to children. In addition, they work at the country level to support the development of all aspects of national statistical systems.
Given data’s increasingly important role in humanitarian work, D&A is driving a culture change in UNICEF, both strategically and tactically. The team supports national-level data landscape analyses and strategic plans and maintain and grow a data community of practice. They identify tools to address data areas of greatest frustration and provide guidance on improved administrative data systems, guiding countries through the important use of data during humanitarian circumstances.
D&A’s work bolsters UNICEF’s role as an authoritative source of data and information on children and a credible technical partner. Looking forward, the team is also exploring how innovations in big data and emerging techniques can enhance existing work to generate new, actionable insights into the lives and experiences of children. From collection to communication, pioneering new methods and sources of data are intrinsic to the nature of the team’s work.
UNICEF is the world’s leading source of data on children used by over 3 million people globally.