Our approach

Capacity-building anchored on existing strengths and aimed for impact

The Data for Decision Makers initiative is designed to strengthen the ability of individuals and organisations to use data effectively, responsibly, and consistently in decision-making. It combines structured learning with practical, needs-based support so that participants not only understand key data concepts but are also able to apply them within their own institutional and operational contexts. The overall aim is to develop sustainable data capabilities that improve planning, programme implementation, performance monitoring, resource allocation, and organisational accountability.

A central element of our capacity-building approach is the delivery of short courses covering essential and emerging areas of data practice. These include the Data Literacy Short Course Series, which guides participants from understanding foundational data concepts, through managing and analysing data using programming tools, to deploying and maintaining reliable data workflows in production environments. Other short courses may be developed in response to specific organisational or sectoral needs, with content adapted to the responsibilities, technical experience, and decision-making contexts of the intended participants.

The initiative also provides data mentorship, through which an individual, team, department, or organisational unit receives targeted support to address specific data needs and requirements. Mentorship may involve improving data collection processes, organising and cleaning datasets, developing indicators, automating reports, creating dashboards, strengthening analytical workflows, or supporting the interpretation and communication of findings. By working directly with participants on real data and operational challenges, the mentorship component helps translate learning into practice, build confidence, and establish systems and skills that can be sustained beyond the period of support.