Read about Djeneba Ouane

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

First, I am a humanitarian, because I believe that there is still hope for people in need. As an information manager, I ensure the collection of primary and secondary data in order to produce situation reports and advocacy documents, as well as capacity building of partners in effective and efficient data management. This requires going into the field. I had the chance to work with communities in Mali and The Gambia (during my 3-week deployment by UNDAC) and talk with them about the problems they face and how to overcome them. I believe that the only way to overcome their challenges is to acquire the necessary funding through combined efforts from data collection to meeting with funders with strong advocacy materials. So, being an information manager allows me to analyze how my day-to-day work can have a positive impact on others. Daily I assess the needs of the most vulnerable people and contribute to their well-being through facilitating decision-making. Therefore, I still enjoy helping these communities after more than eight years of experience in humanitarian field work and meeting the people we help.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

In 2022, Mali benefited from 4 CERFs ($29M) for food and nutrition insecurity, the response to the Sudden Humanitarian Emergency in Ménaka and to mitigate the underfunding of the HRP. For Mali to be eligible, I developed and disseminated advocacy documents (Dashboard, snapshot, situation report, etc.) showing the persistence of the crisis. Through FTS (https://fts.unocha.org/appeals/1076/summary) it was easy to see the very low level of funding. After Mali's election, we proceeded with: - an inclusive approach involving the field level to identify critical needs related to the crisis with the participation of humanitarian partners and basic social services. I made available the secondary data necessary for the analysis. - a technical review of priorities and an outline of the sectoral distribution of each CERF's allocation. In collaboration with the IMWG, we cross-referenced the sectoral data to produce an intersectoral analysis to effectively address the needs of those affected. - distribution within each cluster of beneficiary Agencies, Funds and Programs and quotas. - strategic validation by the HCT and the Humanitarian Coordinator.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Find out what you are passionate about and be determined to learn and grow. Especially, technology in humanitarian work is very important because it saves lives.