The Twenty-First Century Humanitarian Information Manager - A Modern Competencies Framework

This report introduces a modern competencies framework designed to address the challenges of defining the role of an Information Manager within humanitarian and crisis response contexts. Due to rapid technological advancements, the range of functional titles for this role has become broad and ambiguous, leading to potential misunderstandings in recruitment and performance expectations. By providing a structured set of competencies, this framework aims to establish a common language and frame of reference to standardize expectations across different organizations.

The framework is built upon five core competency areas—Changeability, Management, Problem-solving, Interaction, and Support—which encompass thirteen specific competencies. These are intended to serve as a starting point for discussions, rather than a definitive, exhaustive list of all necessary skills. The report emphasizes that the ideal profile for an Information Manager will vary significantly based on the specific humanitarian context, such as whether it is a sudden-onset emergency or a protracted crisis.

Practically, this framework serves as a versatile tool for organizations to identify team gaps, create more accurate job advertisements, and evaluate applicants effectively. It includes a recommended scoring structure that allows hiring managers to prioritize specific competencies based on the unique requirements of a position. By using this approach, organizations can better align candidates with the actual needs of the role, ultimately reducing inefficiencies in the recruitment process.