Management

“The project accorded me the opportunity to learn a lot from the project experts particularly how to effectively coordinate the national statistical system and the use of MOU’s as a means of fostering coordination and collaboration in statistical activities.” Closing workshop participant

The main objective of the Module Management of Statistical Systems is to strengthen the organization and coordination of the National Statistical System. 

There are two types of coordination:

     1. Institutional coordination, this includes dealing with external NSS members (Statistics Council, formal relationships with other data producers and data users);

     2. Technical coordination which is dealing with internal NSS data matters (coordination of methods, concepts, standards, data sharing and release etc.).

Six countries have chosen the Management Module as one of their topics to be advised on. Each of them has indicated their priorities:

Main outcomes:

• For Liberia a new Statistics Act was drafted. This can be considered as a model for Sub Sahara African countries.
• The technical assistance in The Gambia comprised a.o. the development, governance and coordination of the NSS, ways of its funding as well as the design and signing of two memoranda of understanding.
• Namibia: Assistance was given in restructuring the National Statistical Service by proposing standards and regulations. A review of the latest version of the Draft Statistics Amendment Bill was done.
• Botswana received technical assistance and advice in the transition process of the Central Statistical Office into a new semi-autonomous organization.
• In Nigeria, the focus was on improving the use of statistical information within government administrations at the state level and the central level within the Nigeria Statistical System. The approach taken was to draft a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) in the field of education that can be applied to other areas as well.
• In Sierra Leone assistance was given regarding the various aspects of the design and implementation of NSDS. Eight MOUs were created and signed between the statistical authorities and the government institutions.