Background

The OCHA Digital Situation Report aims to modernize OCHA reporting products in line with key preferences identified by readers through the two-year Field Reporting Review (FRR). These preferences include faster, more dynamic content (closer to “real time”); more graphics and visuals; and more analysis.

Based on these preferences, the FRR recommended that the current portfolio of reporting products (Flash Update, Situation Report and Humanitarian Bulletin) be moved out of static PDFs into a single online format. This approach will allow faster publication of shorter, more frequent updates as information becomes available; automate distribution (MailChimp, ReliefWeb, etc.); automate layout and design; and facilitate sharing and re-use of content across multiple platforms, including social media.

As the system develops further, it will be adapted to pull information automatically from other OCHA platforms (e.g., HDX or HPC-Tools) and respond to other needs identified by users (OCHA offices) and clients (readers of OCHA products).

How it works

The Digital Situation Report is run through Contentful, an industry-leading content management system. Users enter content through an online “back-end”, which Contentful automatically renders in the visual template – meaning no one in the OCHA office will need to spend time formatting documents. Separate technical guidance explains how to use Contentful, which is an easy, straight-forward platform.

Guidance:

• Changes to the workfow
• Merging OCHA reporting products
• Headings
• Article Content types
• Writing for the web