Moving beyond data collection to make evidence-based decisions: A spotlight interview with Hector Mejia Buseso | UNSSC
Hector Mejia Bueso joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2003 as an Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) Engineer. His work includes software analysis, design development, and implementation of systems and databases.
Hector holds a master’s degree in project management, with a specialization in international cooperation. In addition, he obtained certifications in cybersecurity from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and ISO certification as a continuity manager.
In this spotlight interview Hector shares his UNSSC learning journey with Itziar Arispe, Evaluation Learning Portfolio Manager.
Itziar: What made you decide to pursue the UN Data Analytics Professional Certificate?
Hector: Over the years, I have observed the growing importance of data, moving beyond just collection or accumulation of information to its potential to provide insights for decision-making. While the concept of decision-making is often simplified, the work needed involves meticulous efforts in reviewing, refining, and processing information accurately and promptly.
At UNDP, principles like ‘do no harm’ and ‘leave no one behind’ are foundational, and practices like result-based management and evidence-based results are hard-wired into our way of working. I see a connection between these principles and the need to equip myself with expertise in data analytics which can be a valuable asset, supporting my contributions to the country office’s objectives and programmatic results.
Itziar: Could you please share with us one or two memorable parts of your learning experience with us?
Hector: The learning platform is very user-friendly. It helps one keep organized during the learning journey. This made a difference for me because I was on a detail assignment in another country office, most of the time, in a different time zone. There was a 12-hour difference, making it a bit complicated for me to keep up.
Fortunately, being able to participate in sessions where people with a lot of experience in the field shared their knowledge was invaluable. Having the opportunity to share doubts, receive feedback, and follow up on real-world examples is something that adds a lot of value to the learning experience.
I discovered so many resources that can be used, and plenty of tools to help me become more efficient.
