8.1.4 Information Technology

It is impossible for an institution in any country to function without information technology. A technical assistance project must respond to that reality.

Implications for the UNCT in the establishment phase: The institutional needs should be assessed by an IT specialist working closely with the telecommunications specialist (or these might be the same person). A third party IT specialist might also be included in a start up project team, though, and will usually undertake the needs assessment. The assessment should address both the immediate needs of the institution – for example, activities in its preliminary planning phase or in umbrella projects – and longer-term organisational growth.

Later on, a TA project should plan for an in-house IT specialist on staff. Some NHRIs keep the third party contractors, but there are security issues in light of the sensitive and confidential mandate of the NHRI and its vulnerability if third parties have access to information systems. That person can be assigned the responsibility of ensuring that the institution's IT expert has the experience and knowledge to support the investment and should therefore have input into hiring decisions to ensure that the person selected is qualified.

Sustainability will be achieved if nationals are trained to manage, maintain and troubleshoot problems, especially in the short and medium terms, with some institutional and performance evaluation carried out at the mid-term.

The following items should also be considered:

• Software and hardware purchases should be accompanied by enhanced warranties for after-purchase service;
• Secure and regular backup of data, and preferably, secure off-site storage of data;
• Access to internet through a secure connection;
• Standard office software package with word processing, email, calendar functions, spreadsheets, etc.;
• A simple off-the-shelf database for capturing case management, administrative and management information;
• A separate server and email domain from other government offices; and
• Firewalls and enhanced security features to protect sensitive information, as well as up-to-date anti-virus protection.