The role of the data officer is a complex one that requires a range of technical and analytical skills, as well as an understanding of education policies and practices. Therefore, it is important to invest in capacity development of data officers to develop required skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.
In addition to technical skills, training programs should also focus on developing communication and collaboration so that they can work closely with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to understand sector needs and ensure that data is being used effectively to support their work. Data officers need to be aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities in managing data, and they need to have the skills to ensure that data is collected, stored, and used in a responsible and ethical manner.
I strongly encourage all educational organizations to prioritize this important aspect when deciding their data management strategies.