Data that makes a difference: A spotlight interview with Omer Elfaroug Habib

Omer Elfaroug Habib is Head of Programmes a.i. at the Libya Country Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). A dedicated public health professional with over 15 years of experience in humanitarian response, he is specialized in reproductive health (RH) and protection and has a proven track record of leading multi-sectoral interventions and sub-offices for UNFPA across complex emergency contexts. 

In this spotlight interview with UNSSC’s Maria Fernanda Villari, Omer shares how participating in the UN Data Analytics Professional Certificate not only strengthened his analytical and storytelling skills for more impactful decision-making, but also inspired him to envision a future in data science. 

 

Maria Fernanda: Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and why was it important for you to pursue the UN Data Analytics Professional Certificate, and what did you hope to gain from this learning journey with us?  

Omer: I am a medical doctor by profession. Earlier in my career, I worked directly with patients and performed surgeries. However, around 2010—while I was working in Darfur—I began reading more about public health and how, rather than focusing only on individual patients, it can improve the well-being of entire populations. 

This sparked my interest in public health. and I eventually decided to study epidemiology and biostatistics.  

Early in my career, in 2007, I had the privilege of joining the United Nations as a Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Officer. This role helped me develop a strong understanding of UNFPA’s mandate. My academic background in public health supported the reproductive health work, and the experience I gained on GBV shaped much of my professional journey.  

I’ve always worked with data, but I wanted to bridge the gap between access and the ability to use it effectively. My goal was to move beyond basic reporting and into advanced analysis, transforming complex datasets into clear, evidence-based stories that support UNFPA’s strategic goals. That’s why I decided to take this course. 

The programme also opened my eyes to the possibility of transitioning into data science in the near future, as it’s a field I find both fascinating and closely connected to different aspects of my professional life. 

 

Maria Fernanda: Looking back on the course, what part of the learning journey stood out to you most? How did those moments change the way you approach data? 

Omer: Storytelling was the real turning point for me.  

At the UN, we often say that we are a results-based management organization. But simply developing a results framework is not enough. To influence decision-making, data has to be compelling. It needs to speak to people.  

It’s about using data to drive action—whether that means convincing a line manager to allocate a certain budget, encouraging communities to adopt a particular behaviour, or inspiring donors to support our mandate. If the message isn’t clear, human and engaging, the impact is lost. 

This is the component I introduced in my work. The course shifted my perspective and helped me become a better communicator.  

 

Maria Fernanda: Could you share one or two key takeaways from your work on the case study about data exploration and analysis? Over the past three months, you've gone through several important steps for the course—from submitting your proposal, participating in mentoring sessions, to completing the final report. Looking back, how would you describe this journey and your experience working on the case study/on-the-job practice?   

Omer: The course was a bit challenging at first—especially while working full-time—but the structure created by the UNSSC team made the experience smooth and highly practical. I would strongly recommend completing all self-learning modules before the start of live sessions, as they really helped ease the learning curve. 

The on-the-job practice made the biggest difference for me. Before this course, I had no idea how to use Python for data analysis. Having the chance to apply what we learned directly to real projects—and be able to draw from a wealth of expertise from across the UN system—was an amazing opportunity. 

The mentoring sessions were another highlight. Working closely with a mentor helped me navigate challenges, stay motivated and translate theory into practical steps. Having a one-on-one session with my mentor allowed me to focus on the specific areas where I needed support—which is not always possible in larger group sessions. 

The live sessions were equally enriching. They introduced us to new tools, new techniques, and fresh perspectives on how to approach data. Being exposed to such a wide range of options helped us identify what best fits our needs, while keeping other tools in mind for future use.  

Overall, the journey was excellent and I came away with skills, confidence and insights that I hadn’t expected at the beginning. One of the most impressive aspects of the experience was the flexibility and openness shown by the UNSSC team in rescheduling certain mentoring sessions. UN staff and colleagues understand our working reality, and they know that unexpected commitments may arise. This level of understanding really made the journey smoother, more enjoyable and extremely rewarding. 

 

Maria Fernanda: Since completing the course, have you applied the skills at your work or within your team? Is there a new way of doing things in your team as a result of the course? 

Omer: The storytelling component has already started influencing the way I work and communicate. I am now integrating storytelling into my presentations and reports, whether in programme meetings or when engaging with stakeholders. 

I also have a longer-term plan in the works. I want to develop a dynamic dashboard for my unit—a living system that allows us to track key indicators daily or weekly, rather than relying solely on static project management tools. This dashboard would provide real-time insights into our progress toward Country Office targets—including financial expenditure, service delivery, and the number of people reached by age, gender, disability status and other relevant factors—and enable decision-making informed by clear, meaningful and up-to-date visuals.  

My goal is to ensure that everyone is informed about what is happening—the progress we are making, the results we are achieving and the people we are serving. When information is accessible and clear, we can make the right decisions at the right time. 

 

Maria Fernanda: How has the increasing availability of data and analytics changed the way you understand your work, and what value did the course add in helping you engage with these changes? 

Omer: I was truly fascinated by the power of predictive analytics. The ability to integrate diverse sources of data—for example, satellite imagery combined with weather forecasts—to anticipate crises before they happen is remarkable. Using these variables to predict cholera outbreaks, for instance, shows how this approach can shift our organization from being reactive to being proactive and working in a preventive manner. 

I must also say, thanks to UNSSC, concepts like machine learning—which once felt very difficult for me to understand—finally became clearer. I gained a strong grasp of how these techniques work and how they can shape and transform our work. This learning journey has added so much value to what I do today, and it opened my eyes to what we can achieve in the future. 

I believe this programme is particularly relevant at this moment in time. We are living in the era of data, and I think it is the right course for anyone—whether you are a manager, a senior staff member, or at the beginning of your professional journey. It will certainly open doors. 

 

Maria Fernanda: If someone was considering joining the course, what would you tell them, based on your experience?  

Omer: Apply as soon as you can. The course runs only twice a year and if you miss one session, you may have to wait another year for the next opportunity. Most of us don’t have that kind of time to lose, so I strongly recommend seizing the opportunity when it presents itself.  

For me personally, as I’ve mentioned repeatedly, it truly was an important journey. It opened doors for both the present and the future—benefiting not only myself but also my organization. The ability to communicate what you learn, and to share that knowledge with others, creates a real impact: on your own work, on your institution and, ultimately, on the people we serve. 

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who genuinely wants to make a difference. It is especially valuable for those who want to transform their role—from simply reporting numbers to becoming effective communicators. Instead of just presenting figures, you learn how to help others feel and understand the story behind them, to persuade and to inspire action or policy change for the well-being of communities.