Umoja's implementation is broken into different phases: Prepare, Design, Build and Deploy. Such implementation efforts are generally sequential with each activity and phase serving as the foundation or building block for the next set of activities or phase. Progress is therefore incremental, and roll-out will be phased, with initial roll-out commencing in 2012, subject to adequate funding.
Figure 1. The broad phases of the Umoja initiative
The broad activities for each phase include the following:
- Prepare: Project kick-off; site visits; recruiting full-time project team; selection of software, integration and other consulting service providers; securing project funding; documenting and validating "as-is" processes; undertaking high-level visioning for "to-be" processes.
- Design: Project charter and business case; identify pain points, barriers and risks; identify process opportunities for standardization and harmonization; prepare and validate the "to-be" model; define roles; set-up stakeholder network; identify major change impacts; develop deployment and training plans; conduct fit-gap analysis.
- Build: Build, test, assess, and refine the initial prototype. Demonstrate the prototype for the Project Sponsor, Steering Committee and key users. The accepted prototype is expanded and built to full production scale. The final product is tested and necessary interfaces are designed to ensure that the software works in concert with other systems. Training materials are developed.
- Deploy: Execute timely and effective rollout in multiple phases, stabilizing the deployment at each phase. Provide training to end-users; provide "Go-live" support and maintenance.
Scope of the Umoja Project
The main functionalities sought from Umoja are expected to encompass programme planning, budgeting, contributions and performance; human resource management and administration; payroll, including management of benefits and contribution to pension, medical and insurance schemes; supply chain management, including procurement; assets and facilities management; general accounting, travel and other administrative flows; reporting to management and stakeholders, and more.
Umoja will have the capability to support functions specific to peacekeeping operations in the area of logistics, transportation, fuel and rations systems and other requirements which are not common with other organizations of the United Nations system.
