This programme introduces the methods and tools needed for managing evaluations and explains how to apply them. It also presents how to establish procedures for emergent evaluation functions. Participants will complete modules and activities at their own pace. They will participate in engaging online forums and receive guidance from instructors.

Introduction

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires evaluation to be transformative and help overcome the root causes of inequality and discrimination. It calls on the evaluation function to address the interconnected systems that operate in social structures. As part of UN reform, evaluation managers play a key role leading teams, ensuring quality, promoting change and ultimately contributing to deliver effective, equitable and sustainable interventions. 

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate relevant aspects of the evaluation logic and its process (criteria, standards, measures, synthesis). 
  • Apply the different steps and key milestones in planning and managing an evaluation
  • Identify key aspects of effective evaluation designs and main research methods for evaluation 
  • Describe relevant elements of evaluation policies, strategic planning, QA systems and follow up on evaluation recommendations. 
Course methodology

It is a self-paced learning path delivered entirely online. Participants can start at any time and complete modules and activities at their own pace.

The e-learning path on Evaluation Management offers:

  • A micro-learning experience characterized by small knowledge units (modules and micro-lessons) where participants consolidate and reflect on learnings through the creation of micro-content (multimodal forum replies, etc.).
  • Scenario-based learning exposing participants to unique real-life challenges and tasks of UN managers
  • Consolidation of takeaways through reflective practices and social learning to facilitate information exchange and peer-to-peer learning
  • Unlimited access to all modules for six months from the date of enrolment.
  • Large collection of relevant tools, readings, guidelines and examples that complement the concepts and theories covered in the course.

Participants will be granted unlimited access to the learning path for six months from the date of enrolment. UNSSC's dedicated e-learning platform tracks completion of individual modules. A final certificate will be given to participants completing all modules in the learning path.

Each module is estimated to require approximately three hours of study time to complete at your own pace.

Please contact elp@unssc.org for further information.

Course contents

The e-learning path on Evaluation Management includes the following modules:

  • Fundamentals of evaluation
  • Setting the scope of the evaluation
  • Evaluation planning and management
  • Evaluation design and research methods
  • Evaluation management tools

The programme is delivered through UNSSC's Blueline e-learning platform. By completing the learning path, participants will have access to an exclusive alumni network for continuous learning and exchange

Target audience

UN personnel at all levels who have limited prior knowledge and/or experience in evaluation at headquarters or in the field, and who want to get a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of evaluation management. 

Cost of participation

The fee is $1,000.

Modules

4 h

ELP Module 1: Fundamentals of Evaluation

One of the challenges of working on evaluation is that often evaluation terms are defined and used in different ways by different people. In this module we will identify the key elements of transformative evaluation and the different components that articulate the evaluation logic. We will discuss the relevance of including ethics, gender and human rights as well as stakeholders' participation in the evaluation process.This course has been developed by UNSSC in coordination with Dr. Glenn O'Neil.
English
4 h

ELP Module 2: Setting the Scope of the Evaluation

This module will focus on the process of scoping the evaluation, and therefore, on the responses to questions about what use, and what users should lead to the process of forming the Key Evaluation Questions (KEQs). This module has been developed by UNSSC in collaboration with Martha McGuire.
English
4 h

ELP Module 3: Evaluation Planning and Management

To get the most out of the evaluation process and to use your time and resources efficiently, you need to plan in advance. In this module, we will articulate some of the most relevant steps and key milestones in planning and managing an evaluation.This course has been developed by UNSSC in collaboration with Dr. Louise Caffrey and Dr. Edurne Garcia Iriarte.
English
4 h

ELP Module 4: Evaluation Design and Research Methods

Evaluation design is a description of how data will be collected, analysed and reported to answer Key Evaluation Questions. It is not just a list of indicators, because indicators by themselves are usually not enough to answer Key Evaluation Questions, and, because it needs to include more detail about where the data will come from and how to ensure quality data.This course has been developed by UNSSC in collaboration with Patti Phillips.
English
4 h

ELP Module 5: Evaluation Management Tools

In this module we will discuss about key management tools that should be taken into consideration to strengthen the evaluation function in the organizations and fully integrate it into their programming cycles: Evaluation Policies, Evaluation Strategic Plans, Quality Assurance systems and Follow-up Mechanisms.This course has been developed by UNSSC in collaboration with Roger Miranda.
English