United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Evaluation Handbook

Chapter IV: Undertaking an In-depth Evaluation

This Chapter addresses evaluation teams undertaking In-depth Evaluations. However, evaluation teams undertaking Independent Project Evaluations could also use this Chapter as a reference

This Chapter provides an overview of the key steps that any evaluation team should take when undertaking an evaluation, be it In-depth or Independent Project Evaluations. However, the chapter focuses on the In-depth Evaluation perspective. In-depth evaluations are led by IEU, in conjunction with external evaluators.

For further information on the difference between In-depth Evaluation and Independent Project Evaluation please see Chapter I, Section C.

The key steps for an In-depth Evaluation Team comprise:

I.	Carrying out the desk review
II.	Participating in the team briefing
III.	Developing the evaluation methodology in an inception report
IV.	Undertaking the necessary field visits
V.	Presenting the preliminary findings
VI.	Drafting the evaluation report
VII.	Finalizing and presenting the evaluation report
VIII.	Provide UNODC Management with the opportunity to respond to the evaluation report with a Management Response

A. Desk Review

A desk review is a review by the Evaluator(s) of the existing documentation related to the subject to be evaluated.

B. Evaluation Team Briefing

It is often misunderstood that safeguarding the independence of an evaluation means not interfering with the evaluation teams. On the contrary, the success of the evaluation depends on the level of cooperation and support rendered by IEU and by UNODC staff to the evaluation team, in particular at the onset of the evaluation.

C. Inception Report

An Inception Report summarizes the review of documentation (''desk review'') undertaken by an evaluator mandated by UNODC and specifies the evaluation methodology determining thereby the exact focus and scope of the exercise, including the evaluation questions, the sampling strategy and the data collection instruments. Consequently, the evaluator is expected to deliver an Inception Report as one of the key deliverables, which is shared with the Project Manager and the Independent Evaluation Unit for comments.

D. Field Missions

The evaluation team undertakes field missions as a means to collect information on the project or programme evaluated.

E. Presentation of preliminary Findings and Follow-up Interviews

For all evaluations, it is strongly recommended to organize an internal debriefing session with the members of the CLP in the field and/or at Headquarters.

F. Evaluation Report

On the basis of the evidence gathered during the desk review, field missions and interviews, the evaluators prepare a draft evaluation report taking into consideration the discussion with stakeholders held during the debriefing session(s).

G. Management Response

The Management Response is the written response from UNODC Management (if necessary in consultation with Governments and other stakeholders) to the evaluation process, findings and recommendations

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Table of Contents

Acronyms

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter I: Defining Core Concepts

Chapter II: Planning an Evaluation at the Design Stage

Chapter III: Managing an Independent Project Evaluation

Chapter IV: Undertaking an In-depth Evaluation