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For Independent Project Evaluations, see Independent Project Evaluations Step by Step

For Participatory Self-Evaluations, see Participatory Self-Evaluations Step by Step.

For In-depth Evaluations, see In-depth Evaluations.

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1. Planning an Evaluation at the Design Stage

All UNODC projects require an evaluation.

Evaluation planning starts as early as the project or programme is designed. Consultation among evaluation stakeholders, including Member States, should be engaged to ensure a common understanding of the purpose and scope, to properly budget for the evaluation activities, and to clearly assign roles and responsibilities.

When designing projects or programmes, Project Managers are responsible for consulting already existing Evaluation Plans (Country or Regional Evaluation Plans) to ensure coordination with evaluations that may take place at the same time or in the same geographical or thematic areas.

For more details, see:

Evaluation Criteria by Type of Evaluation

Criteria for Independent Project Evaluations and Participatory Self-Evaluations

Evaluation Criteria Definitions and Sample Questions

Mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality

In-depth Evaluation Approach Paper

Evaluation Plan Template

Evaluation Quality Criteria Checklist - Design of Projects and Country, Regional and Thematic Programmes

Evaluability Assessment Template

Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities in Independent Project Evaluations

Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities in In-depth Evaluations

Evaluation Handbook: Chapter I and Chapter II.

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2. Approving Process

Submitting offices must undertake mandatory consultations with IEU for all projects and programmes (and revisions to the same)  to be approved either by the PRC or by Field Representatives as Direct Approval.

IEU will provide advice and assistance regarding details of the planned evaluation to be included in the new project document template (as of 14 Nov 2011), e.g. type of evaluation (mid-term, and/or final Independent Project Evaluation of Participatory Self-Evaluation), timing, purpose, evaluation roles and responsibilities as well as funding to be reserved for evaluation costs under budget line 5700.

To avoid last minute changes, consultations with IEU should be undertaken well before the project document/project revision is submitted in ProFi for clearance.

For more details, see:

Special Message: Approval Process - mandatory Consultation with IEU

IOM on Evaluation in the Planning Process

New project document template as of 14 Nov 2011

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3. Managing an Independent Project Evaluation

Managing an evaluation process implies early preparation to lay the groundwork for a timely and, therefore, relevant and useful evaluation. In light of the high levels of engagement of evaluation users and stakeholders in this process, the role of the Project Manager in scheduling the evaluation is critical to success. Depending on the complexity and size of the evaluation, the preparation period may vary.

For more details, see:

Guidelines for Evaluation ToR

Guidelines for Selection of Evaluators

Evaluation Consultants Declaration of Interest

Quality Assessment for Independent Project Evaluation Reports

Guidelines for Evaluation Reports, Template Report, Typographic Styles, UN Spelling

Evaluation Handbook: Chapter III

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4. Undertaking an In-depth Evaluation and Participatory Self-Evaluation

The key steps when undertaking an evaluation include carrying out the desk review, participating in the team briefing, developing the evaluation methodology, undertaking the necessary field visits, presenting the preliminary findings and drafting the evaluation report.

For more details, see:

Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities in In-depth Evaluations

In-depth Evaluation Approach Paper

Guidelines for Inception Report

Guidelines for Evaluation Reports, Template Report, Typographic Styles, UN Spelling

Template for producing a Participatory Self-Evaluation Report (pdf)

Template for producing a Participatory Self-Evaluation Report (Word)

Guidelines for Participatory Self-Evaluations

Evaluation Handbook: Chapter IV and Chapter V.

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5. Using the Evaluation

The evaluation process does not end when the project is finalised and an evaluation report is submitted. In fact, learning and active use of knowledge generated from the evaluation for future planning of projects is the most important element of the evaluation exercise.

For more details, see:

Evaluation Follow-up Plan (EFP)

Evaluation Handbook: Chapter VI.

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