News
UNESCO New Delhi Staff Enhance Evaluation Skills through Training
UNESCO New Delhi staff, as well as colleagues from the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, recently participated in an evaluation training workshop from 4 to 7 March 2024, hosted at the UNESCO House.
Facilitated by Ms Ekaterina Sediakina Rivière, Principal Evaluation Specialist and Taipei Dlamini, Evaluation Specialist from the Evaluation Office of the Division of Internal Oversight Services, the training aimed to deepen participants' understanding of evaluation processes and methodologies.
Throughout the training, attendees explored various facets of evaluation, beginning with a session on its significance and its distinct role compared to other oversight mechanisms such as audit and monitoring. Sessions also covered essential guidelines for effective planning and budgeting, along with insights into stakeholder engagement and determining the intended use of evaluation findings.
The training emphasized three key learning objectives:
- Understanding the key stages of a high-quality evaluation process
- Preparing evaluation Terms of Reference
- Engaging stakeholders in the use of evaluations
In an interactive learning environment, colleagues actively engaged in group activities and built on practical examples of ongoing programmes. Over the four days, teams focused on optimally utilising evaluation methods, budgeting for evaluation in programmes, quality assurance measures, and communication strategies to effectively transmit the results of the evaluation.
Emerging from the training, colleagues recognized and reaffirmed the pivotal role evaluation plays within the project management cycle. They acknowledged its value in showcasing successful project implementation and facilitating continuous learning and improvement based on past experiences.
Armed with the skills to integrate evaluation practices in their work, the training served as a valuable opportunity for capacity-building and knowledge sharing for the staff, reaffirming UNESCO's commitment to fostering excellence and accountability in its initiatives.
