Mapping Decentralized Evaluation Functions Across UN Agencies: Synthesis Report

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UNEG Reference Document 2025

Mapping Decentralized Evaluation Functions Across UN Agencies: Synthesis Report

Working Group

Overview

As part of its 2024 workplan, the UNEG Decentralized Evaluation Working Group (DEWG) planned to update the mapping of key features of decentralized evaluation (DE) functions across the UN system, building on the first edition conducted in 2020 and agency self-assessment done in 2023.

This work aims to facilitate learning, share experiences across UN entities, and potentially support future work by UNEG on DE. The update included case studies of 12 UN entities (FAO, ILO, IOM, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN WOMEN, WFP, WHO). UNEP does not have a decentralized evaluation function.

The study was structured along six dimensions which contextualize UNEG norms and standards for DE. These are: definition and architecture (norm 11); responsibilities (norm 13); quality; impartiality and transparency (norms 5 and 7); professional standards and capacities (norms 10); and utility, use and follow up (norms 2 and 14). The methodology involved collecting and analyzing data from multiple lines of evidence, including 19 individual and group interviews with 37 UN evaluation professionals at headquarters (HQ), regional, and country levels, a review of questionnaire-based self-assessments conducted by UN entities in 2023, and an extensive document review covering the evaluation function’s policy frameworks (policies, strategies, charters), policy peer review reports, guidance, manuals and tools, as well as grey literature.

This work resulted in three products. The first product is a DE mapping report that provides a comprehensive analysis of DE functions across the 12 UN entities. The current document provides a synthesis of the 12 UN case studies and is aimed at enhancing learning and fostering knowledge sharing beyond the DEWG members. The third product is a framework for assessing DE functions within the UN System. The framework defines a set of assessment factors, each coupled with a four-tiered maturity level scale, and aims to translate the UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation into a practical tool for assessing decentralized evaluation functions architecture and its enabling environment.

It should be read together with the Mapping document.