The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has substantially contributed to integrating volunteerism as a core concept and has positioned itself as a relevant actor for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. These are two conclusions of the latest evaluation report by GlobalCAD, which assesses UNV’s strategic framework from 2014 to 2017.

The evaluation looks back at the past four years, assessing the results achieved against the stated objectives, outcomes, and outputs. It also provides recommendations in a forward-looking manner for the design of the next strategic framework (2018-2021). To better illustrate key results and challenges, the evaluation report also includes three case studies on UNV initiatives in Sri Lanka, Mozambique and in several UN peace keeping missions.

The report highlights UNV’s achievements under the two outcome areas of its strategic framework: the deployment of highly qualified UN Volunteers and the positioning of volunteerism in the international development agenda and in national and regional policies.

Although under these outcome areas UNV has not fully met targets for a number of key output indicators especially related to volunteer and resource mobilization, 92% of UN entities surveyed confirm that UNV made an effective contribution to their programme and project results.

In addition, UNV reports that 72 countries in 2015 and 44 countries in 2016 made progress in implementing national volunteerism frameworks. Another result highlight is that 91% of partners consider UNV’s main activities relevant to the achievement of the SDGs. This perception is similar across all regions as well as among UN and non-UN partners and shows the successful positioning of UNV in the international development system.

The report also points out some aspects to improve UNV’s results achievements. Among them, the articulated theories of change need to be clearer in order to reflect UNV’s contribution to development results, the report says. Furthermore, UNV should enhance its field presence and further strengthen results-based management practices, especially those related to monitoring, evaluation and reporting capacities.

The evaluation thus responds to specific information needs related to the future strategic direction of UNV. It aims to contribute to creating a more effective and efficient organisation, with improved systems and business practices and processes, well-managed resources and engaged personnel.

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