The Vienna Evaluation Unit started its work in 2005, aiming to contribute to learning and accountability in Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) through good quality evaluations.
The unit manages and conducts different types of evaluations, some focused on a single project, or its components, others taking a thematic, transversal approach. Lessons-learned exercises are yet another way to draw on organizational experience. Concerned about the capacity building of skilled evaluators in MSF, the unit organises training workshops for beginners and advanced evaluators.
The members of the Vienna Evaluation Unit see their role as being facilitators and managers of evaluations. They are the link between commissioners of evaluations and actual evaluators and thereby ensure the quality and the further use of all evaluations. The unit is especially concerned about the efficient use of evaluation findings. All levels of operations – from the field to the headquarters – shall benefit.
FAQ
How to initiate evaluations?
Evaluations can be initiated by MSF field teams, the coordination teams or headquarters. Simply contact the Vienna Unit for support! The team will help you define your objectives and start the evaluation process.
How does the Vienna Evaluation Unit work?
The Evaluation Unit offers the following services:
- Support with writing Terms of Reference
- Clarification on how and if the issues identified can be evaluated
- Identification and contracting of evaluators
- Provision of methodological advice, frameworks and tools
- Advice for and coaching of evaluators before, during and after evaluations
- Coordination and organisation of all required (field) trips and meetings
- Information and communication with all stakeholders about processes and outcomes
- Ensuring dissemination and debate of evaluation findings
Created as part of OCG, today the unit offers its services to the entire MSF movement.
Who are the evaluators?
The Vienna Evaluation Unit has created a pool of potential evaluators that is continuously expanding. Persons interested in evaluation activities are invited to send their CV. With any new evaluation the specific requirements for the evaluators are defined and the Terms of Reference sent out to potential evaluators. Then, interviews are conducted in order to select the respective evaluation team.
The ideal evaluator has excellent communication and writing skills, is an analytical thinker, has good knowledge of and/or experience in assessments, research or evaluation, and is – of course – humorous and open minded.
“Good evaluation is essential for real organisational learning and accountability. We need well managed processes to make good evaluations a reality in MSF.”
Sabine Kampmüller,
Head of Vienna Evaluation Unit
Featured Evaluation
MSF-OCG response to cholera in Haiti
December 2011
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