IOD PARC was commissioned under our long-term arrangement for provision of evaluation services with UNDSS to conduct an independent evaluation to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of its Division of Specialized Operational Support in delivering on their global mandate to provide security and safety support to UN agencies and staff. Conducted over a three-month period (Oct to Dec 2021) the evaluation was highly participatory, engaging UN staff from the outset through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and workshops. To ensure buy in, the evaluation was framed around key departmental initiatives undertaken in establishing DSOS and in making strategic decisions and priorities. This allowed the evaluation team to build a set of evidence-based findings which resonated with a diverse audience. As a result, the recommendations were relevant, pragmatic and accepted.

IOD PARC delivered a well-received evaluation report. The report was accompanied by a slide set to be used by the Under-Secretary General to engage UN member states to support the further development of the Division. Designed to be highly utilization-focused, the evaluation has already helped to inform immediate decisions about the future structure and functioning of specialized operations and how they can best support the UN security operations in the Field.