The Secretary-General's Data Strategy highlights the need for the United Nations (UN) system to make better use of data to improve the efficiency and impact of UN missions and programmes across all operational areas. At the same time, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for evaluation that is transformative and able to address the complexities of social structures to help overcome the root causes of inequality and discrimination. Recognizing the need for enhanced skills in both fields, we have developed a broad portfolio aimed at strengthening UN personnel’s ability to leverage data in their daily work and fostering a more robust evaluation culture.
We offer data analytics programmes designed to support all UN personnel, with diverse technical backgrounds and from different organizations, as well as specialized courses for practitioners in peacebuilding and peacekeeping contexts. A key focus is on strengthening core data analysis, visualization and storytelling skills to make information more accessible and ensure that policies and interventions are always grounded in evidence.
Through a series of micro-credentials, we strengthen evaluation staff’s knowledge and application of essential evaluation methods and tools, thereby improving both evaluation quality and use, and supporting informed policy, programme and strategy development across the organization. To accommodate different learning needs and ensure efficient training for all, we offer a standard repertoire of courses at beginner and advanced level as well as tailored solutions customized for teams and organizations.
We design and deliver customized training that deepens participants’ knowledge and appreciation of the use of data in strategic planning and political analysis, including basic to intermediate knowledge of data management systems. For example, we trained a group of 27 mid to senior-level staff from the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy for Yemen (OSESGY). The training was facilitated in a blended format and in collaboration with How to Build Up.
Through our tailored solutions, we provide political affairs officers with relevant data competencies for their daily functions, such as the ability to interpret, analyse and visualize data from various sources for data-informed decision-making. For example, we developed a customized online course – consisting of a four-week webinar series – for 25 staff members of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). By leveraging advanced analytical techniques, DPPA staff gained deeper insights into complex conflict dynamics, allowing for more targeted and impactful interventions.
This tailored learning solution aims to enable personnel to identify and analyse data relevant to the delivery of protection of civilians mandates in UN peacekeeping at the operational and strategic levels. A group of 27 colleagues from the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) already benefited from the training, which was delivered in nine live webinars over six weeks – in collaboration with How to Build Up – and included modules on data exploration, visualization and storytelling.
In today’s fast-paced, data-driven environment, the ability to transform data into impactful visual narratives is essential for analysts, researchers and managers in the UN system. This course covers data collection, preparation, analysis, visualization and storytelling. Participants engage through hands-on exercises, live sessions and forum for peer exchange—ensuring relevance, collaboration, and on-the-job impact. Each training is co-designed with the organization’s focal point and tailored to their specific datasets, tools, and case studies to reflect real business needs. We have already successfully delivered this customized, instructor-led training to WFP, ILO and UNSOS/UNTMIS, helping their programmes turn complex data into clear, compelling insights.
Establishing evaluation functions and carrying out quality evaluation requires strong technical expertise. This tailored course provides the foundational knowledge and skills to properly plan, conduct and manage UN evaluations. The training is in line with the norms and standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and is fully tailored to the evaluation specifics and learning needs of each UN entity.