What are the most important program evaluation skills for human rights programs?

1 Understanding the context

One of the most important program evaluation skills for human rights programs is the ability to understand the context in which the program operates. This includes the political, social, cultural, legal, and environmental factors that affect the program's goals, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. A program coordinator should be able to conduct a situational analysis, identify the needs and expectations of the beneficiaries and other stakeholders, and use relevant theories of change and logic models to guide the program design and evaluation. A program coordinator should also be aware of the potential risks and challenges that the program may face, and how to mitigate them.

2 Choosing the appropriate methods

Another essential program evaluation skill for human rights programs is the ability to choose the appropriate methods for data collection and analysis. This depends on the purpose, scope, and questions of the evaluation, as well as the availability of resources, time, and data. A program coordinator should be familiar with different types of evaluation methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, mixed, participatory, and empowerment evaluation, and their strengths and limitations. A program coordinator should also be able to select the most suitable indicators, data sources, sampling techniques, tools, and techniques for measuring the program's results and impact.

3 Applying ethical principles

A third crucial program evaluation skill for human rights programs is the ability to apply ethical principles throughout the evaluation process. This means respecting the dignity, rights, and interests of the program participants and stakeholders, ensuring their informed consent, confidentiality, and safety, and avoiding any harm or bias. A program coordinator should also adhere to the professional standards and codes of conduct of the evaluation field, such as the OECD-DAC criteria, the UNEG norms and standards, and the American Evaluation Association guiding principles. A program coordinator should also seek to enhance the quality, credibility, and usefulness of the evaluation findings and recommendations.

4 Engaging with stakeholders

A fourth important program evaluation skill for human rights programs is the ability to engage with stakeholders in a meaningful and inclusive way. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups that have an interest or stake in the program, such as beneficiaries, donors, partners, staff, and policymakers. A program coordinator should be able to identify and involve the relevant stakeholders in the evaluation planning, implementation, and dissemination stages, and to communicate with them effectively and respectfully. A program coordinator should also seek to promote the participation, ownership, and empowerment of the stakeholders, especially the marginalized and vulnerable groups, and to address any conflicts or disagreements that may arise.

5 Managing the evaluation process

A fifth vital program evaluation skill for human rights programs is the ability to manage the evaluation process efficiently and effectively. This involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and monitoring the evaluation activities, resources, and timelines, and ensuring that they are aligned with the program objectives and the evaluation purpose and questions. A program coordinator should also be able to supervise and support the evaluation team, whether internal or external, and to solve any problems or challenges that may occur. A program coordinator should also be able to document and report the evaluation process, findings, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and accessible way.

6 Learning and improving

A sixth and final program evaluation skill for human rights programs is the ability to learn and improve from the evaluation results and feedback. This means using the evaluation findings and recommendations to inform the program improvement, adaptation, or scaling up, and to share the lessons learned and best practices with the stakeholders and the wider community. A program coordinator should also be able to reflect on their own evaluation practice, skills, and competencies, and to seek feedback and guidance from peers, mentors, or experts. A program coordinator should also pursue continuous professional development and learning opportunities, such as courses, workshops, webinars, or networks, to enhance their program evaluation skills and knowledge.