Abiot Tadesse from Ethiopia and Adebukola Bolaji from Nigeria are UN Volunteers serving in Ethiopia with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). They are with the Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division also called SPORD, where they monitor and evaluate programme results.
Abiot and Adebukola analyze data as part of their UN Volunteer assignments by reviewing reports, supporting the design of monitoring tools, and providing internal evaluations of UNECA programmes on economic and social development.
Monitoring and evaluation ensure sound evidence-based policymaking and reporting.
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, UNECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. There are 4551 UN Volunteers in Africa, of which 19 currently serve with UNECA.
Adebukola Bolaji, international UN Specialist Volunteer Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with UNECA. @UNV, 2024.
Abiot and Adebukola help progamme staff in results-based management and encourage teams to articulate change outcomes. Through a rigorous monitoring and evaluation process, they guarantee quality control and the delivery of successful programme interventions.
"Our work has had a direct impact on strengthening the capacity of programme staff in result-based management and contributing to achieving their intended outcomes of interventions,” shares Abiot. While Adebukola adds, “With the tools created with my team, we’ve seen a difference and an impact in the way reports and evaluations are done."
The support Abiot and Adebukola provide does not go unnoticed. Regularly acknowledged for their commitment and flexibility to adapt, their journey is one of learning and growth.
Abiot Tadesse, national UN Specialist Volunteer Evaluation Officer with UNECA. @ UNV, 2024.
For Abiot and Adebukola, volunteering is about personal and professional development. Understanding UNECA's work processes at first tested them, but soon, they found their footing. They also believe their service directly resonates with the economic and social development in the African Union Agenda 2063.
Adebukola Bolaji addresses implementation challenges during UNECA Accountability and Programme Performance Review Meeting. @ UNV, 2024.
In our opinion, volunteerism is the opportunity to interact and work with diverse people in different geographic locations. To volunteer means every action, no matter how small, fuels the engine of change." Abiot Tadesse and Adebukola Bolaji, UN Volunteers serving with UNECA in Ethiopia.
Abiot Tadesse provides inputs during the planning section meeting at UNECA. @ UNV, 2024.