When I began my UN Volunteer assignment with the UN Joint SDG Fund in January 2025, I stepped into a role filled with purpose and possibility. I knew I was joining a team committed to changing driving systems and accelerating SDG progress, but I did not realize how much the experience would expand my skills and reshape my understanding of development.
My journey unfolded through evaluation work. Early on, I was tasked with reviewing Mid-Term Reviews for several Joint Programmes. These reviews were not simply technical reports; they revealed the real challenges, progress and aspirations of the countries implementing them. I reviewed MTRs for Kenya, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Suriname and Zimbabwe, https://mptf.undp.org/document/mtr-kenya-c2-pdf
Working closely with both the UN Joint SDG Fund team and independent consultants, I examined methodologies, checked evidence, verified conclusions and ensured that the reviews were fair, credible and grounded in solid analysis. These collaborations strengthened each evaluation and deepened my appreciation for the value of collective learning.This experience prepared me for a critical responsibility: contributing to the MTR Lessons Paper, which brought together insights from all nine countries in the review cycle. Synthesizing diverse findings into a coherent set of lessons required reflection, patience and careful attention to detail. The final paper captured what worked, what needed improvement and what could inform the next generation of Joint Programmes. It felt meaningful to help transform raw evaluation findings into actionable knowledge.
I also applied my analytical skills through Cost Benefit Analysis. In Kenya, I assessed the long-term value created by investments in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. In North Macedonia, I analysed the economic and environmental impact of the Green Finance Facility. Through these assessments, I saw how data can uncover the deeper story behind investments, revealing benefits that extend far beyond immediate results, https://www.jointsdgfund.org/article/catalysing-change-how-every-dollar-invested-powering-greener-future
Another important part of my journey has been my involvement in the UNEG Impact Evaluation Working Group. I contributed to the development of Chapter 3 of the upcoming Impact Evaluation Design Framework, providing inputs on ethical considerations, methodological options and real-world challenges. Although the framework is not yet published, being part of its development was an invaluable learning experience and an opportunity to help shape future UN evaluation standards.
Digital transformation also became a key area of my work. I supported the review of Digital Joint Programmes by analysing country submissions and identifying how digital tools were strengthening government services, improving accountability and enabling policy change. This work contributed to the Fund’s Digital Thematic Review and highlighted innovations that countries can learn from and adapt.
Inside the team, I found another avenue to contribute strengthening data systems. I developed interactive Power BI dashboards that presented programme performance, funding flows, digital results and geographic coverage in a clear, user-friendly format. These dashboards became practical tools for colleagues and consultants, helping them make more informed decisions based on real-time insights.
What has made this experience truly meaningful is the collaboration and shared purpose across the Joint SDG Fund team, consultants, UN agencies and country partners. I learned from experienced colleagues across UN agencies while also drawing on my own experience in Kenya and Somalia to contribute grounded perspectives. Every discussion, review session and joint analysis reminded me that development is a collective effort.
Being a UN Volunteer has shown me how evidence, when used well, can drive better decisions and stronger systems. It has also reinforced my belief that behind every dataset and evaluation report are real people whose lives are shaped by the programmes we support. That sense of responsibility has guided my work every day.
As I continue this journey, I remain committed to strengthening evaluation practice, improving the use of data and supporting countries to build sustainable, resilient systems. It is an honour to serve as a UN Volunteer and to contribute to a team that is helping chart the path toward lasting, inclusive development.
