Assessments & Evaluations
Community consultations in rural Haryana, India 2019
Having worked in project implementation for more than 25 years across various industries and environments, I have frequently been asked to assess the effects of multiple programs and projects. My assessments are widely recognized for their ability to identify both areas of success and areas in need of improvement, and all these findings are realistic for stakeholders to put into action. What distinguishes my evaluations is their openness and participation, making them distinct.
Notable Features
Conducted a Global Assessment of the Needs of the Romani Population (Sida, Sweden): Conceptualized, developed project proposals, fundraised, and monitored projects in Serbia, Montenegro, and the Federal Republic of Macedonia. This project led to the establishment of the Roma Experts Network.
Evaluated the Civilian Peace Services Programme in Macedonia (Ministry of Development, Germany): The Ministry made a multi-year commitment following the first evaluation of the program.
Conducted Stakeholder Consultations and Audits of the Capabilities of Institutions Serving the Muslim Minority in Sri Lanka: Held consultations and assessed the capacities of institutions serving the Muslim minority to promote their participation in the peace process and complex power-sharing agreements. This endeavour, supported by Cambridge University and the Carnegie Foundation, contributed to establishing the Muslim Peace Secretariat.
To discuss Stakeholder consultations, Mappings, Assessments and Evaluations, contact me by clicking here
What ?
sector
Where ?
When ?
With whom ?
Mapping fundraising prospects and partnership support for UNICEF
Sector?
Child Rights, Humanitarian emergencies
What?
Fundraising;Assessments & Evaluations; Strategic Planning, Strategic Communication; Strategic Partnerships
Where?
Singapore
Why?
The global leadership of UNICEF wanted to explore the feasibility of setting up an operation in Singapore. Amendments to laws pertaining to the functioning of charities and foundations in Singapore were a trigger to these explorations.
When?
2007
What exactly?
In 2007 I conducted an in- depth mapping exercise for possible support to UNICEF in Singapore. To enhance the possibility of a quick and informed decision by the senior management, I produced a short video documentary capturing the essence of the mapping exercise. Directed by Sunanda Asthana, an Associate at ProCube, this documentary proved to be a valuable tool for decision-making.
With- whom?
UNICEF
Government of Singapore
What happened?
This report allowed the senior management of UNICEF to quickly reach a decision on how to engage with Singapore.
“ I have been together with Dr. Verma in negotiations with potential donors, senior government officers, ambassadors and partners. He thrives in creating genuine win-win arrangements without leaving any scope for ambiguity or misunderstanding. He prepares thoroughly for each negotiation and is able to step back and see things from the perspective of the counterpart. ”
Dr Slim Slama
Co-Founder
Geneva Health Forum
Setting up a think tank on health policy with the government
Sector?
HIV AIDS; Harm reduction; Child rights; Women
What?
Strategic partnerships; Strategic communication; Assessments& Evaluation
Where?
Malaysia
Why?
To counter the tide of HIV AIDS in Malaysia it was important to scale up the methadone substitution therapy and needle syringe exchange program nationwide.However there was opposition to this from a variety of influential quarters.
When?
2006, 2007
What exactly?
Sunoor Verma launched the consultations with the Ministry of Health, Royal Malaysian Police and civil society partners on the drafting of a National Strategic Plan on Harm Reduction. He then provided all the necessary support for the drafting of this national strategy in terms of technical expertise.
With- whom?
UNICEF
Ministry of Health, Government of Malaysia
Royal Malaysian Police
Institute of Health Management
What happened?
Strategic plan for scale up of Harm Reduction was adopted and budgeted by the government and was implemented nationwide.
I attributemy success in Malaysia to some key factors that I feels are vital though very rare to find:
A visionary-
UNICEF in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei was headed by Gaye Phillips who not only had a vision but also the courage to recognize that strategic partnerships can take the agenda forward. She articulated her vision and asked me to go and make things happen while she would ensure that there is Prime Minister and Royalty level support and that internal UN bureaucracy does not come in the way. Her experience as a long serving CEO of UNICEF in Australia gave her insight into the UN system without stifling her thinking as her accountability lay with Australian citizens who contribute to UNICEF’s coffers. Each and every partner of UNICEF in Malaysia was convinced that Gaye Phillip’s one point agenda is the well being of Malaysian children. This is rare for any Representative of a UN agency. She enjoyed equal credibility with government, private sector, civil society, royalty and above all the team she led. Every day I learnt some thing new and positive from Gaye Phillips when working as her Senior Advisor in Malaysia.
A catalyst
Indra Nadchatram was former CEO of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and later UNICEF’s Communication Officer. Indra unhesitatingly shared with me her entire knowledge bank on the HIV AIDS landscape in Malaysia, encouraging me to take steps in unchartered territories yet warning me of potential land mines and also connecting me to the key players. Indra’s dedication to the well being of children and to halting the spread of HIV AIDS was a fountain of inspiration for me during my stay in Malaysia. It always helped having an office right next to Indra’s.
Committed local partners
The late Dr. Rohani, Dr. Christopher Lee, Dr. Norliza Noorodin, Dr. Hayati and Dr. Shaari of the Ministry of Health were committed to the fight against HIV AIDS at a time when it was the least sexy portfolio at their Ministry. Datuk Chua Soi Lek the Minister for Health took the bold step of introducing harm reduction well conscious of the political risk it carried. Shayne Nelson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank who nurtured a culture of community service at all levels at his bank and launched the “Living with HIV” program in Malaysia in 2002, which educated 3000 of the bank’s employees on the basics of HIV AIDS.Fashion designer Sonny San who organized the first public fundraising for UNICEF… people who went way beyond the call of duty, everyday. They welcomed me warmly to their offices and were always willing to engage in discussions and search for solutions.
“ Through his extensive network of contacts, Sunoor Verma has built a keen understanding of the various concerns of potential donors and addresses them proactively in his project designs. Additionally, Sunoor Verma is quick to address new concerns as they arise. In this manner, Sunoor Verma maintains a high level of confidence on the part of potential donors, greatly facilitating budget negotiations in so doing.”
Dr. Eben Friedman
Regional Representative
European Centre for Minority Issues
Support for the Sri Lanka Peace Process
Sector?
Minority issues; Peace building; Inter-ethnic issues
What?
Dialogue management; Assessment & Evaluation
Where?
Sri Lanka
Why?
The Muslims in Sri Lanka are a minority spread out across the island state. They tended to be the balance of power in parliamentary equations. However the peace process in Sri Lanka did not include them as a party in negotiations. The inner divisions within the Muslim community further diminished the chances of their participation. It was felt that for the eventual peace agreement to be implemented the participation of a Muslim representation is a must.
When?
2005
What exactly?
Sunoor Verma was retained to conduct Needs assessment; Stakeholder Consultations; Situation analysis and Institutional capacity assessment of the divided Muslim communities in Sri Lanka in relation to the peace process in that country. This involved, consulting with political, religious, community leaders and other members of the Muslim communities, the government, international missions and further relevant actors in Sri Lanka. The project was carried out in a climate of growing security concerns and travel restrictions.
With- whom?
Cambridge University, Centre of International Studies
Carnegie Foundation, New York
What happened?
Visible and invisible opinion makers were consulted thus ensuring a report, which is highly reliable. This substantive report detailed the identity, interests and positions of Muslim political actors in Sri Lanka in relation to the peace process. This report was presented to the peace process facilitators.
“ While many give lip service to the importance of a participatory approach that involves the community in the design of projects, Sunoor puts this theory into practice through his natural curiosity and his interest in working with people. This enhances the sustainability of interventions. ”
Michael Szporluk
Expert, Civil Society Development
Mercy Corps
What?
Refugees; Humanitarian Relief;
Dialogue Management; Needs Assessment; Stakeholder Consultations; Project
development; Negotiations.
Where?
Macedonia
Why?
In 1999 during the Kosovo refugee crisis, following concerns of inter-ethnic instability, the Republic of Macedonia imposed a condition on the international community for admitting refugees from neighboring Kosovo. The number of refugees that are evacuated from Macedonia to NATO countries would be the number of newly admitted refugees into the country. In the race against time, while it was vital to evacuate as many refugees as possible, it was important to give priority to vulnerable cases. Prioritizing medical cases among an exhausted from difficult travels and traumatized population was one aspect of the challenge. The other- convincing reluctant host governments accept medical cases for evacuation and the associated costs to their health systems.
When?
1999
What exactly?
Sunoor Verma’s services were retained by the UNHCR to formulate priority criteria for the evacuation of refugee patients to NATO countries. Sunoor prioritized the cases from 7 geographically dispersed refugee camps, and negotiated with NATO country delegations transfer and treatment of emergency medical cases from among the refugees. He coordinated and monitored the facilities for evacuation of severely ill refugees. He played a key role in the initiation, planning and implementation of extending the medical evacuation program to approximately 200,000+ host family refugee cases. Sunoor monitored the standard of medical escorts during evacuation. He worked in partnership with local medical authorities, government authorities, donor community and NGOs to facilitate the patient evacuation process.
With- whom?
UNHCR
NATO
What happened?
- Medical evacuation program extended to approximately 200,000+ refugees residing with host families.
- Significant increase in evacuation of patient to NATO countries for treatment.
( on the value that Sunoor Verma brings to project design/ innovation..) Good sense of “common sense”, no fear of criticism and trying to look into issues from all kinds of angles: in short the ability to make the project as likely to succeed as possible.
Annika Palo
Adviser, Department for Europe
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
Evaluation German government’s civil peace service program
At interfaces, connecting.
Modesty should not allow me to state this, but I do perceive myself as a highly motivated international development expert with proven expertise in propelling programs through strategic planning, strategic communications, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization. My natural habitat seems to be at the interfaces between politics and policy & policy and program. I have successfully managed development portfolios in developing, transition and developed countries; emergency and non-emergency scenarios. My work experience with UNHCR, UNICEF, European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI), Cambridge University, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Geneva Health Forum and other multilateral and bilateral agencies has allowed me to nurture networks that are inspiring with other change makers.
My focus and commitment to quality content of whatever I undertake ensures that money and reliable partners are not in shortage. I have been applauded for my solid project management skills, excellent research, and analytical and drafting skills.
Scaling up Harm reduction nationwide
Sector?
HIV AIDS; Harm reduction; Child rights; Women
What?
Strategic partnerships; Strategic communication; Assessments& Evaluation
Where?
Malaysia
Why?
To counter the tide of HIV AIDS in Malaysia it was important to scale up the methadone substitution therapy and needle syringe exchange program nationwide.However there was opposition to this from a variety of influential quarters.
When?
2006, 2007
What exactly?
Sunoor Verma launched the consultations with the Ministry of Health, Royal Malaysian Police and civil society partners on the drafting of a National Strategic Plan on Harm Reduction. He then provided all the necessary support for the drafting of this national strategy in terms of technical expertise.
With- whom?
UNICEF
Ministry of Health, Government of Malaysia
Royal Malaysian Police
Institute of Health Management
What happened?
Strategic plan for scale up of Harm Reduction was adopted and budgeted by the government and was implemented nationwide.
I attributemy success in Malaysia to some key factors that I feels are vital though very rare to find:
A visionary-
UNICEF in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei was headed by Gaye Phillips who not only had a vision but also the courage to recognize that strategic partnerships can take the agenda forward. She articulated her vision and asked me to go and make things happen while she would ensure that there is Prime Minister and Royalty level support and that internal UN bureaucracy does not come in the way. Her experience as a long serving CEO of UNICEF in Australia gave her insight into the UN system without stifling her thinking as her accountability lay with Australian citizens who contribute to UNICEF’s coffers. Each and every partner of UNICEF in Malaysia was convinced that Gaye Phillip’s one point agenda is the well being of Malaysian children. This is rare for any Representative of a UN agency. She enjoyed equal credibility with government, private sector, civil society, royalty and above all the team she led. Every day I learnt some thing new and positive from Gaye Phillips when working as her Senior Advisor in Malaysia.
A catalyst
Indra Nadchatram was former CEO of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and later UNICEF’s Communication Officer. Indra unhesitatingly shared with me her entire knowledge bank on the HIV AIDS landscape in Malaysia, encouraging me to take steps in unchartered territories yet warning me of potential land mines and also connecting me to the key players. Indra’s dedication to the well being of children and to halting the spread of HIV AIDS was a fountain of inspiration for me during my stay in Malaysia. It always helped having an office right next to Indra’s.
Committed local partners
The late Dr. Rohani, Dr. Christopher Lee, Dr. Norliza Noorodin, Dr. Hayati and Dr. Shaari of the Ministry of Health were committed to the fight against HIV AIDS at a time when it was the least sexy portfolio at their Ministry. Datuk Chua Soi Lek the Minister for Health took the bold step of introducing harm reduction well conscious of the political risk it carried. Shayne Nelson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank who nurtured a culture of community service at all levels at his bank and launched the “Living with HIV” program in Malaysia in 2002, which educated 3000 of the bank’s employees on the basics of HIV AIDS.Fashion designer Sonny San who organized the first public fundraising for UNICEF… people who went way beyond the call of duty, everyday. They welcomed me warmly to their offices and were always willing to engage in discussions and search for solutions.
“ Through his extensive network of contacts, Sunoor Verma has built a keen understanding of the various concerns of potential donors and addresses them proactively in his project designs. Additionally, Sunoor Verma is quick to address new concerns as they arise. In this manner, Sunoor Verma maintains a high level of confidence on the part of potential donors, greatly facilitating budget negotiations in so doing.”
Dr. Eben Friedman
Regional Representative
European Centre for Minority Issues
Review of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program of the Government of Malaysia
Sector?
HIV AIDS; Women; Child rights
What?
Assessment & Evaluation
Where?
Malaysia
Why?
To improve the delivery of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV programs in Malaysia it was important to establish a baseline of the ground situation. The second challenge was to find ways of engaging the growing private health care providers in this public health initiative.
Finding ways of engaging the growing private health care sector to implement the PMTCT program.
When?
2006, 2007
What exactly?
I was tasked with conceptualizing and negotiating with the government of Malaysia the conducting of the first qualitative and quantitative survey of Malaysia’s PMTCT program. I also worked closely with the teams at the Ministry of Health in the design of the study and the analysis of the results.
With- whom?
UNICEF
Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Ministry of Women and Community Development
What happened?
The first qualitative and quantitative survey of Malaysia’s PMTCT program was done. This helped Malaysia make evidence based decisions on the future direction of this program.
“ Dr Verma provides consultancy and organizational services in the development area that are second to none. His strong emphasis on stake-holder involvement in needs-assessments, project delivery and evaluation is impressive… ”
Marc Weller
Director
Eurpean Centre for Minority Issues, Germany