Results-based management in the United Nations system

United Nations system organizations have been implementing results-based management (RBM) since 2002. Its value has been highlighted in resolutions of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system between 2004 and 2016. Results based management has been adopted in many parts of the world as organizations focus on delivering tangible improvements and changes that add value. As global challenges become more complicated and complex and as the need increases for knowledge of sound evidence of results and of what works, why and how, in managing for achieving results takes center stage.

The Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations system has since 2004 given focus to RBM in the UN system and has developed benchmarking frameworks and conducted several reviews of RBM in organizations. An overview of RBM is also included in the single organization reviews of management and administration.

The JIU in 2015-2016 carried out two projects on RBM seeking to enhance coherence in the mainstreaming of RBM in the UN system and to enhance continued development in current times.