Monitoring and Evaluation
Through our participatory approach to monitoring and evaluation, we seek not only to measure the effectiveness of a program or project but also to build ownership and empower beneficiaries, which in turn enhances the accountability and transparency of our partner organizations. This approach also focuses on building the capacity of people to analyze and reflect upon their actions and involvement in the project and promotes joint learning of stakeholders at various levels.
With participation as a core value, a mixed-method approach to M&E is used that is both theory-based and utilization-focused. This approach allows us to measure the effectiveness and impact of a program or a project against performance indicators and planned results. It also ensures efficiency by focusing the M&E activities on achieving pre-determined goals that are relevant and practical to primary intended users. Through this mixed-method approach, robust data is translated into practical, relevant findings, lessons learned, and recommendations, with the commitment to take corrective actions being catalyzed among stakeholder groups.
We also hold communication at all stages and levels of the M&E process in high regard. We employ the participatory approach through to the final stages of evaluation to ensure that all stakeholders are both kept aware and given the opportunity to react to results and findings. We strictly adhere to reporting requirements and are sensitive to the diverse linguistic and communication needs of participants in international settings.
During assignments requiring M&E, the following basic methodology is adhered to, although it is subject to change depending on the context of the project and the needs and wishes of the client, the organization under evaluation (if different), and the funding party.
- Pre-assessment of documentation and secondary material
- Formulation of an evaluation team
- Initial analysis (including stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, and program logic analysis)
- Development of assessment tools (including focus group outlines, workshop plans, development of interview frameworks, and other more specialized tools depending on the project/program)
- Conduction of fieldwork and data collection using assessment tools
- Analysis of data
- Formulation of recommendations based on analysis
- Presentation of findings and recommendations
- Writing of reports and their delivery