Final performance evaluation of the fostering transparency initiative (FOTI) program in Timor-Leste

FOTI was divided into six major components: (1) Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC); (2) Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG); (3) internal and external audit; (4) procurement; (5) national parliament; and (6) external watchdog and public advocacy. The primary intended purpose of this evaluation is to (1) provide lessons learned for Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL), USAID, and other stakeholders in implementing future anti-corruption (AC) activities; (2) uphold MCC's commitment to maintaining accountability and measuring program results; and (3) provide practical lessons for current and future Threshold partners. Slight modifications to the program logic were permitted through a contract modification of the scope of work (SOW) shortly before the end of the program in December 2013. These were primarily to match the required activities to the altered contextual realities. The primary evaluation topics identified were: (1) program logic; (2) activities designed and implemented; (3) influence on changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; and (4) sustainability & lessons learned. The program was -- at least in the case of corruption survey -- able to take corrective actions that made it more responsive to the target institution's priorities. If the program had a better sense of the needs and desires of the target organizations, it seems likely that the activities would have launched more quickly and decreased the likelihood of needing to substantially modify the SOW. Specific evaluation findings, conclusions and recommendations are provided with detailed analysis for each of the evaluation topics. (Excerpt, modified)