Q1 2021 MELA Quarterly Report

MELA is designed to ensure USAID's activities in Jordan achieve their intended results through monitoring and evaluation, strategic assessments, and collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA). The activity aims to create a dynamic learning environment among development actors focused on innovation, quality MEL practices, and knowledge sharing. During the reporting period, the team led two assessments, three evaluations, and two data verification requests. Two evaluations and one assessment continued from the previous quarter, while one assessment and one evaluation began. Health issues for two evaluation/assessment team leads caused delays in final report production, but the team communicated these delays with USAID and received extensions for the report submissions. Despite these challenges, active evaluations and assessments remained at or below budget. The team assisted USAID in reviewing and developing Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS) and supported ways to consolidate the Mission Performance Management Plan (PMP) document into an online, user-friendly format. MELA also reviewed two MEL Plans for USAID Implementing Partners (IPs): the Recycling in Jordan Activity and the Community Health and Nutrition Activity. The team continued to provide MEL support to IPs as necessary. MELA managed the Missions IT systems, including the Knowledge Management Portal (KaMP), DevResults, and Geographic Information System (GIS). The team made progress toward gaining access to the Knowledge Management System (KMS) and is pending further guidance from the Mission regarding the migration from DevResults to Development Information Solutions (DIS). The team developed a Capacity Building Plan for the Ministry of Health (MoH) and supported the development of MEL Plans for the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Youth (MoY), and National Aid Fund (NAF). MELA also supported the MoY with a youth needs assessment using a Participatory Rapid Assessment (PRA) approach. The team conducted two virtual trainings focused on top priorities for the Mission and IP staff, based on a training needs assessment conducted last quarter. Next quarter, the team will conduct three new trainings. The team will hold an evaluation/assessment pause and reflect session to discuss and apply lessons learned for current and upcoming work. The team will finalize one assessment and one evaluation, while one assessment and one evaluation will continue according to schedule. The geographic focus of MELA is Jordan, and the activity is implemented by The Kaizen Company (Kaizen) with subcontractors Dexis Consulting Group (Dexis). The contract number is 72027820C00005, and the activity start date is February 11, 2020, with an end date of February 10, 2025. The reporting period is Q1 FY21, which spans from October 1 to December 31, 2020.