Quarterly Performance Report: January – March 2016

The Program aims to improve the effectiveness of development assistance interventions and shape longer-term strategic direction and decision making, particularly with regard to the implementation of the Feed the Future (FTF) and Global Climate Change (GCC) initiatives. The MEP is working to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) mechanism that provides continuous performance monitoring, verification, and impact evaluation of program results, including environmental compliance. The Program is led by DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech), the prime contractor, and has a three-pronged strategy. The first component of the strategy focuses on monitoring and evaluating EGO programs, which involves conducting baseline, mid-term, and final-term surveys to collect information on key indicators of USAID programs under the FTF and GCC initiatives. This component also includes establishing and reviewing baseline and target values for outcome and impact indicators, as well as procedures to measure EGO programs indicators. The second component of the strategy focuses on local capacity for increased monitoring and evaluation, including the collection of data on key indicators. This component involves strengthening the institutional and statistical capacity of selected Government of Guatemala (GOG) institutions, such as the National Statistical Institute (INE) and the Secretariat for National Food Security and Nutrition (SESAN). The third component of the strategy focuses on clearinghouse, Management Information System (MIS), Geographic Information System (GIS), environmental compliance, and other M&E services developed and delivered. This component involves establishing a web-based Information Management System and indicator data repository, developing a GIS with a web-based interface for mapping USAID programs, and establishing an automated process for completing environmental compliance requirements through the Clearinghouse. The MEP has made significant progress in the first quarter of FY2016, with several key achievements. The Program has established a web-based Information Management System and indicator data repository, which is functioning for use by USAID and implementing partners for data entry. The Program has also developed a GIS with a web-based interface for mapping USAID programs, including the FTF and GCC initiatives. In addition, the Program has provided periodical training and skills development to implementing partners in data collection, indicators measurement, and reporting, as well as in using GIS/GPS. The Program has also conducted baseline, midterm, and final performance and impact evaluations for Democracy and Governance Office (DGO) programs, as requested. Overall, the MEP is making significant progress in supporting USAID/Guatemala's EGO by providing necessary information for informed program management decisions. The Program's three-pronged strategy is focused on monitoring and evaluating EGO programs, measuring USG "whole-of-government" progress with EGO programs, and developing a M&E mechanism that provides continuous performance monitoring, verification, and impact evaluation of program results. The Program's achievements in the first quarter of FY2016 demonstrate its commitment to improving the effectiveness of development assistance interventions and shaping longer-term strategic direction and decision making. The Program's continued progress will be critical in supporting USAID/Guatemala's EGO in achieving its development objectives. The Program's success in establishing a web-based Information Management System and indicator data repository, developing a GIS with a web-based interface for mapping USAID programs, and providing periodical training and skills development to implementing partners demonstrates its ability to develop and deliver M&E services. The Program's continued focus on monitoring and evaluating EGO programs, measuring USG "whole-of-government" progress with EGO programs, and developing a M&E mechanism that provides continuous performance monitoring, verification, and impact evaluation of program results will be critical in achieving its objectives. The Program's achievements in the first quarter of FY2016 also demonstrate its commitment to environmental compliance. The Program's establishment of an automated process for completing environmental compliance requirements through the Clearinghouse and its provision of periodical training and skills development to implementing partners in environmental compliance demonstrate its ability to support USAID/Guatemala's EGO in achieving its environmental objectives. Overall, the MEP is making significant progress in supporting USAID/Guatemala's EGO by providing necessary information for informed program management decisions. The Program's continued progress will be critical in achieving its objectives and supporting USAID/Guatemala's EGO in achieving its development objectives.