Quarterly Progress Report: Fiscal Year 2021 – Quarter 2

It is implemented by SoCha LLC. The purpose of Z-MELP is to improve program performance management and efficiency at all levels, to help the Mission meet Agency requirements, make improved informed strategic and management decisions around program implementation, and advance Agency learning. Z-MELP provides technical assistance across the Mission's Program Cycle management-related tasks. This includes performance monitoring support, evaluation support services, data management support, capacity building and strengthening services relating to Program Cycle elements, and collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) support services. The tasks under each objective are differentiated into two types: core tasks, which relate to standard work requests and are expected to be delivered in each year, and tasks that draw on program activities funds, which must be specifically activated and draw on a dedicated pool of funds. The Z-MELP Activity is structured around several service tasks within each support area that the Mission can adaptively draw upon as demand arises. As such, the tasks function as a menu of services that ensure Z-MELP operates as a flexible and demand-driven support mechanism to the USAID/Zambia Mission. The tasks under each objective are further differentiated into core tasks and tasks that draw on program activities funds. Z-MELP has made progress in providing technical assistance to the Mission. The satisfaction of requesters with completed work requests is summarized in a table, which shows that the majority of requesters were satisfied with the overall responsiveness and deliverables of Z-MELP. However, the table may not include survey results for all Z-MELP work requests completed in the reporting period, as the survey is voluntary. The Z-MELP Activity has several objectives, including performance monitoring support, evaluation support services, data management support, capacity building and strengthening services, and collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) support services. The tasks under each objective are differentiated into core tasks and tasks that draw on program activities funds. Z-MELP has made progress in providing technical assistance to the Mission, and the satisfaction of requesters with completed work requests is summarized in a table. The geographic coverage of the Z-MELP Activity is Lusaka, Zambia. The reporting period for this quarterly progress report is October 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. The Z-MELP Activity is implemented by SoCha LLC, and the prime implementing partner is eNgoma. The major counterpart organizations are USAID/Zambia Implementing Partners. The Z-MELP Activity has several key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure its progress towards its objectives. These KPIs include the number of work requests completed, the satisfaction of requesters with completed work requests, and the quality of deliverables. The KPIs are used to track the progress of the Z-MELP Activity and to identify areas for improvement. The Z-MELP Activity has several challenges and lessons learned that are summarized in a separate section of this report. These challenges and lessons learned are used to identify areas for improvement and to inform future activities. The Z-MELP Activity has made progress in providing technical assistance to the Mission, and the satisfaction of requesters with completed work requests is summarized in a table.