Strengthening Evaluation at USAID

The initiative aimed to rebuild USAID's capacity to conduct robust and objective evaluations that inform effective, evidence-based programming. According to the USAID Administrator, evaluation is a key aspect of program management, essential for accountability and learning. The need to strengthen evaluation was driven by several factors, including the desire to improve development effectiveness based on empirical knowledge of what works and what does not. This goal was also motivated by the need to report more transparently and accountably to Congress and the American people, as well as to inform resource allocations based on timely information. Meeting legislative and executive requirements to manage more effectively for results was another key objective. To establish a strong evaluation policy, USAID issued new Monitoring and Evaluation Directives (ADS 203) and published Evaluation Standards and Guidelines. The agency also crafted an Agency Evaluation Strategy, developed an Agency Evaluation Agenda, and planned an Evaluation Action Plan and Coordination Committee (APCC). Furthermore, a Central Evaluation Unit was established to oversee the evaluation process. Growing evaluation resources was another critical aspect of the initiative. USAID managed Central Contract Services (IMR2) and competed for new Evaluation IQCs. The agency also revitalized online services, including EvalWeb, and created a Public Evaluation Portal to increase access to evaluation information. Additionally, USAID invested in new and updated tools, such as the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Information Package (M&E TIPs) and the Evaluation Wiki. Strengthening evaluation capacity was a key component of the initiative. USAID offered Evaluation Certificate Courses, which trained over 100 individuals, and provided Program Planning and Performance Management Courses in Washington, D.C., and in the field. A Distance Learning Course was also developed to increase access to evaluation training. New and updated tools, such as the M&E TIPs and the Evaluation Wiki, were created to support evaluation efforts. Promoting more effective collaboration was another critical aspect of the initiative. USAID established the USAID Evaluation Interest Group and the Foreign Affairs Evaluation Coordination Group, which brought together representatives from the State Department, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and PEPFAR. The agency also supported the new ACFVA Evaluation Sub-committee and worked with the Department of Defense on joint initiatives, including humanitarian assistance and joint performance measurement and evaluation frameworks. Asserting intellectual leadership was a key objective of the initiative. USAID participated effectively in international evaluation forums, such as EvalNet and 3ie, and made strong presentations at evaluation meetings. The agency planned publications on evaluation theory and practice and gained wide visibility on the Office of Management and Budget's Evaluation Experts Group. USAID also took a leadership role in evaluating the Paris Declaration, a key international agreement on aid effectiveness.