The role of evaluation in USAID

This report examines the new role of evaluation under USAID reengineering and outlines key steps operating units should follow in planning and conducting evaluations. As distinct from performance monitoring (tracking the extent to which results are being achieved as planned), an evaluation is a systematic analytical effort conducted in response to specific management questions about a USAID-funded development assistance program or activity. Its importance lies in informing operating units about what results were achieved, how and why they were achieved, and what actions to take to improve performance. According to USAID reengineering guidance, evaluations should assess activities and programs in terms of strategic objectives, be collaborative and participatory, and use rapid appraisal techniques. The key steps in conducting an evaluation are as follows. (1) Schedule evaluations only in response to a clear management need. (2) Plan the evaluation by clarifying its purpose, identifying evaluation questions, preparing a data collection and analysis plan, deciding on team composition and participation, and planning procedures (a schedule, reporting requirements, and a budget). (3) Hold a team planning workshop prior to conducting the evaluation. (4) Collect and analyze data, preferably empirical data, and do so in a systematic manner. (5) Communicate results in a suitable format, consisting of the following elements: an executive summary, an introduction, background on the problem addressed by the evaluation, USAID"s assistance approach, findings, conclusions, recommendations, lessons learned, unresolved issues, and annexes. (6) Review and use the results of the evaluation. (7) Submit the evaluation report to CDIE in electronic format.