USAID Monitoring, Evaluating and Learning for Sustainability Annual Progress Report

The Activity is implemented by EnCompass LLC under Contract No. 72052719D00001, with a budget of $9,499,917.97. The Activity is divided into four components: Evaluations, Assessments, and other studies; Technical Assistance and Training in M&E; Strengthening GOP's M&E Capacity; and Collaboration, Learning, and Knowledge Management for Sustainability. Under Component 1, the Activity made significant progress on three evaluations/studies planned for Year 1 completion, funded through Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) I. One evaluation was final, and two were pending final approval with USAID at the end of the year. The Activity has also begun preparatory work on three additional evaluations/studies to begin the design phase in the first quarter of Year 2. In Component 2, the Activity supported USAID in several internal processes, including the implementation of the Development Information Solution (DIS), the development of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), and monitoring activities aligned to the USAID/Peru Performance Management Plan (PMP). However, the launch of processes involving Implementing Partners (IPs) was delayed until USAID formally introduced the MELS Activity to other IPs in December 2019. Following the introduction, the Activity started exploring the prioritized IPs' interest in participating in capacity assessments and improvement plans, but this process was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The activities under Component 3 were challenging due to the lack of direct and fluent contact with GOP institutions. The Activity approached SERFOR, OSINFOR, and SERVIR/ENAP, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted much work for all institutions and forced individuals to work virtually. Additionally, the vacancy in the position of the Capacity Development and Learning Specialist limited the ability of the MELS team to restart interactions and activities with GOP institutions. The Activity also made progress under Component 4, which focuses on Collaboration, Learning, and Knowledge Management for Sustainability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted communication with IPs and shifted their focus to prioritize continuing work in the new context. The Activity is continuously evolving and adapting to ensure success, with the end of the first year serving as a natural point for reflection and adaptation. The Activity team has learned a great deal about the ingredients necessary for achieving results, including the technical requirements specific to the context, the importance of ensuring the usefulness of products and services, effective and efficient management processes, and building strong client relations. The Activity is committed to continuous learning and adaptation to ensure success in the face of changing contextual conditions.