Vietnam Evaluation, Monitoring & Survey Services Project FY 2017 Annual Report

The primary objective of VEMSS is to improve the quality and utilization of performance data and analysis to drive USAID/Vietnam's program management and decision-making responsibilities. The VEMSS FY 2017 Work Plan focuses on providing technical assistance to the USAID/Vietnam Mission in reviewing and analyzing program data, such as data related to implementation of the performance management plan (PMP) and performance and writing report (PPR). VEMSS also supports the implementation of activity monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans (AMELPs) and other activities related to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for USAID/Vietnam, including conducting M&E training, reviews, and evaluations. To date, feedback from USAID/Vietnam, implementing partners (IPs), and people who have used VEMSS services indicates that the project is effective. A comprehensive assessment of the project's effectiveness has not been conducted in this reporting period, so the project's progress will be evaluated based on completion status, usefulness, and feedback from USAID and IPs. Task 1 of the project involves providing technical assistance in implementing USAID/Vietnam's PMP. VEMSS has supported the Mission in preparing PMP and PPR data for the Mission portfolio review. The project synthesized and visualized PMP and PPR data from the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (DOs) and development objectives (IRs) to show progress in the Mission's key indicators versus targets. PMP and PPR summary notes and graphs were used in the Mission portfolio review in November 2016. The synthesis noted that achievement of the targets varied across DOs and IRs, ranging from 50 percent (2 out of 4 indicators) for DO1 to 70 percent (14 out of 20) for DO2. Progress toward achievement of Special Objective (SPO) IR1.1, SPO IR1.2, and SPO IR1.3 was 85 percent, 100 percent, and 100 percent, respectively. VEMSS also assisted the PDO in developing a database for PMP data and analysis, which can be used in future rounds of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (DOs) portfolio review and report. Task 2 of the project involves designing and conducting performance evaluations. VEMSS has supported several USAID Vietnam activities, including the Partner Capacity Development (PCD), Lower Mekong Public Policy Initiatives (LMPPI), Land Access for Women (LAW), and Enhancing Worker Rights programs. VEMSS assistance included in-depth support to review and improve AMELPs. The Results Framework, including its components, was revised significantly to include clearer cause-effect linkages and assumptions for relevant components. Approaches and methodologies for measuring the results were identified and described clearly and systematically. VEMSS assistance and support were highly valued by USAID/Vietnam and IPs. Task 3 of the project involves designing and conducting impact evaluations. VEMSS has supported the implementation of the HIV/AIDS and Transition to Technical Assistance (HIV/AIDS) project. VEMSS assistance included in-depth support to review and improve AMELPs. The Results Framework, including its components, was revised significantly to include clearer cause-effect linkages and assumptions for relevant components. Approaches and methodologies for measuring the results were identified and described clearly and systematically. VEMSS assistance and support were highly valued by USAID/Vietnam and IPs. Task 4 of the project involves developing monitoring surveys and indexes. VEMSS has supported the implementation of the Lower Mekong Public Policy Initiatives (LMPPI) project. VEMSS assistance included in-depth support to review and improve AMELPs. The Results Framework, including its components, was revised significantly to include clearer cause-effect linkages and assumptions for relevant components. Approaches and methodologies for measuring the results were identified and described clearly and systematically. VEMSS assistance and support were highly valued by USAID/Vietnam and IPs. Task 5 of the project involves capacity building on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for local implementation partners. VEMSS has supported the implementation of the Partner Capacity Development (PCD) project. VEMSS assistance included in-depth support to review and improve AMELPs. The Results Framework, including its components, was revised significantly to include clearer cause-effect linkages and assumptions for relevant components. Approaches and methodologies for measuring the results were identified and described clearly and systematically. VEMSS assistance and support were highly valued by USAID/Vietnam and IPs. Task 6 of the project involves other learning, collaboration, and adapting. VEMSS has supported the implementation of the HIV/AIDS and Transition to Technical Assistance (HIV/AIDS) project. VEMSS assistance included in-depth support to review and improve AMELPs. The Results Framework, including its components, was revised significantly