Evaluating to Learn: Monitoring & Evaluation Best Practices in Development INGOs

Abstract

USAID Forward has spurred development assistance implementers to consider how USAID’s new priorities will impact international non-governmental organizations (INGOs)’ monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to determine for the client whether INGOs have changed their M&E practices in response to USAID Forward’s Evaluation Policy. Second, the report identifies best practices of development INGOs in implementing M&E. Interviews were conducted with nine M&E staff members from eight different INGOs. The results of the analysis show mixed responses regarding the influence of USAID Forward’s Evaluation Policy on M&E, and revealed six best practices. The study includes recommendations that IRD apply the best practices outlined in this report to enhance its own M&E activities, for several reasons. Functioning M&E systems enable INGOs to achieve mission, improve programs, and attract resources, at the program and agency levels. INGOs can leverage their value add as implementing agencies to preserve their role in development assistance despite USAID and the international community’s emphasis on local capacity building.