|
The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness sets out the commitment of development agencies and partner countries to finding more effective ways of working together. The DAC Network on Development Evaluation has long been in the lead of promoting joint evaluations. In order to enhance transparency and facilitate identification of opportunities for collaboration, members of the Network have agreed to systematically share future evaluation plans and work programmes.
Short history of the Network’s work on joint evaluations
In 2000, experiences and a first set of lessons learned about joint evaluations were synthesised and published in the DAC Evaluation and Aid Effectiveness Series: Effective practices in conducting a joint multi-donor evaluation.
In 2004, the Network commissioned a consultant to undertake a study on joint evaluations. This focused on recent experiences, new and evolving issues and the partner country perspective. A literature review and consultations with over 100 representatives from donor agencies, civil society and consultants was carried out. A consultative workshop with developing country partners was also held in Nairobi (workshop report). The report, Joint Evaluations: Recent experiences, lessons learned and options for the future was presented in June 2005.
In 2006 the Network published Guidance for managing joint evaluations (Orientations relatives à la gestion des évaluations conjointes). This booklet is directed at the wider evaluation community and provides practical advice and tips for those involved in planning and implementing joint evaluations. This guide is based on both the earlier publications mentioned above.
At network meetings members continue to share and learn from one another’s experiences with joint evaluations. The Network has served as the coordinating hub for several major international joint evaluations, such as the multi-donor, multi-partner evaluation of general budget support published in 2005. Network members and the secretariat also contribute to joint evaluations led by others, for example the recent evaluation of the Paris Declaration.
Joint evaluations have the potential to bring many benefits to stakeholders
Mutual capacity development. Joint evaluations enable agencies (as well as partner countries and local consultants involved) to learn from each other and to share evaluation knowledge.
Harmonisation and reduced transaction costs. One joint effort instead of multiple single evaluations can clearly reduce the partner country’s transaction costs. This will also limit the number of different evaluation messages and foster consensus on recommendations for future actions.
Objectivity and legitimacy. Joint evaluations can increase the objectivity, transparency and independence of the evaluation and strengthen its legitimacy and impact. Broad participation increases ownership of findings and makes follow-up on recommendations more likely.
Broader scope. Joint evaluations can address broader evaluation questions and facilitate a perspective on multi-agency impacts beyond the results of one individual agency.
Participation, alignment and ownership. Joint evaluations should enable participation of partner country institutions. This facilitates alignment of evaluations with national needs and ownership of the evaluation process and its results.
When to consider a joint evaluation
Back to current work
|
