UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANANCE FRAMEWORK (UNDAF)
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG)
ON MONITORING and EVALUATION
TERMS OF REFERENCE (October 25, 2007)
1.0 BACKGROUND
The UNDAF Monitoring consists of a combination of agency monitoring instruments and joint monitoring tools such as those employed by the government and DAG, where appropriate. Some specific outcome evaluations will be undertaken during the programme cycle to focus on selected strategies. As clearly indicated in UNDAF document the M&E mechanisms will include the existing theme groups, joint field assessment and activities with partners. M&E responsibilities under UNDAF lie with the UNCT assisted by the UNDAF TWG. Therefore the UNDAF Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Technical Working Group jointly with theme TWGs will monitor and evaluate UNDAF outcomes and related Country Programme (CP) outcomes and outputs. It also links with the DAG M&E TWG and follow up on the national development goals, including working with the MDG linked monitoring and evaluation frameworks of the PASDEP. This TWG is revitalized to provide support to the monitoring and evaluation activities of core working groups. The Monitoring and evaluation activities of the group are based on the UNDAF Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Calendar.
The thematic TWGs will liaise with the responsible bodies with in the government structure to monitor progress on UNDAF outcomes and outputs for various focal areas of UNDAF. The main responsible body for taking forwards the M&E of the Government’s poverty reduction strategies is the Welfare Monitoring Unit (WMU) located within MoFED. The Central Statistical Authority (CSA) plays a key role in the production of major national surveys such as the Household Income Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HICES), undertaken every five years, the Welfare Monitoring Survey (WMS) undertaken every 4 years, the Population and Agricultural census, the Health and Nutrition Survey and the Labour Force Survey. Other elements of the M&E system include specialized surveys such as the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS); the undertaking in 2004/05 of a Participatory Poverty Assessment (PPA); and the use of routine data generated by sectoral Ministries and local government. Significant progress has been made over time in terms of the methodologies adopted, making utmost use of the available data sets, handling the data and undertaking the analysis, and issuing the results within a reasonable timeframe. Several ministries also collect socioeconomic data, mainly from administrative sources, relevant to the PASDEP. Several line ministries, especially those with sector programs, run their own monitoring systems such as Education Information Management Systems (EMIS), the forthcoming Health Information Management Systems (HMIS) etc. To the extent possible, the UNDAF M&E system will depend on existing systems of counterparts and data sources of various UN agencies such as routine CPAP monitoring systems. The UNDAF Result Matrix will be the bases to monitor progress on development outcomes and outputs.
2.0 MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES
Both the Government of Ethiopia and UN agencies are keen to improve on the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for development endeavors. Efficient and effective M&E system will enable informed decision to improve performance and will allow meaningful dialogue with development partners. In this context, the two main purposes of the TWG are to ensure an active, effective and efficient interaction between the GoE (represented by the MOFED, line ministries and other stakeholders as appropriate), and the UNCT, on the progress made in implementation of the UNDAF, as reflected in the Result Matrix of outcomes and indicators. In particular, the TWG will systematically advise the UNCT on M&E issues, activate a structured dialogue with MOFED (WMU and line ministries), and report to the UNCT and the authorities on the conclusions and recommendations from the dialogue. Second, the TWG will support and monitor the establishment and running of a robust and effective M&E system by the thematic TWGs including, development of tools, formats, guidelines for the annual reviews, organizing joint field missions and providing strategic direction to the overall UNDAF M&E to ensure synergy and coherence.
The main tasks for the TWG are:
- Support Result-based monitoring system based on the UNDAF Result Matrix, the TWG will:
(i) Review and align UNDAF M&E framework with national M&E framework for the PASDEP and MDGs.
(ii) Ensure coherence between agencies M&E frameworks with that of UNDAF framework.
(iii) Coordinate all M&E related tasks.
(iv) Support the RC office and UNCT in facilitating UNDAF Annual Review Process.
(v) Develop UNDAF Annual Review Guidelines including formats and to the extent possible adopt common procedures. UNDAF and CPAP monitoring and evaluation plans should be aligned, and if necessary the former should be updated.
(vi) In collaboration with other thematic TWGs and Government, report on the progress made towards the achievements of targets as set in the UNDAF Result Matrix and MDGs;
(vii) Map out Agency output results and their contributions to UNDAF outcomes;
(viii) Contribute to the development and maintenance of national databases for monitoring of MDGs such as devinfo/ethioinfo etc.
- Facilitate overall UNDAF Reviews (Annual, mid term, end term and the preparation to the next UNDAF): provide technical guidance to UNCT on UNDAF evaluations to be undertaken during programme period.
- Facilitate a feedback process: ensure systematic feedback process in UNDAF implementation .The feedback process will improve the quality of the M&E system itself as well as the UNDAF planning cycle.
- Contribute to strengthen M&E capacity: facilitate Result Based Management (RBM)/M&E capacity building for UNDAF TWGs and ensure members are up-to-date on the skills. .
- Promote dissemination of information: facilitate the dissemination of information generated by the M&E system to all stakeholders on UNDAF outcomes. This will include helping to identify the information needs of a wide audience including policy makers, program beneficiaries and the public.
4.0 ANNUAL PLAN OF ACTIVITIES:
The TWG on the basis of the UNDAF M&E Calendar will develop an Annual Plan of Activities at the beginning of each year. Progress will be reviewed after six months and the plan will be updated, if required to reflect significant unexpected changes and modify the priorities selected initially.
4.0 OPERATIONAL MODALITIES OF THE TWG
As per the UNCT decision, the TWG will be co-chaired by UNICEF and UNDP with the support of one RC office-Secretary. The TWG will report to UNCT and RC office.
The Chairpersons will represent the TWG in DAG meetings while the secretary will be responsible for circulating minutes.
The TWG will meet minimum six times a year-once every other month and more frequently if deemed necessary. The Co-Chairpersons and the Secretary will prepare an agenda in consultation with group members. The Secretary will circulate minutes no later than two weeks after the meeting.