232 - CGIAR’s experience of using evaluability assessments as a means toward promoting evaluation readiness and inclusivity

Abstract Information: The Consortium of Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in agricultural research. It focuses on creating a food secure future and transforming the world’s food, land, and water systems to adapt to a changing climate. As a means for supporting greater readiness for evaluation, the Independent Advisory Evaluation Services (IAES) at CGIAR developed a framework for evaluability assessments (EA). The EA framework is comprised of 6 domains (criteria) -- intervention logic; MEL systems and resources; gender, diversity and inclusivity; long-term evaluability; context and environment; and management and stakeholder engagement. Within the 6 domains there are 40 questions fashioned in a checklist format which can be used as both a self-assessment tool for programmes and as a means for independent assessors to determine extent of evaluability. A strong value in the framework is the engagement of marginalized groups and the sound promotion of inter-agency collaboration within CGIAR. IAES has now implemented this EA framework for 4 programmes within CGIAR. The objective of our presentation is to provide a synthesis of the findings, and a reflection on the learning within CGIAR related to internal policies and processes for planning, monitoring and evaluating programmes, as well as inclusion of marginalized groups. Finally, a critical reflection on the framework’s usefulness and effectiveness as a tool for assessing evaluability will be shared, and steps taken to further strengthen it for future use.