UNEG Study on the Evaluability of the UN Development Assistance Framework

Overview

This report assesses the evaluability of recent UNDAFs in terms of: a) clarity of intent of the subject to be evaluated (relevance and design of the expected outcome statements and results matrices); b) the existence of sufficient measurable indicators (collection of reliable data for analysis); c) quality of joint monitoring systems; and d) external factors (positive or negative) that have influenced the process and the realization of expected outcomes.

The UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), introduced in 1997, aims to support identification and implementation of a collective, coherent and integrated UN system response to national priorities and needs. In 2004, the Guidelines issued by the UN Development Group on the development and use of UNDAFs were revised. As part of this revision, guidance on monitoring and evaluation was included for the first time.

The conclusions and recommendations outlined are expected to provide inputs into the update of the UNDAF M&E guidance currently being prepared by UNDG led Working Group on Programming Policy. They are also meant to yield benefits for the on-going process of conducting joint country-level evaluations and to provide inputs to refine the scope of the next round of UNDAF evaluations that will be commissioned by the relevant UNCTs.

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