Monitoring and Evaluation
The LGP Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) platform will rely on the systematic collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative and qualitative information. The LGP MEL team will train partner staff in relevant data collection methods, and provide associated feedback to component/task managers, partners and field staff. Performance indicators will be used to:
- Measure progress towards targeted activity results
- Identify shortcomings in activity interventions
- Inform decisions to adjust course, and facilitate communication of results to USAID counterparts, and other stakeholders.
The MEL Plan was developed with consideration of the following guiding principles:
- A tool for self-assessment: This MEL Plan will enable both the Program team and USAID management teams to systematically collect and analyze performance information to track progress toward LGP’s objectives and results.
- Plan early for performance management: The foundations of the MEL Plan and overall MEL approach were developed during the technical proposal phase and through initial co-creation activities with USAID postaward. This early MEL design helped direct data review for performance measures, planning for development of data collection within project activities, adequate planning across technical offices and within the donor community, among others.
- Alignment with USAID’s strategies and processes: The MEL Plan is developed based on USAID Pacific’s Performance Management Plan (PMP), USAID Biodiversity Policy, USAID Evaluation Policy, and relevant USAID MEL guidance. Planning and regular review of results by indicator will occur on a set schedule in accordance with USAID requirements.
- Performance-informed decision-making: The MEL Plan is designed to inform and influence project decision-making and resource allocation.
- Transparency: To increase transparency, data quality assessments (DQAs) will be conducted and any known limitations will be documented.
- Gender: The MEL Plan captures gender disparities under Program results and impact. Additionally, the MEL Plan lends itself to activity design by ensuring the active integration of gender considerations.
- Communication: The MEL Plan and its data collection methodologies are designed to communicate the Program results and impacts to advance organizational learning and tell USAID’s story.
- Cost Effectiveness: When selecting performance indicators, efforts have been made to streamline and minimize the data collection and reporting burden. Efforts were made to ensure that only data useful for decision-making is collected. Data collection for each indicator will be reviewed with relevant stakeholders. Where applicable, the Program uses performance indicators that align with Government of PNG counterparts and other donors.
- Participation: The MEL Plan was designed in a participatory manner. USAID, Cardno, and implementing partners played an active and collaborative role in preparing this MEL Plan through the co-creation activities, workshop sessions, and other dialogs. Where appropriate, select stakeholders were engaged in reviewing elements of the MEL Plan. LGP’s implementing partners and key stakeholders will participate in data collection, as well as in the learning and adaptation process.
