Evaluation library

The third DRC MEL Minimum Operational Procedure states that: DRC projects, which meet the thresholds outlined in the DRC evaluation policy, are evaluated and the evaluation findings are incorporated in decisions on programme strategy and design. In order to comply with this MELMOP you need to ensure that four measures are taken:

  1. Each DRC operation is to plan, budget for and conduct one evaluation per year. In addition, if no donor requirements are given, when projects (single grants) are larger than 2.000.000 USD and have a duration of more than 12 months, an external evaluation is to be conducted. For Corporate Emergencies a Response Review is conducted.
  2. Register planned evaluations with OPSU
  3. Develop Evaluation ToR using the DRC guideline
  4. Ensure that a management response and action plan is developed to follow up on recommendations

In the Evaluation Library you will find all the documents you need to refer to in order to carry out the four measures above. These documents are placed under Relevant DRC MEL Programme Handbook Documents.  Of particular relevance is the Evaluation Policy, which is mandatory reading for M&E staff. For emergency staff the Guideline on Real Time Reviews is also relevant. Under the remaining headings  you will find additional relevant information on good practice when conducting evaluations.

Additionally to the documents you find in this library we encourage you to acquaint yourself with ALNAP’s Guide on Evaluating Humanitarian Action (EHA). You can find the guide on ALNAP’s webpage. ALNAP also offers an e-learning module on the EHA guide, which is free of charge and can be found at mymande.org.

The M&E Unit is developing a depository for all DRC evaluation reports at drc.dk. This will be developed during 2015. However, in addition to registering your evaluation with OPSU do send in your evaluation reports to mel@drc.dk

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Relevant DRC MEL Programme Handbook Documents

DRC Management Response Template

DRC Management Response Template.

DRC Example of Evaluation ToR

An example of a DRC Evaluation ToR which can be used for inspiration.

DRC Evaluation ToR Guideline

The DRC Evaluation Terms of Reference Guideline should be used when developing Terms of Reference for external or internal evaluations or Real Time Reviews.

DRC Operational Principles short version

Short version of DRC Operational Principles.

DRC Real Time Review Guidance Note

DRC Real Time Reviews follow a specific process. The guide gives you a quick overview of how to do a Real Time Review using the DRC Approach.

DRC Evaluation Policy

DRC Evaluation Policy

DRC MELMOPs

A one page overview of the DRC Minimum Operational Procedures for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. The page clarifies actions and responsibilities in relation to the MELMOPs.

Planning and Reporting

DRC Real Time Review Budget Example

Example of a Real Time Review budget.

DRC Guide for Report Writing

A DRC Guidance note on how to write a donor report based on your M&E data.

Evaluation Report Feedback Form Example

This form can help you organise feedback on your evaluation report.

EU Report Writing Guide

Tips and tricks on writing reports.

Logical Frameworks and Indicator Guidance

EU Report Writing Guide

Tips and tricks on writing reports.

Quality Assurance

Michael Patton Utilization-Focused Evaluation Checklist

Utilization-Focused Evaluation begins with the premise that evaluations should be judged by their utility and actual use. This checklist can support you in how to plan for the use of your evaluation findings.

Bond Evidence Principles Checklist

Principles and checklist for assessing the quality of your evaluation report and the evidence presented in it.

Three Universal Evaluation Questions INTRAC

Three Universal Evaluation Questions.

Quality Standards for Evaluations

OECD DAC guideline on quality standards for conducting evaluations, with a focus on development programmes.

Ethical Guidelines For Evaluation

UNEG guideline on ethical considerations in regards to the evaluation process.

ALNAP Guide on using OECD-DAC evaluation criteria

An ALNAP guide for humanitarian agencies in using the OECD DAC criteria for evaluating humanitarian action.

UNEG Quality Checklist for Evaluation TOR

This UNEQ quality checklist for evaluation Terms of Reference serves as a good guideline for the design and conduct of evaluations.

DRC Tools, Methods and Data Collection Guidance

DRC Note on Impact Evaluation

An introduction to impact evaluation and comments on the relevance to DRC.

Guide to the After Action Review

The After Action Review is useful for reflecting upon a project during and after its completion. Sharing the results from your AAR can help future teams learn your successful strategies and avoid pitfalls you have worked to overcome.

Humanitarian Needs Assessment- The Good Enough Guide ASCAPS 2015

This guide is written for field staff carrying out assessments in the early days and weeks following a disaster. It is especially aimed at national project managers and their teams.

DFID Planning Evaluability Assessments A Synthesis of the Literature with Recommendations

The purpose of this synthesis paper is to produce a short practically oriented report that summarises the literature on Evaluability Assessments, and highlights the main issues for consideration in planning an Evaluability Assessment. The paper was commissioned by the Evaluation Department of the UK Department forInternational Development(DFID) but intended for use both within and beyond DFID.

Guide to Evaluating Capacity Development Results

World Bank Institute guide on evaluating capacity development.

Realist Impact Evaluation, ODI Methods Lab

An interesting approach to impact and outcome evaluation making use of program theory as the starting point for the evaluation.

Further Reading

GPPi Real‐Time Evaluation of Humanitarian Assistance Revisited: Lessons Learned 

The  real‐time  evaluation  (RTE)  approach  has  been  applied  in  humanitarian  assistance  for  two  decades.  Its  spread  seems  to  be  as  much  a  result  of  entrepreneurial  evaluators  who  aim  to  demonstrate  expertise  to  potential  clients  as  it  is  a  response  to  actual  demand  for  immediate  feedback of results to decision makers.