monitoring, evaluation & learning

As development funding comes under increasing pressure from competing donor budgetary claims, scrutiny of development spending and demands for demonstrable value for money continue to increase. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) allows programs to understand what is working well, what is not working and why – giving the information needed to fix problems early and drive improved development outcomes and value for money.

Alinea brings a consistently professional approach to MEL. We develop clear, user-friendly MEL products and services that provide clarity of purpose, a robust theory of change to guide implementation and effectively track results, and processes and products for learning and adaptive management. We are committed to participatory MEL processes that build stakeholder ownership and support strong and enduring partnerships.

We do this by: supporting organizations and programs in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation approaches that are simultaneously results-driven and user-friendly; undertaking rigorous evaluations, research and analysis to inform future plans and avoid “reinventing the wheel;” and facilitating organizational/project learning in participatory and inclusive ways to open minds, challenge habits and assumptions, as well as build ownership and enthusiasm for evidence-based change. We deliver a range of quantitative and qualitative tools to support project information and evidence needs.

Alinea works with clients to develop and implement MEL approaches firmly aligned with the program design and that enable quality reporting on program impacts and results. We support clients to establish systems that encourage reflection to better inform decision making and adaptive programme management.

GLOBAL: Monitor for Grand Challenges Canada (Global Affairs Canada)

Alinea is the Health and Inclusive Economic Growth Monitor for the C$225M Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) program, which funds innovators from low and middle income countries and Canada to develop innovations that overcome global health challenges. As part of this assignment, Alinea monitor the Innovation Platform for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) project and the Advancing Global Health Innovations (AGHI) project. Key deliverables include: reviewing implementation progress of the GCC 3-stage model (proof of concept, testing ideas and scaling innovations); identifying strengths and weaknesses of the model in fostering innovations that can impact health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable; assessing whether projects are on track with respect to program, management, oversight and results; and providing recommendations to GCC on ways to link the incubation of innovations with outcomes on the ground and improve the efficiency of resources to better achieve results.

GLOBAL: Performance Evaluation of INVENT (Innovate Ventures & Technologies for Development) (UK DFID)

Alinea supported the performance evaluation of the INVENT Global programme with four key objectives: assess extent of achievement of INVENT Global towards its stated objectives; inform programming and strategy of DFID India global partnership team; support the learning of DFID and other development agencies working on innovation partnerships; and communicate findings and encourage impactful use with delivery partners/other stakeholders. The scope of the evaluation will focus exclusively on the global component of INVENT, which responds to partner country priorities related to health and agri-food systems, and seeks to: improve access for low income populations in Africa and South Asia to affordable, practical and appropriate innovations from India that enable them to address pressing development challenges and generate lessons and evidence on how to build effective mechanisms for transferring/testing innovations, facilitate productive partnerships that deliver development impact and enterprise growth in partner countries, and how the UK can work effectively with India as a global development actor in this space.

GLOBAL: Governance and Transparency Fund End of Programme Review (UK DFID)

Alinea (UK) conducted the End of Programme Review for the £100 million DFID Governance and Transparency Fund (GTF). The Fund objectives were: 1) Impact – governments are more capable, accountable and responsive to meet the needs of poor people; and 2) Purpose – strengthened civil society helps citizens effectively represent their views and interests, and hold governments to account for their actions at different levels in the governmental system. The Review covered 38 projects (£130 million) undertaken by 38 leading civil society and media organizations, linked to more than 1,200 local partner organizations in more than 100 countries. The fund’s activities covered a wide range of governance issues – from basic literacy for women in Afghanistan to human rights in Zimbabwe. It assisted citizens to get involved in the delivery of better quality services and have a say in national policies on issues, such as maternal health and access to justice and security. It promoted international standards in public financial management, gender equality and the environment, while operating in fragile and conflict-affected states.

AUSTRALIA: Australian Volunteers Program Support Services (DFAT Australia)

Alinea partners with Australian Volunteers International and Cardno to manage the Australian Volunteers Program Support Services. The Australian Volunteers Program (AVP) deploys skilled Australians from diverse backgrounds to help build the capacity of people, organizations, communities and institutions in developing countries. Alinea’s role focuses on providing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) support to the Program. In the first year of implementation the MEL team developed a robust MEL Framework supported by data collected tools and processes which are now being actively utilized to track program progress. The team conducted a series of workshops in Melbourne, Fiji and Sri Lanka to analyse MEL data, reflect on progress and support adaptive program management. Along with compiling a global annual report with the major lessons, achievements and management actions for the first year of implementation, the team developed country specific reports based on volunteer and partner organization feedback for the 27 active AVP countries capturing the program’s challenges and successes. Alinea continues to support AVI and Cardno to measure and improve program impact. For more information about the Australian Volunteers Program please visit australianvolunteers.com