Development effectiveness and monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
We undertake interdisciplinary research and analysis to support improvements in aid modalities, program design and development approaches. We provide innovation in the area of theories of change and development approaches that address complexity, gender equality and enable learning and citizen participation. We promote and adopt integrated analysis of economic, political, institutional social and environmental aspects of development initiatives. We directly conduct external evaluations and work with clients to improve M&E practice through systems thinking approaches, innovative M&E methodologies and capacity building in M&E.
Key projects in this area:
Aid Choices in Decentralised Contexts: working with partner systems to improve service delivery at the subnational level
A significant focus of AusAID’s programming is to strengthen the capacity of partner governments to deliver services. In many of the countries in which AusAID is working, governments are transferring responsibilities, decision making and service delivery to the subnational level. To understand how well AusAID supports service delivery in these decentralised contexts and how this support could be improved, the Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) has commissioned the Institute to conduct a detailed evaluation. The evaluation aims to assess the extent to which AusAID’s sectoral programs have adequately taken account the role played by subnational authorities. It will also provide a stronger evidence base for the design and management of programs in contexts where subnational authorities have significant roles in service delivery.
Ethical principles and guidelines for development research
Client: Australian Council for International Development (ACFID)
Ethical research principles and guidelines were developed by ISF researchers to guide and support the conduct of ethical research by the non-government sector in developing country contexts. These principles and guidelines were developed by drawing on existing Australian and international guidance for ethics in research and evaluation, and interpreting their meaning in the context of aid and development. Cross-cultural elements were included, as was a commitment to capacity building as part of research processes. ACFID has continued to pursue pathways to operationalise these initial steps towards a suitable framework and process for the sector.
Equity in water safety planning
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute are working together to explore gender and equity aspects of Water Safety Planning (WSP). Focusing on case studies and experiences from the WHO/AusAID Partnership on Water Quality, the equity study will assess and strengthen practice, outcomes and monitoring of WSPs in relation to gender and equity. For more than seven years, the WHO/AusAID Partnership on Water Quality has been building capacity to support Water Safety Planning in South Asia, East Asia and Pacific regions. The Partnership is now in Phase 3, with initiatives spanning 12 countries and regions: Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; Indonesia; Lao PDR; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pacific Islands; Philippines; Timor Leste; and Vietnam. The aim of the equity analysis is to strengthen WSP processes, guidance materials and practices so gender and equity considerations may be more systematically addressed. As a result of the study, WHO will be well-positioned to contribute to supporting equitable outcomes and realisation of the human right to water and sanitation without discrimination.
Innovation in the Pacific: Strengths-based approaches and Participation and Accountability in the Solomon Islands NGO Partnership Agreement (SINPA)- Collaborative research into strengths-based practice and participation and accountability with the AusAID funded SINPA partnership to develop two learning papers:
 |
Willetts, J., Carrard, N. and Asker, S., 2011, Exploring Processes for Participation and Accountability: A Learning Paper, Prepared for Solomon Islands NGO Partnership Agreement (SINPA) by Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology. View/download |
 |
Willetts, J., Asker, S., Carrard, N. and Winterford, K. 2011, Exploring SINPA’s strengths-based practice: A Learning Paper, Prepared for Solomon Islands NGO Partnership Agreement (SINPA) by Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology. View/download |
Partnership with International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA): Addressing gender equality within water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives.
 |
A research partnership between ISF, International Women’s Development Agency, Live & Learn Environmental Education Fiji and World Vision Vanuatu. Research case studies, poster, flash cards and practical guidance material available for download at www.genderinpacificwash.info |
The Global Phosphorus Research Initiative (opens an external link) was formed by the Institute and the Department of Water and Environmental Studies at Linkoping University, Sweden, to facilitate quality interdisciplinary research on global phosphorus security for future food security.
Monitoring Review Panel for the Civil Society Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund
The Institute’s Dr Juliet Willetts has an on-going leadership role in the water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH) sector as executive committee member of the WASH Reference group, which comprises NGOs, academic institutions and the Australian Water Association. She is also team leader of the Monitoring Review Panel for the $31m WASH Fund that supports eleven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to undertake WASH work in poor and vulnerable communities in Africa, Asia and Pacific. She provides support to improve NGO’s monitoring and evaluation processes, a mid-term review of the program and travelled to Bangladesh and Nepal for a series of monitoring visits, and will lead analysis and synthesis of the achievements of the Fund.
AusAID water, sanitation and hygience (WASH) performance assessment system
The Institute provided services to develop a comprehensive yet pragmatic performance system to assist with monitoring, evaluation and management of AusAID funded WASH initiatives.
Australia Indonesia Partnership Climate Change and Environment Sector Strategy and Adaptation programme design - methods of monitoring and evaluation in Indonesia- AusAID, 2011- 2012
ISF researchers were involved in developing theories of change and new and innovative approaches to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for AusAID’s climate change and environment strategy and its climate change adaptation program in Indonesia.
Review of monitoring and evaluation systems for development effectiveness
SKM
ISF was commissioned by SKM’ Review the M&E frameworks, processes and reporting of its international development programs and recommend possible improvements in relation to national and international best practice . ISF reviewed SKM managed projects across a range of sectors in Vietnam, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Timor-Leste
