While a number of countries have developed national response plans that include OVC, and global guidance exists on specific indicators to monitor and evaluate the national response, national OVC monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems remain weak in many countries. This is partly due to a lack of guidance on the specifics of developing M&E systems that take into account the various, sometimes uncoordinated activities of the multi-sectoral response for OVC. This document aims to fill that gap by:
- providing step-by-step guidance for developing and operationalizing a system to monitor and evaluate the national response for OVC;
- proposing a common methodology that can be used with partners to harmonize indicators and M&E processes for the various activities of the multi-sectoral response for OVC;
- illustrating examples of how countries have overcome common M&E challenges;
- serving as supplemental information for M&E trainings and technical assistance.
The Guidance Document is organized in five parts. Part 1 provides a brief overview of monitoring and evaluation. Part 2 explores why an understanding of the context within which the M&E system is developed is critical. Part 3 focuses on developing the conceptual framework of the M&E system for the national response for OVC, while Part 4 describes the ‘mechanics’ of the M&E system (data flow, collection, analysis, use, and dissemination, quality control, management and capacity development). Part 5 concludes the document by discussing system piloting, M&E plan development, capacity strengthening and costing considerations. Annexes are referenced where further information is considered to be useful.
