Results-Oriented Programming in the Field of SSG/R

An M&E framework builds on two key elements: the indicators, and the respective baseline and target. For M&E purposes, means of verification are also important.

Indicators

Indicators are quantitative or qualitative references that provide a simple and reliable means to measure progress and achievements. Indicators should be SMART (i.e., specific, measurable, available, realistic and time-specific) and be set for all levels of the logframe or results chain. Where applicable, indicators should be disaggregated by sex and other intersecting factors such as age. The aim of the indicators is to demonstrate that the project has completed its activities, delivered its intended outputs and outcomes and achieved its objective.

Baseline

The baseline provides a snapshot of the situation before the project is implemented and can be defined during a needs assessment. Baseline information is necessary not only to justify the relevance of a project but also to measure progress against the indicators and towards the set target.

Target

Targets may come from national strategies, policy documents, or negotiations with stakeholders. By the same token, monitoring is not just to measure progress against targets but to discover whether remedial actions need to be implemented when progress is behind schedule.

Means of Verification

They include what data is collected to measure progress on each indicator and against the baseline, as well as how and when the data is collected. Identifying appropriate means of verification and collecting necessary data can often be challenging, particularly in the field of SSG/R, because SSG/R interventions are often qualitative rather than quantitative or because data is not publicly available. Moreover, some key data may not be accessible because they are considered too sensitive to share.

For further information see section 2.3 in chapter 5 of the guidelines.