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Tripartite action to protect migrants within and from the GMS from labour exploitation - Final Evaluation

eval_number:

1379

eval_url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/eval/1379

lessons_learned:

themes:

theme:

Monitoring and evaluation

category:

Organizational issues

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comments:

Migration project staff, M&E staff, MRCs

challenges:

A simple and robust M&E framework
Whilst efforts have been made to institutionalize relevant M&E tools and build the capacity of implementing partners on M&E, a simple and robust M&E framework should have been defined at project inception, rather than being addressed reactively after gaps emerge. There should have been more adequate resources allocated for M&E in the project budget. This could have allowed for the hiring of a dedicated M&E staff member from the get-go (see below for low cost options), and training service providers from project inception.
Coaching and building core competencies on M&E and gender
The project identified the priority need of developing a clear understanding of the capacities of partner organizations managing MRCs, and in many cases, to go back to basics in providing training to build core competencies. Regular coaching from project staff and consultants was essential to ensure MRC staff and implementing partners can provide quality support services and submit progress reports in-line with project requirements. This experience enabled the project to identify gaps in the provision of adequate MRC services for female potential migrant workers. more in the full report

success:

Once a dedicated M&E staff was on board, each MRC was provided with coaching according to their knowledge gaps and the services provided. Although time consuming and more costly, it has reaped benefits in the provision of more quality reporting and a shift from focusing on activities to focusing on impact.
This allowed for a more decentralized M&E system to provide regular and accessible analysis of monitoring data, and practical instruments for service providers to meet M&E expectations of the project and comply with a methodology that allows for evaluation and comparison across the intervention sites.
Analysis and interpretation of the data was of good quality in the Annual Report 2014, and a similar level of quality is expected for the Annual Report 2015 (forthcoming). Analysis and interpretation of the data was also provided in project updates and quarterly country briefing notes that provided information for the donor to monitor project progress. The Annual Report provided useful information and analysis on challenges faced and lessons learned which were then used to inform and adjust project interventions. Progress was tracked against a baseline, including in the area of knowledge and awareness on safe migration, working conditions, public attitudes to migrants, and on policy and practice. The project set clear indicators, including gender specific indicators, targets and reporting requirements that were agreed upon with partners.

context:

Following the Mid-Term Evaluation recommendation to strengthen the monitoring of project activities and to shift from measurement of outputs to assessing impact, an M&E consultant was hired who developed a Results Assessment Framework and new M&E Guidelines and tools for MRCs.

description:

A more robust M&E framework should have been defined at the start of the project, rather than at the midway point. Once a dedicated M&E staff was on board, each MRC was provided with coaching according to their knowledge gaps and the services provided. Although time consuming and more costly, it reaped benefits in the provision of more quality reporting and a shift from focusing on activities to focusing on impact.

administrative_issues:

Individualized coaching was provided for all partners managing MRCs on M&E concepts, data collection, assessing impact, analysis and reporting, and participatory monitoring.
To source less expensive M&E expertise, consider low cost or non-project budget options such as ILO Junior Professional Officers (funded by national governments), UN Volunteers (lower cost professionals), Australian or New Zealand Volunteers or similar (like UN Volunteers but funded by national governments). Many of these professionals have several years of work experience, or may be retirees, and may be a good source of M&E expertise.

url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/lessons/181157

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location:

country:

Asia and the Pacific - regional

region:

Asia and the Pacific

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eval_title:

Tripartite action to protect migrants within and from the GMS from labour exploitation - Final Evaluation