Activity Reporting
Reports and the Activity’s monitoring and evaluation framework
Every Activity should have some form of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. This should be documented in its design (or equivalent for non-project modalities) and recorded in the “monitoring and evaluation” tab for NZAID’s Programme Activity Authority (PAA) on the Activity Management System (AMS). The framework should meet the minimum requirements set out in the Activity Appraisal Guideline (e.g. indicators and source of verification, evidence partners have agreed on an approach to M&E, etc) and the principles of good monitoring practice in the Activity Monitoring Guideline (e.g. participatory approach, considers the needs of different users, etc).
The M&E framework should be the basis of any evaluation of the Activity’s effectiveness, efficiency and impact, and of ongoing reporting and monitoring. It is vital that Activity reports provide adequate information against the M&E framework (e.g. using specified indicators and targets, or other means of collecting and analysing information) for management decisions and for evaluation.
Overall, the reporting requirements for partners should reflect the design of the Activity. Complex Activities with significant NZAID involvement or oversight require more complex reports. Activities with detailed M&E frameworks require detailed progress to be tracked in reports. Simple Activities with appropriately straightforward M&E frameworks may need simpler and less frequent reports.
Effective use of the information from the Activity’s M&E framework is necessary for NZAID to deliver effective aid, contribute to development outcomes, and meet New Zealand public sector requirements for management of contracts and grants.