Evaluation Capacity Development
Evaluation capacity development (ECD) in partner countries is one of DEval’s core working areas. The objective of ECD is to enable individuals, organisations and society as a whole to commission and implement evaluations and put them to systematic use. DEval strengthens evaluation capacities through a range of activities.
ECD through individual projects
Eval Connect
EvalConnect is DEval’s current ECD project. Its primary purpose is to strengthen evaluation capacities in selected countries in Latin America, Africa and other regions, fostering learning and cooperation through a South-South-North approach. It aims to develop robust national evaluation systems by facilitating knowledge exchange between countries in the Global South and actors from the North. It is built on experiences from DEval’s previous successful ECD projects and aligned with key international evaluation initiatives, such as the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI) and the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE), to promote effective standards and approaches in public policy evaluation and development cooperation.
EvalConnect's approach represents a shift in capacity development strategy, moving away from the traditional North-South orientation and prioritising collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries of the Global South. With an initial implementation phase from 2025 to 2026, the project aims to consolidate evaluation networks, enhance evidence-based decision-making and contribute to good governance as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ECD as part of DEval’s evaluations
The institute maximises the use of national structures in this context. For example, it involves national evaluation companies and works with local universities. DEval systematically incorporates national experts into its work and provides them with specialist support and training as required.
ECD through ad hoc consultancy
Where partner countries identify a need, DEval shares its professional expertise in the area of monitoring and evaluation – for example by providing specialist support in setting up evaluation systems, contributing to training programmes or advising on the development of quality standards for evaluations.
DEval seeks to help shape professional discourse on the future of ECD at national and international level. For example, it is a member of the OECD-DAC ECD Task Team and the EvalPartners initiative. The institute has also reported at international and national conferences on important findings from its work.
The Systemic ECD Approach
DEval has developed a systemic approach to Evaluation Capacity Development (ECD) geared towards individual and institutional capacity and to a conducive environment for evaluations and their use.
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Contact
Sarah Desiree Klier
Phone: +49 (0)228 336907-943
E-mail: sarah.klier@DEval.org
Dr Sven Harten
Phone: +49 (0)228 336907-950
E-mail: sven.harten@DEval.org