Planning Monitoring Evaluation & Research at SRSP
The Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Research Section at SRSP has multiple roles of monitoring progress and performance of projects and programmes implemented by SRSP in its programme areas. The section also undertakes internal assessments for informed decision making and improving/refining policies, strategies and field interventions. In addition, it also facilitates external evaluations for a true reflection of programmatic interventions. An integral part of the system is to conduct research studies, mainly, related to rural development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa/Tribal Districts and share with all major stakeholders.
Roles and Functions
Coupled with quantitative and qualitative base lines surveys and studies, comprehensive monitoring plans are developed at onset of respective projects/programmes. These plans entail results framework, indicators reference sheet, resources required for and functions to be performed by M & E professionals. Requisite databases are developed for monitoring progress and performance of projects/programmes and informed decision making at multiple levels. Internal/self-evaluations and research studies are regularly conducted for assessing impact of the programme. The section has an important role of facilitating external/third party evaluations to further improve programmes and projects through feedback of lessons learned and to provide a basis of accountability, including provision of information to major stakeholders.
Values and Key Features
Learning and participation is encouraged as an integral part of organizational culture. To enrich learning and carry out M & E functions appropriately, SRSP invests considerably in developing skills and expertise of M & E professionals. On job training, coaching and mentoring are other important features geared to produce quality information and undertaking robust assessments. Critical feedback is ensured to further refine quality of information vis-à-vis programmatic interventions benefiting local communities. Maintaining/producing gender bifurcated data on programmatic aspects facilitates in presenting a fair picture of channelization of resources to either gender in target areas. In addition, incorporating quality factors-poverty, participation, inclusion, environment, etc. across all sectors is also ensured to make SRSP a responsive and adaptive organization. One of core features is regular field visits of the CEO and core management to ensure and maintain highest standards and quality in all programmatic aspects.
Organization of M & E
The figure below presents organizational structure of M & E at SRSP:
Three level of M & E at SRSP
SRSP M & E system is operational at following 3 levels:
Head Office Level
The programme/projects are, overall, monitored by Chief Executive Officer with an active support by Programme Manager, Monitoring Evaluation and Research. Sector specific monitoring is also carried out by respective sector specialists at Head Office, SRSP. A joint effort is undertaken at head office level to review qualitative and quantitative progress/performance on regular basis. This enables in identifying major issues and undertaking an in-time corrective measures to implement programmes and projects as desired. The Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Research unit at Head Office SRSP has multiple roles of monitoring progress and performance of projects and programmes implemented by SRSP. In addition, it also conducts internal and facilitates external evaluations. Furthermore, research studies related, mainly, to rural development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also conducted and shared with all major stakeholders. At this level, the Programme Manager PMER also ensures sharing regular updates on programmatic issues, progress and performance with Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors on quarterly basis. All programmes and projects updates, statistical brief, research studies, internal and external evaluations and assessments are also shared via effective social media channels by Head Office M & E section.
Programme Support Units/Regional Offices/Districts Level
The PSUs M & E professionals with technical/intellectual backstopping support from head office M & E section conduct regular reviews of respective projects/programmes. Keeping programmes on track, identifying areas of concern, alignment to community needs and meeting deadlines are all part of these critical reviews. The review process ensures optimizing results for a greater impact in target areas and enhances development effectiveness. The Programme Officers at regional/district level are also responsible for coordinating M&E activities in designated districts. The main focus at this level is at ensuring regular field monitoring and progress/performance reporting to PSUs and Head Office. Regular visits of M&E professionals to programme areas along-with regional and district teams are ensured to maintain quality and ensure mainstreaming deserving groups in programme interventions.
Community Level
Community’s meaningful participation in implementation and monitoring of programme activities remains an integral component of SRSP culture. The office bearers/activists/community resource persons are encouraged to undertake monitoring and evaluation at local level. Need based technical support is provided to them by regional/district MER professionals. Formal and informal mechanisms/forums are developed to reflect on programme/project achievements jointly with partner communities, besides ensuring quality and accountability.