When and how to develop an impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation system

This guidance note focuses on:

• what an impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation system entails
• why an organisation may want to establish such a system
• when integrating an impact-orientation into an monitoring and evaluation system is most useful
• what should be considered in developing the monitoring and evaluation system, or in tweaking an existing system, to become more impact-focused.

The primary audience for this guidance note is internal and external monitoring and evaluation advisors involved in designing and implementing, and/or assessing monitoring and evaluation systems to include a focus on impact. It will also be useful for senior management of organisations who need to know how best to plan for a sustainable monitoring and evaluation system that supports impact assessment or to adapt an existing system to incorporate an impact perspective.