Global Insights on Local Leadership in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning: Webinar Findings & Local Organization Engagements

Global Insights on Local Leadership in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning: Webinar Findings & Local Organization Engagements
Abstract: Organizations formed, based, and directed by people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where projects are implemented have long been involved in USAID monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) activities related to health, including maternal and child health and nutrition (MCHN). Many local organizations have the capacity to lead MERL work as prime awardees, and the number of local organizations doing so is increasing. As USAID and the broader global donor community’s localization efforts gain momentum, there is a growing need to define and assess examples of pathways for local MERL organizations to have leadership roles, including becoming prime funding recipients and exercising local programmatic leadership in other ways with support from USAID and other donors.

The purpose of this work is to document insights from MERL actors, largely focused on LMIC-based organizations, about their experience establishing MERL leadership. Understanding these pathways and capacity strengthening efforts that have informed greater involvement from local organizations in MERL work will aid in establishing and documenting lessons learned, challenges, innovations, and best practices as part of supporting continued increases in locally led MERL work across the MCHN sector. This report documents identified pathways and processes and provides globally relevant information for LMIC-based organizations working not just in MCHN but across the health sector, USAID, and other donor agencies that implement and support MERL activities. The intended audience for this report includes LMIC organizations along with USAID and high-income country (HIC) based organizations.
Shortname: SR-24-234
Author(s): Data for Impact
Year: 2024
Language: English