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partners within the country to become involved in the M&E system. In successful partnerships, the complementary skills and contributions of all partners are recognized. An agreed-upon division of partner responsibilities can streamline contributions and prevent gaps. A budgeted M&E work plan (see Component 5) that captures the responsibilities of all partners should help with assigning specific roles to specific partners.
Chapter 3
5.2. Characteristics of successful M&E partnerships Partnerships are successful when: • There is a shared vision of what may be achieved with clear and shared mandates or agendas. • Partners are legitimate constituency groups that are interested in M&E and agree that a partnership is necessary. • There is respect and trust between different interest groups, commitment of key interest groups developed through a clear and open process, and a critical mass of balanced representation and influence at all levels and in all relevant bodies and processes. • Time is taken to build the partnership and to develop compatible and flexible ways of working together (including sensitivity to the specific needs and challenges of all partners). • There is timely and effective communication and collaborative decision making, with a commitment to achieving consensus. • There is effective organizational management and coordination within sectors and effective leadership. • Partners have access to adequate, appropriate and timely information. • Training and technical support is provided to partners in order to foster professionalism and a culture of equity and transparency. • There is evidence of non-discriminatory involvement of all partners, shared ownership, responsibility and commitment. • The partnership is underpinned by efficient administrative support, such as adequate advance notice of meetings and processes. 5.3. Using an M&E Technical Working Group as a partnership mechanism The M&E TWG is a multi-sectored partnership normally representing all M&E stakeholders in a given country and is usually established for national-level M&E systems. M&E TWGs fulfill a variety of functions in different countries. They may include coordinating M&E activities, advice on technical M&E issues, and providing a partnership or consultation forum. Here are some tips to keep an M&E TWG active and functioning:
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Making Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Work