concept note in the strategic/program plan review process, so it is clear to everyone concerned that the reviews are linked and that the results will influence each other. Consult with the M&E TWG (if in existence) to determine whether an external consultant is needed to undertake the assignment. e)
If an external consultant is needed, develop a Terms of Reference for the consultant, have it approved, and obtain funding for the review.
f)
Undertake the M&E system assessment and present the findings for validation to the M&E TWG.
If an M&E system assessment is NOT needed‌ Chapter 4
Obtain the latest M&E system assessment report and study it in detail to ensure that you understand all the M&E system assessment challenges. Deliverable: Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the M&E system.
Step 4:
Review the strategic plan objectives once developed
This is an essential step and the start of the strategic plan review itself. This step is a quality control step for the strategic plan itself. As the strategic plan objectives are developed, specific data will be referred to. The purpose of this review is to ensure that those responsible for the strategic plan review have consulted all relevant data in their decision-making process. M&E TWG members may undertake this review as part of strategic plan working groups (Step 2 of Figure C4-3). Deliverable: New strategic plan has SMART objectives or results (objectives that are Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound).
Step 5:
Develop M&E objectives to include in the strategic plan
This is also an essential step for every strategic plan. The M&E system assessment will point to strengths and weaknesses of the M&E system and enable you to identify the M&E objectives that, if met, would address the weaknesses in the M&E system and to develop, together with the M&E TWG, the most appropriate M&E strategies to achieve the objectives (Step 2 of Figure C4-3). Deliverable: M&E objectives or results for inclusion in strategic plan.
M&E PLans
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