Box 10: Terms of reference and recommendations

▪ Clearly state the nature of the action and how it will address the recommendations. ▪ Indicate the parties (unit or organization) responsible for implementing the key action and accountable for its implementation. ▪ Are time-bound with clear deadlines and schedules for completion. Ideally, key actions should be completed within 18 months of an evaluation. ▪ Are of a reasonable number to facilitate implementation, tracking and oversight.

Management responses and key follow-up actions to evaluation recommendations need to be discussed and agreed within the project boards (where relevant). If UNDP or its implementing partner disagrees with a recommendation, they can so state in the management response and no key followup actions need to be added.

Management responses and key actions need to be agreed and entered into the ERC within six weeks of completion of the evaluation report. The management response template can be found in the annexes.

Box 10: Terms of reference and recommendations

It is important that the evaluation TOR clearly request recommendations that are targeted and anticipate actual follow-up and implementation. At the same time, the TOR should call for a realistic set of recommendations that are implementable and manageable in number (7-10) and, when draft reports are reviewed, evaluators should consider grouping recommendations under broad area headings to ensure this.

If there are too many recommendations they can be difficult to implement and manage and will considerably stretch resources in: (a) developing management responses and key actions; (b) entering recommendations, management responses and key actions to the ERC; and (c)monitoring and reporting on implementation of the management responses and key actions.

Joint project management responses

For joint projects and UNSDCF evaluations, UNDP should cooperate and coordinate with project partners in the development of management responses and key actions. UNDP programme units are only responsible for those recommendations targeted at them, and should develop management responses and key actions only for these.

Monitoring implementation of key actions

M&E specialists or focal points are responsible for monitoring the implementation of key actions and reporting on achievements through the ERC. This should be undertaken on a quarterly basis, and the ERC should be updated accordingly, with supporting documentation where applicable. Regional bureaux also oversee and monitor implementation and follow up with programme units on implementation. The ERC can be used to monitor implementation of management responses and key action commitments.

The IEO reports on the number of management responses and key actions completed, initiated, overdue or considered no longer applicable in its annual report.