The Secretariat would like to thank the global evaluation community for rich discussions and debate on the criteria over the course of 2017-19, which contributed to identifying the need for this guidance and helped shape its content. In particular, the National Evaluation Capacity (NEC) conference participants, the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and the Evaluation Co-operation Group (ECG) were key partners in the adaptation of the criteria and input from many of their members is reflected here. The Secretariat is grateful for contributions from evaluation partners around the world, and welcomes discussion to further develop this working draft guidance.
This document reflects extensive contributions from the members of the Network on Development Evaluation (EvalNet), a subsidiary body of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC). EvalNet members contributed many useful comments and insights on the draft criteria definitions and engaged in detailed discussions on the concepts contained in this document. In many cases, this involved extensive discussions within member agencies and ministries, as well as consultation with development evaluation stakeholders. EvalNet members provided input on their own experiences and challenges with the criteria, including concrete examples, which helped to bring the document to life. EvalNet’s Working Group on Gender Equality contributed to developing relevant elements of this guidance. The Secretariat also gratefully acknowledges the instrumental role of EvalNet Chair Per Øyvind Bastøe in shepherding the adaptation process and the development of this guidance.
Megan Grace Kennedy-Chouane led the development of this guidance for the OECD, with support and input from Rahul Malhotra, Hans Lundgren, Alison Pollard, Ola Kasneci, and Yee King Ho. Many other colleagues from the Development Co-operation Directorate provided feedback on earlier drafts. Andrew Brenner and Suzanne Parandian provided editorial feedback. Stephanie Coic and TFK provided graphic design on the images and figures.
Ima Bishop, Joe Watkins and Nick York (IOD PARC) drafted the guidance and provided invaluable input to its content. Julia Betts provided peer review and feedback, in addition to contributing extensively to the initial criteria revision process, the new definitions and their conceptualisation.