Attachment_10_-_USAID_Afg_PMP_2015-2018_final_8.24.15.docx

Afghanistan Performance Management Plan:

Afghanistan Implementation Plan for transition 2015 - 2018

MONTH YEAR

AFGHANISTAN

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Status: Author - Alei ElDorry

First Draft Review - May 13, 2014 Technical Offices’ Monitoring and Evaluation Team Leads and Office of Program and Project Development Monitoring and Evaluation Team

Second Draft Review - May 28, 2014 Paige Miller, Deputy M&E Team Lead

Third Draft Review - June 3, 2014 Kevin Smith, Deputy Office of Program and ProjectDevelopment Director

Fourth Draft Review - July, 2015 Melinda Woywod, Monitoring Division Lead Fifth Draft Review Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs and Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning/Learning, Evaluation, and Research Office

Date of Publication:

CONTENTS

ACRONYMS

INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Afghanistan Implementation Plan for Transition 2015 – 2018 was approved and came into effect ****** 2015. The plan will guide USAID investments over the next three years through 2018. USAID Afghanistan is currently the Agency’s largest bilateral Mission.

This Performance Management Plan (PMP) will guide the Mission to measure progress toward achieving the Development Objectives (DOs) detailed in the USAID/Afghanistan Implementation Plan for Transition 2015 – 2018 and the Results Framework (RF). The PMP operationalizes how USAID Afghanistan will manage the performance of its portfolio. It serves as a tool to guide the Mission on learning, data collection and analysis approaches, and how to monitor and manage a core set of performance indicators against their targets and baselines. It will help ensure the accountability of US Government (USG) resources being used in a difficult and constantly changing implementing environment.

The PMP has been designed collaboratively with input from all USAID/Afghanistan’s technical offices – the Office of Education (OED); the Office of Health and Nutrition (OHN) ; the Office of Agriculture (OAG); the Office of Democracy and Governance (ODG); the Office of Economic Growth and Infrastructure (OEGI); the Office of Program and Project Development (OPPD). Through a series of facilitated technical team meetings, the Mission identified a list of PMP indicators associated with the Implementation Plan’s results that were selected to track performance results and systematically collect and analyze information to determine project outcomes.

The PMP includes the RF that illustrates the development hypothesis for achieving the Mission’s goal and three DOs, and a table of performance indicators that will measure progress toward achieving the results laid out in the RF. The second section of the PMP provides a review of the Mission’s robust Multi-tiered Monitoring approach and Data Quality Assessments (DQA). The Agency’s guidance and the Mission’s framework for evaluations will explain how they will be conducted and used to inform the decision making process. The PMP also includes the Mission’s collaboration, learning, and adaptation resources: a) Afghan Info, a powerful information management, collaboration and learning online platform that allows for access to real time project data; b) the Implementation Support Team (IST), which promotes collaboration and decision making through information aggregation and dissemination; and c) annual Portfolio Reviews, which examine how well the Implementation Plan’s PMP indicator targets are being met, and Quarterly Multi-tiered Monitoring Reviews. Finally, the PMP specifies the different performance management tasks and the technical offices and positions responsible for each component.

It is important to note that the PMP is a living document that will be reviewed at least annually. The Agency’s PMP Toolkit serves as a guide for the Mission to use to adapt and update the PMP (https://programnet.usaid.gov/library/pmp-toolkit). The PMP is only a useful tool if technical offices and OPPD actively use and update the document as necessary.

RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Results Framework

Development Objectives The Mission’s development strategy is articulated in the USAID/Afghanistan Implementation Plan for Transition 2015-2018. This section describes the goal, DOs, Intermediate Results (IRs) and Sub-Intermediate Results:

Goal: Afghan-led, Sustainable Development DO 1: Sustainable Agricultural-led Economic Growth Expanded

DO 2: Gains in Health, Education, and the Empowerment of Women Maintained and Enhanced IR 2.1: Health Outcomes Improved Sub IR 2.1.1: Afghan Ownership to Ensure an Effective Health Response Strengthened Sub IR 2.1.2: Use of Quality Health Services Increased

Sub IR 2.2.2: Education Systems Strengthened to Prepare Afghans for Employment IR 2.3: Women’s Equality and Empowerment Increased Sub IR 2.3.1: Women’s Contribution to Afghanistan’s Economy, Government, and Civil Society Increased Sub IR 2.3.2: Gender Policy Implementation Strengthened Sub IR 2.3.3: Afghan Perceptions toward Women’s Inclusiveness Improved DO 3: Performance and Legitimacy of Afghan government Improved IR 3.1: Citizens Hold the GIRoA Accountable Sub IR 3.1.1: Citizen Awareness of Rights and Responsibilities within the Afghan Constitution Increased Sub IR 3.1.2: Civil Society’s Ability to Advocate Reform Strengthened Sub IR 3.1.3: Political Participation Increased Sub IR 3.1.4: Access to Quality, Independent Information Increased

The PMP will measure progress toward achieving results under these three DOs and their corresponding IRs and Sub-IRs using performance indicators. The routine collection of performance indicator data, along with other information described in the learning agenda, will help reveal if the intended measurable results are being achieved and if implementation is on track. Every PMP indicator has a Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS) (Annex B, Indicator Reference Sheet Template) that specifically defines the performance indicator and provides a comprehensive record of how it is being tracked.

Development Objective 1 – Sustainable, Agriculture-led Economic Growth Expanded An overwhelming 75 percent of Afghans depend on agricultural activities for their livelihoods, making agriculture the most important sector of the country’s economy that contributes 24 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As such, this DO will build on USAID’s previous investments and continue to develop a vibrant and prosperous agricultural sector and increase employment opportunities. USAID is relying on two IRs to achieve this objective:

1. IR 1.1. Employment Opportunities Increased Projects fostering economic expansion and increased employment will initially focus on maintaining the viability of critical components of the country’s electrical infrastructure that are indispensable to promote growth. Toward this goal, OEGI will work to improve the sustainability, management, and commercial viability of the Afghan’s national power company, Da Afghanista Breshna Sherkat (DABS), to help it increase the electricity it provides to its customers and increase revenue generation. The number of beneficiaries of energy services will indicate a sustained economic growth and social development.

Increased economic growth will also depend on increasing business activities and competition among entrepreneurs and facilitating regional trade. Toward this goal, USAID will promote a competitive business sector by improving financial management, strategic planning, marketing, and sales in the private sectors. USAID will help stimulate economic and employment growth, and increase revenue, by providing equitable credit access to farmers, households, small and medium enterprises (SME). The Mission will promote financing opportunities and investment growth in industrial sectors that have a high potential for success. OEGI activities will contribute to this IR.

2. IR 1.2. Vibrant and Prosperous Agricultural Sector Developed As the largest sector of the Afghan economy, agriculture has the potential to spark and sustain Afghan-led growth. USAID will help create a vibrant agricultural sector and increase farmers’ agricultural output and sales. OAG will work with farmers to introduce new technologies, management practices, and key high value crops. The primary focus of activities in this sector is to work with agribusinesses to introduce new technologies and business practices to increase commercial viability and sales of agricultural products. Projects include working with a broad range of agribusiness stakeholders ranging from private enterprises, water associations, women’s groups, community based organization (CBO) and civil society organization (CSO) to improve their efficiency and promote commercial viability within Afghanistan and across borders to increase regional trade.

To help create a prosperous agricultural sector, projects will implement improved natural resources management and focus on creating new or rehabilitating existing irrigation and drainage systems. The effective management and conservation of natural resources will contribute to increasing the agricultural output of Afghanistan.

Development Objective 2 – Gains in Health, Education, and the Empowerment of Women Maintained and Enhanced Viable Afghan led growth will depend on the government’s effective delivery of key services to its citizenry, thereby also establishing its legitimacy. This DO is divided among health, basic and higher education, and gender IRs. The Mission has worked with the Government of Afghanistan and other donors to decrease infant mortality by 33 percent and reduce maternal mortality to 80 percent. In the education sector, the Mission worked to increase enrollment in primary and secondary education by eightfold, including three million girls. Such achievements will springboard into greater investments in Afghan women’s social, economic and political opportunities.

USAID will work to enhance the important gains that have been achieved in the health and education sectors – both highly rated by Afghan citizens as an indication of government effectiveness. Approaches to sustaining and enhancing these social gains, made in coordination with Government of Afghanistan and the donor community, will focus on three intermediate results (IRs):

1. IR 2.1. Health outcomes improved It is critical to the improvement of health outcomes that the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) maintain ownership and exercise the ability to deliver quality health care through the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and an Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS). OHN health projects will work with the MoPH to improve health outcomes among women and ensure that they are not disenfranchised from accessing health care. USAID activities will work with health posts to ensure to include at least one female health worker is on staff at all times. USAID will strengthen the MoPH’s administrative, executive, human resources, and procurement systems to foster stewardship and ownership of health care delivery. The percentage of Afghan government revenue that is appropriated for the improvement of health services and aligned with USAID interventions will be monitored.

USAID/Afghanistan’s projects will increase the quality of health services and improve health outcomes during child birth and among infants and children. Children, especially those younger than five years of age, will benefit from nutrition-focused health interventions to prevent stunting. Together with the MoPH, USAID’s health activities will increase the number of childbirths attended by a health professional, among the poorest Afghans. Health outcomes will also improve with the administration of the Pentavalent 3 vaccine to children between 12 and 13 months who are living in extreme poverty on less than $1.25 a day.

1. IR 2.2. Equitable Access to Quality, Relevant education increased USAID and the donor community have achieved remarkable performance results in the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of Afghanistan’s education sector. Education is regarded by Afghans as an important service, one they expect their government to provide. USAID’s approach will help provide equitable access to education and technical skills that are in demand by the job market. Education projects will build on gains that USAID Afghanistan has made and strengthen systems to develop curricula that are relevant to employment opportunities.

OSSD projects will focus on increasing early grade reading for Afghanistan’s educational system. Projects will deliver higher literacy rates at the primary level by providing in- and pre-service training and coaching to teachers and educators. These interventions, coupled with textbooks and other teaching and learning material, will help deliver equitable access to an education and skill sets that are in demand by the Afghan labor market.

IR 2.3. Women’s equality and empowerment increased Afghan-led long-term development gains will only be possible if women can advance in their society and contribute to its political and economic growth. The Mission has played an essential role in helping Afghanistan achieve tremendous gains in promoting gender inclusiveness. Activities will increase women’s access to productive economic resources and encourage and facilitate income generation. Activities will be designed to increase access to assets, credit, income, and employment. Higher educational opportunities such as scholarships and support to Afghan university gender-focused programs will help to create a cadre of better qualified, more informed and more empowered Afghan women.

At the local, regional, and national level, the Mission will improve women’s equality and empowerment through interventions that target the legislative process and support organizations that advocate for women’s equal treatment and inclusiveness. USAID activities will support the GoA to propose, draft, and adopt new legislation that promotes gender equality at all governance levels.

Activities will be designed to strengthen the ability of Afghan women-focused CSO’s to manage, implement, communicate, and advocate for women’s rights and a greater role as partners in development. The Mission will provide assistance to women-focused CSOs to draft and advocate for passage of laws eliminating barriers to women’s effective political participation; support the adoption of a comprehensive policy on sexual harassment; and assist the government to implement gender-sensitive survey design and data collection. Progress toward women’s equity among Afghans will be promoted at the local level. To achieve this goal, USAID will implement activities aimed at assisting the GoA and Afghan civil society to change attitudes toward gender based violence.

3. Development Objective 3 – Performance and Legitimacy the Afghan Government Improved USAID projects will secure gains made during the transition by supporting the Afghan government to effectively address its citizens’ needs. USAID will take a two-fold approach to strengthening government performance – 1) helping Afghan citizens hold their government accountable and, 2) assisting the government to deliver services that respond to citizen’s needs – that will increase the government’s legitimacy.

1. IR 3.1. Citizens hold Afghan government accountable Citizens can hold their government accountable if they understand how to successfully advocate for their needs at different governance levels. ODG will help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution so that they can engage positively and hold their government accountable. Project activities will focus on increasing Afghan citizens’ understanding of a democratic government and encourage their participation in the democratic process.

ODG activities will help local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) monitor and advocate for human rights. The Mission will support and strengthen CSOs’ ability to promote reform with the Afghan government. Activities focusing on strengthening human rights reform through advocacy and monitoring will increase citizen participation and engagement with government accountability. Projects will increase civic participation in the political process by providing individuals with political party training.

Non-state news outlets will receive support to provide independent and accurate reporting and empower citizens with information that can be used to hold their government accountable. Activities will train journalists on how to supply independent and accurate news information to citizens, from independent non-state sources, which is vital to an informed and engaged citizenry.

2. IR 3.2. Governance at the national and subnational level strengthened To improve the performance and perception of legitimacy of government of Afghanistan, USAID projects will increase access to justice by improving court case management and creating a justice system with clear and fairly applied rules. Projects will address access to civil justice and work to create an effective criminal justice system.

The Mission will support good governance by assisting the introduction, repeal, or modification of policies that citizen’s prioritize and advocate for. The legislature will improve government performance by providing oversight of public resources. Transparency and accountability will increase with external oversight mechanisms that report how public resources are being used. USAID interventions will strengthen the government’s financial management systems through the administration of fiscal policy, fiscal administration, and financial management.

Afghan perception that their government can administer elections credibly will be critical to ensuring its legitimacy. Projects will strengthen governance performance by promoting laws and amendments that ensure elections are credible. ODG will monitor if Afghans perceive that elections are free and fair as a measure of whether they view their government as legitimate.

Cross Cutting Issues Gender Equality and Female Empowerment The Mission has made significant progress towards advancing gender equality and empowering females in Afghanistan. Afghan women and girls significantly benefit through economic development, improvements in health and education, leadership opportunities, and better access to justice. These initiatives are fundamental to Afghanistan’s success as a nation. The Mission makes women and girls’ rights an essential part of the Afghan development strategy and current and future project designsaddress this priority.

To empower women and girls, USAID trains and supports women professionals in the justice, media and civil society sectors. Through loans, grants, and training, USAID supports the growth of women-owned business and employment opportunities, paving the way for women to become leaders in agricultural-led economic growth. Inclusive health and education initiatives provides the basis for female empowerment starting at an early age.

The Mission makes gender equality and female empowerment a cross cutting issue that is incorporated across the entire project portfolio. In FY15, projects across all technical sectors will report on gender indicators.

Capacity Development The Mission will improve the GoA’s performance, accountability and capacity by helping strengthen key democratic institutions, policies, and practices while building citizen trust and support. Major progress is being made towards increasing public confidence in GIRoA, democratic election processes, and civil-society organizations (CSOs).

Increasing the management effectiveness of key GoA institutions will remain an important priority for both the U.S. and Afghan governments. USAID enhances the GoA’s ability to develop, manage, and execute budgets, deliver services, and create a more conducive, pro-development regulatory environment. By increasing the management effectiveness of government institutions, GIRoA will continue to become more accountable for their own results and their own role in advancing the development of Afghanistan.

Prior to the decision to program funds on-budget, USAID conducted the requisite analyses to determine the capacity of the targeted GoA partner institutions. USAID will continue to work with the respective institutions to ensure that they address weaknesses in the areas of financial management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and human resources prior to award and/or the disbursement of funds, or through risk mitigation measures during implementation. USAID will also continue to provide technical assistance through off-budget components to complement on-budget programs.

Performance Indicators The full set of PMP performance indicators listed below was developed through a series of workshops facilitated by OPPD. The table lists the Mission’s indicators that will measure an intended result of the strategy and attendant project or activity. These indicators are the foundation for observing if progress is being made to achieve the Mission’s expected results. The performance indicators selected from the standard F indicators list are identified with an asterisk. Several custom and third party indicators are included. Annex E includes the PIRS for each indicator, and provides precise definitions to maintain a comprehensive record for each PMP indicator.

GOAL: Afghan-led Sustainable Development

Outcome* Mission

Human Development Index[footnoteRef:1] [1: * Standard F Indicators HDI is a composite index of life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and gross national income (GNI – which includes GDP + income received from other countries, including remittances). UNDP’s HDI also breaks out per capita GNI, and Inequality HDI (the actual level of human development (taking into account inequality) versus HDI indexing the potential human development that could be achieved if there is no inequality).]

DO 1: Sustainable Agriculture-led Economic Growth Expanded

Outcome

OAG

Outcome*

OEGI

IR 1.1: Employment Opportunities Increased

Outcome*

OEGI/ OED

Output

OEGI

Output

OEGI

Sub IR 1.1.1: Access to Electricity Increased

Output

OEGI

Output

OEGI

Outcome*

OEGI

Sub IR 1.1.2: Equitable Access to Financial Services Increased

Output

OAG

Output*

OEGI

Output

OEGI

Sub IR 1.1.3: Competitiveness of Businesses and Entrepreneurs Increased

Sub IR 1.1.4: Regional Trade Increased

Outcome*

OEGI

Outcome*

OEGI

Outcome*

OEGI

Output*

OEGI

Output

OEGI

IR 1.2: Vibrant and Prosperous Agriculture Sector Developed

Outcome

OAG

Sub IR 1.2.1: Productivity of Key Agricultural Crops Increased

Outcome*

OAG

Outcome*

OAG

Outcome

OAG

Outcome

OAG

Output*

OAG/OEGI

Sub IR 1.2.2: Commercial Viability of Agribusinesses Increased

Output*

OAG

Sub IR 1.2.3: Public and Private Agricultural Service Delivery Strengthened

Output*

OAG

Outcome*

OAG

Outcome

Sub IR 1.2.4: Natural Resource Management Practices Improved

Output*

OAG

Output*

OAG

Output

OEGI

DO 2: Gains in Health, Education, and the Empowerment of Women Maintained and Enhanced

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OED

IR 2.1: Health outcomes Improved

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Output*

OEGI

Sub IR 2.1.1: Afghan Ownership to Ensure and Effective Health Response Strengthened

Sub IR 2.1.2: Use of Quality Health Services Increased

Output*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

Outcome*

OHN

IR 2.2: Equitable Access to Quality, Relevant Education Increased

Output*

OED

Outcome*

OED

Sub IR 2.2.1: Reading and Numeracy Skills Improved

Output*

OED

Output*

OED

Output*

OED

Output*

OED

Sub IR 2.2.2: Education Systems Strengthened to Prepare Afghans for Employment

Outcome*

OED/

OAG

Output*

OEG/OEGI

IR 2.3: Women’s Equality and Empowerment Increased

Outcome Mission

Sub IR 2.3.1: Women’s Contribution to Afghanistan’s Economy, Government, and Civil Society Increased

Output Mission

Sub IR 2.3.2: Gender Policy Implementation Strengthened

Output Mission

Sub IR 2.3.3: Afghan Perceptions toward Women’s Inclusiveness Improved

Outcome Mission

DO 3: Performance and Legitimacy of GIRoA Improved

Outcome*

ODG

IR 3.1: Citizens Hold GIRoA Accountable

Output*

ODG

Sub IR 3.1.1: Citizen Awareness of Rights and Responsibilities within the Afghan Constitution Increased

Output*

ODG

Outcome

ODG

Output

OEGI

Sub IR 3.1.2: Civil Society’s Ability to Advocate Reform Strengthened

Output

ODG

Sub IR 3.1.3: Political Participation Increased

Output*

ODG

Sub IR 3.1.4: Access to Quality, Independent Information Increased

Output*

ODG

Output

OEGI

IR 3.2: Governance at the National and Sub-national Level Strengthened

Output*

ODG

Outcome*

ODG/OEGI

Sub IR 3.2.1: Access to Justice Services based on Afghan Law Increased

Outcome*

ODG

Outcome*

ODG

Sub IR 3.2.2: Policies and Procedures Improved

Outcome*

ODG

OEGI

OED

OHN

OAG

OEGI

OED

OHN

OAG

Output

OEGI

Outcome

OEGI

Output*

ODG

Sub IR 3.2.3: Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms Strengthened

Outcome*

ODG

Outcome*

ODG

Sub IR 3.2.4: Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthened

Outcome

ODG/OEGI

Output*

ODG/OEGI

Output*

OEGI

Sub IR 3.2.5: Capacity to Administer Elections Improved

Output*

ODG

Output*

ODG

Sub-IR 3.2.6: Sub-national Government’s Engagement with the Population Improved

Outcome

ODG

Context Indicators A Context indicator is data which provides simple, reliable information that measures whether the assumptions upon which the strategy, and therefore the results framework, is based. These indicators are outside of USAID/Afghanistan’s manageable interest and serve as a tool to gauge the country’s progress as at a Macro Level.

Security Apparatus

Source: The Fund for Peace Fragile States Index < http://library.fundforpeace.org/library/cfsir1423-fragilestatesindex2014-06d.pdf > The security apparatus should have a monopoly on use of legitimate force. The social contract is weakened where this is affected by competing groups.

Includes pressures and measures related to:

· Internal Conflict

· Small Arms Proliferation

· Riots and Protests

· Fatalities from Conflict

· Military Coups

· Rebel Activity

· Militancy

· Bombings

· Political Prisoners

External Intervention

< http://library.fundforpeace.org/library/cfsir1423-fragilestatesindex2014-06d.pdf > When the state fails to meet its international or domestic obligations, external actors may intervene to provide services or to manipulate internal affairs. Includes pressures and measures related to:

• Foreign Military Intervention

• Presence of Peacekeepers

• Presence of UN Missions

• Foreign Assistance

• Sanctions

• Credit Rating

Foreign Direct Investment, net inflows

Source: The World Bank http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/BX.KLT.DINV.CD.WD International Monetary Fund, Balance of Payments database, supplemented by data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and official national sources.

Foreign direct investment are the net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest (10 percent or more of voting stock) in an enterprise operating in an economy other than that of the investor.

It is the sum of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, other long-term capital, and short-term capital as shown in the balance of payments.

Gender Inequality Index

Source: UN Human Development Index 2014 < http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/human-development-index-hdi > The Gender Inequality Index presents a composite measure of gender inequality using three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment and labour market participation.

Reproductive health is measured by two indicators: the maternal mortality ratio and the adolescent birth rate.

Empowerment is measured by the share of parliamentary seats held by women and the share of population with at least some secondary education.

The labour market is measured by participation in the labour force. A low GII value indicates low inequality between women and men, and vice-versa.

Gender Development Index

Source: UN Human Development Index 2014 < http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/human-development-index-hdi >

The Gender Development Index, measures disparities in HDI by gender. The HDI values estimated separately for women and men; the ratio of which is the GDI.

The closer the ratio is to 1, the smaller the gap between women and men. There are three HDI components—longevity, education (with two indicators) and income—are also presented by gender.

State Legitimacy

< http://library.fundforpeace.org/library/cfsir1423-fragilestatesindex2014-06d.pdf > Corruption and lack of representativeness in the government directly undermine social contract. Includes pressures and measures related to:

• Corruption

• Government Effectiveness

• Political Participation

• Electoral Process

• Level of Democracy

• Illicit Economy

• Drug Trade

• Protests and Demonstrations

• Power Struggles

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

USAID Afghanistan has a multi-tiered monitoring strategy and a robust evaluation approach to measure and track results for its large portfolio. Taking into consideration the dynamic and constantly changing operational environment and the withdrawal of international military forces and USG civilian staff from the field, the Mission has adapted to the complex circumstances in Afghanistan to successfully measure progress toward the achievement of its strategy’s RF.

A. USAID Afghanistan Monitoring Approach

1. Multi-tiered Monitoring Overview To implement its performance management strategy, USAID Afghanistan will rely on the triangulation of data from different sources to verify activities. The sources of information for data verification include independent third-party monitors, implementing partners, the Government of Afghanistan, other donors, CSOs, and beneficiaries. Monitoring using data from multiple sources enables the triangulation of information to ensure confidence in reporting.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) are responsible for creating a project Monitoring Overview (Annex D, Monitoring Overview Template) that adapts this multi-tiered monitoring approach to meet the specific needs of their project. The implementation of this monitoring system will be presented to the Mission’s Front Office at Quarterly Monitoring Reviews. Through these reviews, technical office Directors will highlight successes and identify challenges in the implementation of the monitoring strategies.

The five tiered monitoring actors are: Tier 1: USAID and other USG entities; Tier 2: Implementing Partners; Tier 3: the Government of Afghanistan and other Donors; Tier 4: Civil society, local organizations, and beneficiaries; and Tier 5: Independent Monitoring Contractors.

Tier 1: USAID and other USG Oversight

· Although reduced, USAID field staff will continue to conduct site visits, hold meetings, and verify performance monitoring data when the security environment permits.

· Through the Department of Defense (DoD), USAID has access to over 46 radio stations throughout Afghanistan. These stations receive an average of 2,000 calls per month from the Afghan population regarding radio programs dealing with governance, development and security. USAID will use the radio network to monitor and collect feedback on programming and other development issues.

· The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency supports USAID monitoring efforts by providing aerial imagery of areas where implementing partners report activity data. USAID can visually verify if specific project activities occurred, such as roads or buildings constructed.

Tier 2: Implementing Partner Reporting

· Implementing partners are required to have their own internal M&E system to collect activity data and information on precise activity locations. This information is linked to geographic locations to map project outputs.

· Implementing partners conduct site visits to verify that sub-contractors are reporting accurate results.

· Quarterly and annual reports keep CORs and AORs informed about project performance and include progress towards achieving performance indicator targets.

Implementing partners are required to share accurate and timely information with the tier-five independent monitoring contractors to enable third-party verification.

Tier 3: Afghan government and Other Donors

· USAID will work closely with the Government of Afghanistan to monitor project activities.

· USAID and the donor community have identified several possible areas for information sharing. Collaboration includes providing contextual information about security and other trends in parts of the country that can affect monitoring and programming efforts; sharing best practices and lessons learned from operating in similar development contexts; and building the capacity of the Governement of Afghanistan’s M&E systems to help them play a more prominent role.

· USAID works with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in specific situations to improve information sharing. Because of UNAMA’s extensive field presence, USAID Afghanistan is able to benefit from their monitor activities in remote areas.

Tier 4: CSOs and Beneficiaries

· CSOs are able to report to field or Kabul-based USAID representatives to verify activities and observe performance

· The Mission plans to support citizen call centers in Afghanistan to allow Afghans to report opinions and reactions to USAID projects, suspected misbehavior, and other related information.

Tier 5: Independent Monitoring Contractors

· USAID Afghanistan has independent monitoring contracts in place that provide objective verification of project activities and perform DQAs of activity data.

· The Monitoring Support Project (MSP) independently monitors and verifies project activities and, as requested, conducts DQAs.

· The Equals Quality Assurance and Logistical Support (EQUALS) project provides short and long term monitoring of infrastructure projects, ensuring that infrastructure projects are built according to established and agreed upon standards and contract specifications. The Engineering Support Project will continue when EQUALS ends, and include environmental compliance monitoring.

· The Measuring Impacts of Stabilization Initiatives (MISTI) project supports the stabilization portfolio by sharing M&E best practices through an online knowledge management portal. By working to create a community of practice for M&E and program learning, MISTI shares their high standard systems for data verification and data quality.

· The Independent Monitoring Unit (IMU) allows monitoring to take place in increasingly non-permissive environments in Afghanistan.

The Mission’s…