Subdividing the tasks and allocating the resources
How do we Evaluate Programmes?
Executing the M&E action
Consider: Who should and who wants to be a member of the core team? What criteria will you use to select participants? What types of skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes are required to be an effective core team member? What balance of voice, experience and expertise do you need represented on the team? What challenges might participants face (workload, capacity, time/availability, motivation)? Who can commit to longer-term involvement? What incentives might be available for committed core team members? Do people understand the possible risks and benefits of the PM&E process enough to make an informed decision about where, when and how they might be involved? How will you identify and meet the training and support needs of core team members?
Criteria to select core PM&E team members will include: • Personal commitment to a collaborative process and to the principles of CFSC and PM&E (implies a degree of knowledge and understanding of participatory approaches, faith in and enthusiasm to participate actively) • Expertise and experience in a variety of participatory techniques and methodologies
See also Job profiles of an evaluation expert in a development organization
TEAM ACTIVITIES AND ROLES:
There are four key activities or roles during a PRA exercise. In the ideal situation, you could have one person for each key activity or role. However, in reality this is not always possible as certain situations may require the team to split. The key roles are: facilitator, process observer, information recorder and translator.
Facilitator · Introduces the exercise
Interacts with community and draws out views from various people
Facilitates the field exercise, linking interview objectives to overall research objectives.
Process Observer · Deals with “special” or “difficult” community members
Observes and records the process
Informs facilitator if things are going wrong
Observes how other team members are coping with their tasks, and organises help if this is needed.
Information Recorder
Records information raised during discussion
Copies Visual output
Translator · Translates between facilitator & community & other members
Helps identify areas of context that other team members may not be familiar with
Helps interpret on request (to convey meaning)
Local mobilisers should be able to assist with translation, mobilising the community, facilitating logistics, identifying local-level information, building rapport and linking up the team with people and institutions at the local level.
Other rersources: