Thank you for raising such an important question. I find it interesting in two respects:
First, because it raises the question of how we can capture the immediate (or medium term) effects of the COVID-19 situation on our realities. Many evaluators are grappling with this question. Some colleagues in the UN system have worked to draw some general directions in this respect. For instance, the recent publication from the ILO office of Evaluation (https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_mas/---eval/documents/publication/wcms_757541.pdf) might be of inspiration, as it lists, in annex, typical evaluation questions that match the need for collecting specific information relevant to COVID-19.
I also find your question interesting because it asks about how to make rapid evaluations, which we also had many possible reasons to aim for even prior to the pandemic, and on which therefore there are past experience to build on. And, if our colleague Jennifer is right in underlining that evaluation does not easily lend itself to fast reaction, I think there are ways to expedite processes to cater for the urge of timeliness. I can share the following learning points in respect to what worked when I aimed for conducting evaluations rapidly. First, focus. It makes a difference when someone’s time is entirely to the task, while multitasking takes away the precious focus you need to get to where you want fast. Second, aim for a good enough plan. We often go round in circles to prepare our evaluations, and invest a lot of time in back and forth exchanges over it, a straighter line, it can help to start with a rough scoping and testing and refining your focus and approach as you go along. Third, compensate any cut corners with engaging few select stakeholders with strategic knowledge as sounding board along the way.
Of course, the COVID-19 situation complicates these rules of thumb, in particular when engagement needs to be virtual; and my last piece of advice is to get savvy with modern technologies for engaging by virtual means. As you report, this might last, so might be worth investing in such new competences.
RE: Évaluation rapide pour mesurer l'impact de la pandémie COVID dans les zones montagneuses
Dear Malika,
Thank you for raising such an important question. I find it interesting in two respects:
First, because it raises the question of how we can capture the immediate (or medium term) effects of the COVID-19 situation on our realities. Many evaluators are grappling with this question. Some colleagues in the UN system have worked to draw some general directions in this respect. For instance, the recent publication from the ILO office of Evaluation (https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_mas/---eval/documents/publication/wcms_757541.pdf) might be of inspiration, as it lists, in annex, typical evaluation questions that match the need for collecting specific information relevant to COVID-19.
I also find your question interesting because it asks about how to make rapid evaluations, which we also had many possible reasons to aim for even prior to the pandemic, and on which therefore there are past experience to build on. And, if our colleague Jennifer is right in underlining that evaluation does not easily lend itself to fast reaction, I think there are ways to expedite processes to cater for the urge of timeliness. I can share the following learning points in respect to what worked when I aimed for conducting evaluations rapidly. First, focus. It makes a difference when someone’s time is entirely to the task, while multitasking takes away the precious focus you need to get to where you want fast. Second, aim for a good enough plan. We often go round in circles to prepare our evaluations, and invest a lot of time in back and forth exchanges over it, a straighter line, it can help to start with a rough scoping and testing and refining your focus and approach as you go along. Third, compensate any cut corners with engaging few select stakeholders with strategic knowledge as sounding board along the way.
Of course, the COVID-19 situation complicates these rules of thumb, in particular when engagement needs to be virtual; and my last piece of advice is to get savvy with modern technologies for engaging by virtual means. As you report, this might last, so might be worth investing in such new competences.
Best, Aurelie