International Development and Programs (Development Work) - International Development and Programs (Development Work)

According to USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 203, “Assessing and Learning,” technical offices should set performance targets that are ambitious but can realistically be achieved within the stated timeframe and with the available resources.

In addition, USAID’s Performance Monitoring and Evaluation TIPS No. 6, “Selecting Performance Indicators,” stipulates that performance indicators are at the heart of a performance monitoring system—they define the data to be collected to measure progress and enable actual results achieved over time to be compared with planned results.

Setting ambitious, yet achievable, targets is essential for the successful management and achievement of planned results of foreign assistance programs. Targets help establish clear expectations for USAID staff, implementing partners, and key stakeholders. In contrast, targets that are easily achievable are not useful for management and reporting.

General Recommendations

• Establish ambitious yet achievable targets, outcomes, and goals, and modify the program’s agreement as required to reflect these changes.

• Develop and implement a plan to collect baseline data so that progress in achieving the program’s outcomes and goals can be measured.

Source: AUDIT REPORT NO. G-391-11-001-P DECEMBER 10, 2010

The recommendations are derived from audit reports of the Office of the Inspector General. The source refers to the audit report, which is available on this site as part of the Audit Database Project: an educational tool for compliance with USAID regulations.  Please see the disclaimer of this site before using recommendations.