A basic guide to evaluation for development workers: Appendix 3 Tasks for the team leader

A basic guide to evaluation for development workers

		Acknowledgements
		1 Introduction
		2 Putting evaluation in context
		3 Traditional and alternative models of evaluation
		4 The purpose and use of evaluation
		5 Putting evaluation into practice
		6 Some practical considerations when planning an evaluation
		7 Using evaluation: feedback and follow-up
		Appendix 1 Checklist of questions
		Appendix 2 Developing an evaluation plan
		Appendix 3 Tasks for the team leader
		Appendix 4 Suggestions for content of an evaluation report
		Appendix 5 Advantages and disadvantages of external and internal evaluators
		References and further reading
		Oxfam Books

Appendix 3 Tasks for the team leader

Preliminary questions: are you being asked to do something sensible? Is the task do-able, is the work evaluable? What are the different agendas? Is evaluation being used to fudge other actions which should be taken more directly? Is the organisation or group in question in crisis?

i. Planning

Review the TOR with the manager of the exercise—discuss and revise as necessary.

Ensure you are aware of evaluation 'sponsors' and key stakeholders. As far as possible appraise yourself of their agendas and key purposes in the exercise.

Refine evaluation design and methods as needed. Meet/contract other team members.

Ensure people are clear and happy about contractual arrangements - ensure other members have sufficient experience to produce the work that will be required.

Ensure gender balance in team and gender expertise. Ensure logistics will enable accessing women's views and information as much as men, at minimum.

Ensure those promoting evaluation are preparing background documentation, request further information as appropriate.Investigate possible pre visit to projects/ organisation to set up any necessary preparation work by team, or data collection. This may involve a training element.

Select sample sites as appropriate.Ensure you will have sufficient time for team building in initial days of exercise, and sufficient time for evaluation team to meet during field work and concluding phases.

Ensure logistical back-up is available, and find out who is your link person. Find out if translators are needed, and available, and of a reasonable standard.

ii. Implementation

Hold initial meetings at project site.

Collect data: project records, existing data, interviews, surveys, observation.

Analyse data.

Write first draft of evaluation report.

Give preliminary feed back to project holders/evaluation manager/sponsors

Review report on basis of comments (correct facts).

Produce final report, or any other products envisaged.

iii. Follow up

Debrief evaluation promoters, content of findings and evaluation of process.

Ensure compliance with any accounting procedures, and ensure payment has been authorised.