Who We are | Global Evaluation Initiative

Who is GEI?

The Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI) is a global network of organizations and experts working with developing countries to build stronger monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems that support more informed, evidence-based decision-making. By fostering partnerships and promoting collaboration among stakeholders—including governments, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, GEI supports countries in building more effective, inclusive, and evidence-informed policies.

GEI delivers support through initiatives such as the Centers for Learning on Evaluation and Results (CLEARs), the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET), and the BetterEvaluation knowledge platform. These efforts are grounded in an integrated systems approach that provides diagnostics, technical assistance, training, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and emphasizes country ownership. Through this work, GEI contributes to building resilient M&E functions that support learning, accountability, and effective governance worldwide.

GOVERNANCE

The GEI Partnership Council is made up of GEI funding partners.

The Partnership Council is responsible for reviewing and providing inputs to the annual work plan and indicative budget of the Trust Fund; providing strategic guidance on Trust Fund activities; and reviewing, periodically, key performance indicators prepared by the World Bank for Trust Fund performance evaluation. It is convened and chaired by IEG and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) (co-chair for the inaugural 3 years).

Council documents

The Implementation Committee focuses on promoting good practices, collaboration, and effectiveness amongst the organizations in the GEI network.

The Implementation Committee provides a forum where implementation priorities, opportunities, and issues - at regional, country, and global levels - can be identified; and where collaboration opportunities and shared solutions can be agreed on.

The Advisory Board supports the Partnership Council, the Implementation Committee, and the GEI Global Team by providing guidance and advice.

It shares informed and constructive feedback on the approach being taken by GEI and its performance in achieving its strategic goals. Its opinion is solicited on certain important strategic matters, as well as on the overall strategic direction of the Initiative. In effect, the Board serves as a mechanism to provide the GEI with feedback from the global evaluation community.

The Global Team serves as the Secretariat of GEI.

It is responsible for the fiscal management of the GEI trust fund; strategic thought leadership; governance and accountability; partner relationship management; knowledge generation, and communications. It is coordinated through the World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) in collaboration with the UN (United Nations) Development Programme’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). The Global Team is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with a satellite office at IEG in Washington, D.C.