GEI approach to M&E
The Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI) supports institutional capacity building by working with developing countries to improve the performance and sustainability of their monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. By engaging across institutions, policies, and people, GEI helps governments embed evidence more effectively in planning and policy processes.
GEI’s support is tailored to country needs and grounded in diagnostic assessments, including tools like the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Analysis (MESA). It works to reduce fragmentation, catalyze collaboration on critical issues like gender, climate, and fragility, and provide advisory services that contribute to more coordinated, fit-for-purpose national systems.
GEI also inspires and incubates innovative solutions and helps scale what works. Through knowledge development, global learning, and partnerships, GEI promotes the practical use of evidence in public policy. Its emphasis on country leadership and adaptation ensures that evaluation systems are inclusive, responsive, and built to last.
FOCUS AREAS
Strengthen the capacities of policymakers, evaluators, and other M&E professionals
GEI works with partners to strengthen the capacities of policy makers, evaluators, and other monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals. Through a range of learning and professional development activities, participants gain the skills and tools needed to generate, use, and manage evidence for more effective decision-making. Programs such as IPDET and regional initiatives like TAQYEEM draw on global expertise, reflect local contexts, and promote inclusive participation to help M&E professionals meet evolving development challenges.
GEI also fosters collaboration across its Network to improve professional development offerings. Working groups and joint initiatives enable partners to exchange knowledge and integrate key themes—including gender, climate change, and fragility—into training content, contributing to stronger M&E systems and more informed policy making.
Strengthen the capacities of policymakers, evaluators, and other M&E professionals
GEI works with partners to strengthen the capacities of policy makers, evaluators, and other monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals. Through a range of learning and professional development activities, participants gain the skills and tools needed to generate, use, and manage evidence for more effective decision-making. Programs such as IPDET and regional initiatives like TAQYEEM draw on global expertise, reflect local contexts, and promote inclusive participation to help M&E professionals meet evolving development challenges.
GEI also fosters collaboration across its Network to improve professional development offerings. Working groups and joint initiatives enable partners to exchange knowledge and integrate key themes—including gender, climate change, and fragility—into training content, contributing to stronger M&E systems and more informed policy making.
Provide country governments with diagnostic, technical, and other advisory support services
GEI supports governments in strengthening their national M&E systems through diagnostic, technical, and advisory services tailored to local needs. Using a systems-based approach, GEI helps countries identify opportunities, define priorities, and implement strategies to improve the generation and use of evidence. Tools such as the MESA diagnostic provide a structured way to assess national M&E capacities and guide capacity development efforts.
This work is delivered through GEI’s Network, including the CLEAR Centers and other partners, who collaborate with national institutions to build lasting, context-specific solutions. GEI’s support focuses on strengthening the enabling environment, institutional frameworks, and individual skills needed for effective, sustainable M&E systems.
Provide country governments with diagnostic, technical, and other advisory support services
GEI supports governments in strengthening their national M&E systems through diagnostic, technical, and advisory services tailored to local needs. Using a systems-based approach, GEI helps countries identify opportunities, define priorities, and implement strategies to improve the generation and use of evidence. Tools such as the MESA diagnostic provide a structured way to assess national M&E capacities and guide capacity development efforts.
This work is delivered through GEI’s Network, including the CLEAR Centers and other partners, who collaborate with national institutions to build lasting, context-specific solutions. GEI’s support focuses on strengthening the enabling environment, institutional frameworks, and individual skills needed for effective, sustainable M&E systems.
Develop, Curate and Amplify Knowledge on M&E
GEI captures, curates, and shares knowledge on monitoring, evaluation, and evidence use to support the development of effective national M&E systems. Through a range of knowledge products, events, and platforms—including Glocal Evaluation Week and the BetterEvaluation website—GEI facilitates the exchange of practical experience and global good practices. This work helps connect local actors with global expertise and promotes learning across countries and regions, with a strong focus on South-South exchange.
Knowledge sharing is central to GEI’s approach, both externally and within the Network. By capturing lessons from across the globe and supporting partners to adapt them to their own contexts, GEI helps scale what works. The expanding knowledge base includes toolkits, blogs, podcasts, and events, all offering practical guidance on building and strengthening national M&E systems.
Develop, Curate and Amplify Knowledge on M&E
GEI captures, curates, and shares knowledge on monitoring, evaluation, and evidence use to support the development of effective national M&E systems. Through a range of knowledge products, events, and platforms—including Glocal Evaluation Week and the BetterEvaluation website—GEI facilitates the exchange of practical experience and global good practices. This work helps connect local actors with global expertise and promotes learning across countries and regions, with a strong focus on South-South exchange.
Knowledge sharing is central to GEI’s approach, both externally and within the Network. By capturing lessons from across the globe and supporting partners to adapt them to their own contexts, GEI helps scale what works. The expanding knowledge base includes toolkits, blogs, podcasts, and events, all offering practical guidance on building and strengthening national M&E systems.