Detailed description of project Back
The PSPPD programme has been championing evidence-based policy-making since its launch in 2007. Phase I ran from 2007 to 2012; the second phase commenced in 2012 and will run until 2017. The programme aims to enhance the analytical capacity of policy-makers in South Africa through professional development, so that they are able to use better methods for making use of different kinds of knowledge, improve systems for ensuring that the right knowledge is available to decision-makers timeously and that better systems are developed for continuous learning. Policymakers, with input from researchers, can systematically use the best available evidence to inform the policy making and implementation processes.
The overall objective of this mid-term review is to provide decision makers in the South African government and the EU with sufficient information to make an informed judgement about the progress and performance of the programme (its efficiency and effectiveness), decisions about any required changes to the operational scope for the remainder of the operational implementation period, establish lessons learnt for future interventions, and to make recommendations for institutionalisation of the programme post-EU funding.
The specific objectives of the mid-term review of the PSPPD II are:
- Based on the design of the programme, to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of programme implementation to date;
- To assess the prospects and conditions for successful delivery of the programme’s log frame activities and results, and achievement of the programme purpose, and in addition identify innovative activities and processes that contribute to the programme purpose e.g. Stellenbosch University/DBE interventions;
- If deemed necessary, to provide recommendations for modification of programme implementation scope in order to support effective implementation and the achievement of the programme purpose, and to take account of lessons learnt for future interventions; and
- To assess the situation with respect to institutionalisation of the programme post-EU funding, and suggest viable options to maximise the likelihood of institutionalisation and sustainability of programme activities.
Type of services provided
- Thorough assessment of stakeholder participation;
- Brief assessment of the extent to which the programme remains consistent with, and supportive of, the strategic MIP priorities;
- Critical assessment of programme performance with respect to efficiency (input delivery, cost control and activity management) and effectiveness (actual and potential delivery of outputs and progress towards achieving the purpose);
- Thorough assessment of programme management and coordination arrangements, including the integration of the Learning Facility;
- Assessment of the quality of operational work planning, budgeting and risk management;
- Assessment of the quality of information management and reporting, and the extent to which key stakeholders are kept adequately informed of programme activities;
- Assessment of the effectiveness and successfulness of aligning the outcomes and activities of the programme with other EC-, government- and donor funded programmes;
- Initial assessment of the prospects for sustainability of benefits, and making proposals to ensure institutionalisation and sustainability of programme activities;
- If deemed necessary, to provide recommendations for modification of programme implementation scope;
- Provide key recommendations on future activities in the sector.
The services are provided by a team of two experts:
- Team leader (40 m/d);
- Senior Expert (40 m/d).
