Evaluation at Unitaid

Why we evaluate

External evaluations are an essential component of our approach to performance management and monitoring, transparency and accountability, and communicating results and learning.

External evaluations are one of several approaches that we apply to ensure effective performance to deliver global health impact. Other approaches include regular internal monitoring, external audits, partner engagement, and external verifications. External evaluations provide us with an independent assessment of the results delivered through our investments, input for course correction and a consolidation of lessons learned and recommendations to inform future investments.

How we approach evaluation

Unitaid requires at least one evaluation over the course of each grant. We typically commission external end-of-grant evaluations within 12 months before or after grant closure. Unitaid may decide to conduct prospective evaluations to provide an ongoing assessment over the course of implementation to facilitate real-time learning and course correction.  In addition, we may commission thematic evaluations to review performance and capture learning within cross-cutting areas of our strategic framework or specific technical areas/ approaches.

External evaluations are contracted, funded and managed by Unitaid. We select evaluators through an open, competitive procurement process that follows best practice, with clear terms of reference outlining required experience and expertise. To promote efficient use of resources, we prioritize selection of evaluators with a presence in the region/countries of implementation and ensure evaluators make use of existing data, research and findings of previously completed evaluations.

Our evaluation framework

Our approach to evaluation is guided by our evaluation framework. This framework is based on the internationally accepted evaluation framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC), including its principles and criteria for grant evaluations.

The evaluation framework was updated in November 2022 to align with our 2023-2027 strategy.

We use this framework as the basis to develop the terms of reference that outlines the purpose and scope of work for a specific evaluation.  Evaluation questions are prioritized and tailored according to the focus of the evaluation and the information needs. Appropriate data sources and methods are then defined to respond to each evaluation question.

Unitaid’s evaluation framework and additional guidance for implementers and evaluators is available here.

How we share and use evaluation findings

We disseminate evaluation findings and learning widely among our stakeholders and partners. Final reports are posted on our website (see below).

Evaluations are used to inform annual reporting on our strategic key performance indicators (KPIs), to support the ongoing performance management of our active portfolio and to inform the design of future investments.

Our evaluations:

Upcoming Evaluations:

  • Currently there are no upcoming evaluations.

Ongoing evaluations:

  • Currently there are no ongoing evaluations.

Recently completed evaluations:

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