MEASURING IMPACT Making Use of the Portfolio Organizational Learning at USAID

Build on existing efforts
Record learning outcomes,
not only knowledge
products
Encourage collaborative
implementation
Encourage FSN staff
participation
Strengthen the link
between project-level
monitoring, evaluating,
and learning
Efforts will be made to reach out to existing and previously existing groups
using platforms such as RMPortal, FRAMEweb, and Agrilinks. The
Measuring Impact team will reach out to other groups that have explored
cross-Mission learning, such as the SCAPES project, or those that appear
to be poised for cross-site learning for possible inclusion in the Learning
Program.
A Mission engagement log will be developed to record learning activities
outputs and outcomes.
When possible, the Learning Program will encourage participants to
collaborate on learning activities implementation.
Special effort will be made to include FSNs in collaborative learning groups
and ensure that their voices are heard and materials are appropriate for
different language levels. This idea would also extend to implementing
partners, when appropriate and feasible, because these organizations also
have local experience. Language and Internet connectivity may impose
some limitations.
The USAID Biodiversity Policy and updated Biodiversity Code require that
biodiversity-funded projects include a theory of change and indicators to
measure progress along that theory of change. E3/FAB, through the
Measuring Impact initiative, is helping Missions implement these new
requirements in project design and monitoring and evaluation. The Cross-
Mission Learning Program will complement these efforts by (1) helping
learning groups write learning agendas that align to project M&E systems
and (2) providing technical assistance in managing M&E data to inform
learning.
32 MEASURING IMPACT – ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING AT USAID RECOMMENDATIONS