APTC Annual Report and Plan 2016 - 2017 Final 160117

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Scope of Services 5.13 (b), 5.14, 5.15, 5.14-19, 5.20 (c), 5.21 (g), 5.22, 5.23, 5.24 (a-e, g-n, p-r), 6, 8.23, 8.4-7, 8.8 (a-f), 8.10, 8.11, 8.12
(a-f), 11.1-6, 11.7 (a-d), 12.1, 12.2 (a-h), 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 (a-g), 12.6-9, 12.10 (a-c), 12.17, 13.5, 14.1, 14.2, 17.4 (a), 18, 18.1, 18.2 (a-f),
18.3
M&E Activities
The Stage 2 Extension provides an opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of APTC M&E
activities, with the revised MEF adhering to DFAT best-practice guidelines. This new approach more
reliably informs APTC decision-making processes and underpins the development of the APTC
Training Profile.
The monitoring and evaluation approach taken recognises the need to adopt a formative approach
to program monitoring and results measurement as part of an integrated system of data collection
and analysis. This ensures that management is provided with information to enable sound decisionmaking,
and provides accountability to DFAT and alignment with PIF countries’ policies in the TVET
sector. The process adopted to develop Country Profiles and Plans support a process of learning for
APTC staff and stakeholders.
The principles underpinning the APTC M&E approach are:
› Monitoring and Evaluation Standards:
The program is monitored and evaluated in line with the OECD Development Assistance
Committee criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. The
overarching standards framework for the conduct of the APTC M&E are those described in
the DFAT Monitoring and Evaluation Standards. The combination of these assists in ensuring
that international monitoring and evaluation standards are met.
› Simplicity:
The MEF utilises existing data collection systems and program staff, focussing on key
outcomes and indicators for ease and simplicity. Tools and processes have been reviewed
to ensure they are simple to use and reflective of program activities, being mindful of the most
efficient assessment mechanism to use. Monitoring and evaluation activities emphasise the
building of capacity and include the perspectives of stakeholders in evaluation design,
implementation and analysis.
› Alignment and partnership:
The program’s approach focuses on: strong partnerships with Partner Institutions and Partner
Governments in the Pacific to promote and support local ownership/leadership; closer
alignment of the program with the broader development interventions of the Bilateral Aid
program in the region; a focus on quality educational outcomes; human resource
development/labour market relevance; increased involvement of the private sector in the
program; and donor coordination.
› Contribution to the research agenda:
The M&E Plan elicits a range of quantitative and qualitative data and from this a range of
specific lessons learnt for TVET and the Pacific is available to inform the emerging research
on the role, effectiveness and impact that APTC and TVET programs have on development
outcomes. Transparency and communication underpins APTC’s commitment to continuous
improvement and learning.
› Risk Management:
The APTC Risk Management Strategy includes the monitoring and evaluation programmatic
risks as a routine element of all analysis. Importantly key assumptions that underpin the
program’s ToC are continuously tested for relevance and currency against changing
contexts.
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