Building evaluation capacity in Vietnam

Panel: 8. Monitoring and evaluation: building confidence and enhancing practices

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Charles Michaelis, Databuild, United Kingdom
Emily McQualter, Department of Industry and Science

Abstract

Australian Aid (AusAID) supported the introduction of MEPS and Energy Labels in Vietnam between 2012 and 2015. One of the aims of the project was to develop evaluation capacity within the responsible department in the Government of Vietnam; the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).

The AusAID support was designed to demonstrate best practice evaluation practices; particularly:

• Integrating monitoring and evaluation within the program activities

• Assessing energy savings and establishing the degree to which savings could be attributed to MEPS and Energy Label program

• Communicating evaluation results within government and more widely

In order to ensure lasting capacity within MOIT for evaluation; the project aimed to result in:

• A clear commitment within MOIT to evaluation

• Evaluation incorporated in the responsibilities of named government officials

• Sustainable systems and methods for monitoring and evaluation

• Skills development within MOIT

• Building interest in evaluation and developing skills among local academics to provide MOIT with a consultancy base

This paper will report on the results of the capacity building activity and reflect on the challenges, successes and lessons learned about building evaluation capacity in developing countries.