The International Center for Evaluation and Development Overview By David S Ameyaw

Where the World Is Going

What is ICED It is the first Africa-based international think-tank (DO) that combines research and innovation with extensive practical experience in evaluation for development in the Africa A registered Non-Stock International Corporation in the State of Delaware with US tax exemption 501 (C) (3). It has its operating headquarters in Nairobi Kenya and offices in Laurel, Maryland and Accra, Ghana

What is ICED It fills an important gap in the global evaluation architecture ICED is poised to use and enhance the value of rigorous evaluation and research to contribute to development outcomes and impacts that address the opportunities of today and the future. It focuses specifically on the Global South, with Africa as a significant priority.

Our Vision, Mission and Goals ICED’s Vision Improved quality of life and wellbeing of individuals, societies and ecosystems in the global South through evaluation ICED’s Mission To Advance Evaluation Theory and Practice for the Development of Global South ICED’s Strategic Goals 1. To inspire and enable thought leadership and innovation leadership in evaluation for development in the Global South 2. To inform the commissioning, design and execution of higher quality evaluations for development in the Global South 3. To promote sound and evidence-based decision making, good governance, and adoptive management 4. To strengthen the capacity of evaluation professionals and institutions

Why ICED The founders of ICED have their roots in practical experience gained in many very different parts of the world, yet are fully aware of all the theories and practices that have shaped evaluation as profession The need for ICED was identified by its founders based on: Their extensive experience in the field of development-related evaluation. Intensive dialogue with numerous leading figures in this field and in aligned disciplines also clarified the need for the organization.

The Main Rational for ICED Development practitioners are increasingly aware of the critical role that effective evaluation must play in informing and shaping development policies, strategies and initiatives around the world There is a dearth of think tanks and centres of excellence in the Global South that focus exclusively on evaluation and that are able to bring significant resources and expertise to bear on nurturing leadership and innovation in evaluation for development There is an urgent need to rise above the evaluation of individual development projects and programmes, and take on the “big picture” development issues that are often interconnected and come to the fore at national, regional and global scales

The Main Rational for ICED Countries in the Global South offer a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences that can be tapped by evaluation professionals. Modern as well as age-old knowledge and wisdom in the Global South need to be harnessed effectively to support the evolution of evaluation theory and practice worldwide It is widely recognized that the evaluation profession needs to bring to bear on its theory and practice expertise from other disciplines and perspectives from unconventional sources. To do this requires agility and strong professional networks, especially from different professions and disciplines in the currently under-represented Global South, in order to lead and stay current in a fast-moving world The evaluation profession is becoming a very fashionable field of work worldwide, and as such is attracting people who may lack sufficient skills and insights to do justice to the demands of the profession. Evaluation for development is a specialised profession that demands significant levels of evaluative thinking and ethics, appropriate work experience, and technical expertise far beyond the application of social research methods

What ICED Does and Does Nots ICED recognizes the importance of diversity and context. ICED does not ascribe to any specific evaluation or development dogma, It is fiercely independent and does not tolerate undue influences on how it conducts its work ICED does not duplicate the efforts of others. Instead, it aims to catalyze and inspire new action. It brings together teams of carefully selected associates from across disciplines, professions and sectors to collaborate on time-bound projects within larger ongoing programs. It highlights the work of others, not only its own, and targets influential initiatives in order for its work to ripple out across sectors and professions. Its cross-cutting themes ensure that it stays at, and supports the cutting edge of developments worldwide, while its guiding principles ensure that it stays true to its founding vision

Our Work ICED focuses on doing research and coming up with innovations on emerging and new knowledge about Monitoring and Evaluation and development in five key Areas of Work

Areas of Focus Evaluation Research and Innovation in Sustainable Development Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems and Nutrition Climate Change and Environment Land and Property Right Private Sector in Development Innovative Finance ICT in Development 2. Public/Private Institutions M&E System Development and Adaptive Management 3. Policy Engagement, Communication and Convening for Development 4. Capacity Strengthening and Professional Development in M&E

Cross-Cutting Themes Rigorous and useful Monitoring and Evaluation for development   Culture, Context, and Gender perspectives in Monitoring and Evaluation for development Holism, whole systems and complexity thinking in Monitoring and Evaluation for development Managing and evaluating for sustained development impact and success Dealing with transformation, sustainability and resilience in Monitoring and Evaluation for development

Strategies We advance research and innovation in Monitoring and Evaluation by highlighting, triggering and catalysing thought and practice leadership in Africa. To do this we identifying, forecasting, tracking trends and critical issues development bring people together across disciplinary, cultural, sector, ideological and other boundaries to trigger and catalyse innovation for Africa conduct theory and field-based research, meta-analysis, systematic Reviews and Evaluation and synthesis to fill knowledge gaps in Africa ensure effective engagement with influential and important stakeholders. We work with interested policy decision-makers, managers, Monitoring and Evaluation funders and commissioners to test Monitoring and Evaluation innovations in the field, including in cross- cultural contexts and paradigms. We provide advice and support to policy and decision makers, managers, Monitoring and Evaluation funders and commissioners, cognisant of context, culture and “big picture” gaps and needs from local to global level. We oversee, advice and/or conduct strategic evaluations where independence, ethical conduct and a high level of technical and political skill are of primary importance. We strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation professional capacity and practices by provide mentoring, education and exposure that - in collaboration with universities and other education and training initiatives - fill gaps in current efforts in Africa.