Linking National Priorities: A Conceptual Mapping Exercise

2. I. Linking national Priorities • It is an important exercise: Development interventions occur in a specific context • Conceptually map the 4 variables( National priorities, UNDAF, MDG and joint program) • Walk through causalities in different directions and perspectives • Make the links but make sure to explain the assumptions underlying your links. Not just mentioned but explain them being specific.

3. Example • The joint programme will directly contribute to the achievement of the MDGs, the UNDAF outcome on environmental sustainability, i.e. “By 2009, increased capacity of stakeholders to protect/enhance the quality of the environment and sustainably manage natural resources”. Specifically, it will work for the attainment of the country programme (CP) outcome 3 which states: “By 2009, the poor and vulnerable groups, especially women and children, are able to prepare for and cope with the impacts of environmental emergencies.” It will directly contribute to building the adaptive capacities of these and other critical stakeholders and is expected to contribute directly to the achievement of: MDG 1 - by safeguarding the life support systems and livelihood base of the poor and the vulnerable; MDG 3 - given the strong linkages that exist between women and the environment, putting a focus on conservation and knowing that mitigation of climate change impacts will primarily benefit the most vulnerable; MDG 7 - by arresting and preventing the loss of environmental resources due to climate change, ensuring availability of water resources that could be made safe by technology interventions and liveable human settlements for slum dwellers through ‘safe sitting’; and MDG 6 - by ensuring that malaria and other vector borne diseases affected by climatic factors do not increase as a result of climate change. The programme also indirectly contributes to the attainment of MDGs 4 and 5 through water and other environmental resources availability.

4. V. Articulation of Expected results • Golden rule: Let’s all refer to the same definition when formulating (input, output, outcome and impact) • Apply these definition in a consistent way through the document • Make sure there are no causal gaps between each of the levels. The causality either should be observable by the reader or have to be explained • Limit the number of outcomes and outputs. A program can not be a panacea • Use short sentences including the infinitive tense when writing • A final advice: Make it simple

5. Examples

6. VIII. Joint M&E (1) • It is an integral part of the management cycle: It is easier if contemplated from the beggining • There has to be a 3% of the joint program allocated for M&E activities (final evaluation, etc) • Assumptions of the joint program again

7. VIII. Joint M&E (2) • Limit the number of indicators • Use the SMART approach to design indicators • Use quantitative and qualitative indicators • Make sure about the feasibility (cost) and the frequency to collect information • Please collect a baseline! Otherwise things get very complicated afterwars

8. Examples