CGIAR

An interlinked set of planning, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and impact assessment processes is required to effectively plan, manage and learn from CGIAR contribution to impact.

CGIAR’s Performance and Results Management Framework 2022–2030 (PRMF) sets out a new, streamlined CGIAR results architecture in which CGIAR Initiatives:

·       Project the benefits of their intervention against the CGIAR result framework, specifically to the common impact indicators and SDG Targets, and assess related risks in a continuous process through design and into implementation stages.

·       Plan and report annual progress against a theory of change (ToC) that incorporates results and indicators across the spheres of control, influence and interest as detailed above.

·       Develop annual plans of work and budget, track progress and provide an annual report against their stated objectives and results achieved.

·       Be divided into distinct stages, separated by assessment and decision points known as stage-gates.

·       Implement and/or commission evaluations and impact assessment studies, designed from the start as integral part of the research process to causally test the assumptions underlying the ToC in order to contribute to their improvement and increased impact.

CGIAR’s three main divisions

CGIAR’s high-level operational structure consists of three divisions: Institutional Strategy & Systems, Research Delivery & Impact and Global Engagement & Innovations

Research Delivery and Impact Division

The Research Delivery and Impact Division (RD&I) consolidates CGIAR’s research capabilities in three global Science Groups, which are CGIAR’s primary research operating units:

1) System Transformation,

2) Resilient Agri-Food Systems, and 

3) Genetic Innovation.

RD&I also houses five cross-cutting Impact Area Platforms, which operate as networks within the system rather than as separate operating units

1) Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation, 

2) Gender Equity, Youth & Social Inclusion, 

3) Environmental Health & Biodiversity, 

4) Nutrition, Health & Food Security, and 

5) Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods and Jobs.

The RD&I division is also home to the Research Coordination and Performance Group, which consists of two units—the Portfolio Performance Unit (PPU) and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU).

The Portfolio Performance Unit (PPU) optimizes CGIAR’s contribution to its five Impact Areas by managing innovation excellence. PPU supports CGIAR research teams, decision-makers, funders and partners specifically by:

• helping to tell CGIAR’s impact story

• providing evidenced-based data, analytics and insights

• catalyzing adoption of best-of-class performance and results management solutions

• progressively harmonizing the key parameters of CGIAR projects supported by pooled and bi-lateral funding

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) develops and implements methods, standards, and tools for managing projects and monitors project management performance. 

• Our expertise in managing projects and monitoring, evaluating, learning from and assessing impacts helps staff to identify and develop projects and initiatives.

• Our advice, guidance and recommendations cover all phases of projects—from project planning to start-up, implementation, monitoring and reporting, evaluation and learning, through closeout.

• We build staff and partner capacities in project management and provide project and Initiative staff with advice and recommendations to continuously improve.

The Digital & Data team (D&D) creates, enhances, and maintains the digital tools comprising the Performance and Results Management System (PRMS). With experience in numerous CGIAR reporting processes, D&D’s team of developers, designers, and software product managers follow a three-step process to create user-friendly and fit-for-purpose digital tools:

• Discovery: understanding user needs and crafting an optimal user experience to produce a comprehensive list of requirements or user stories and mockups.

• Delivery: technical development and delivery of the digital product for testing and production. 

• Experience: providing technical support to users to address issues in a timely manner and consider where future improvements may be made.