International Development and Programs (Development Work) - International Development and Programs (Development Work)

ADS 203.3.3 states that assistance objective teams must complete performance management plans for each assistance objective. ADS 203.3.3.1 indicates that such plans must (1) identify the performance indicators that will be tracked; (2) specify the source, method of collection, and schedule of collection for all required data; and (3) assign responsibility for collection to a specific office, team, or individual.

Furthermore, USAID’s Performance Management Toolkit states that a complete performance management plan contains a statement of all performance indicators that will be used to assess progress over the life of the strategic objective.

Baseline values and performance targets for each indicator should also be included, with specifications for the various data sources and collection methods to be employed. In addition to these requirements, the plan should include specifications for the schedule for data collection and a description of known data limitations.

The goal of assessing data from implementing partners is for missions to be aware of data strengths and weaknesses and of the extent to which data can be trusted when reporting and making management decisions. For data from implementing partners, the Toolkit recommends that performance plans include periodically sampling and reviewing data for completeness, accuracy, and consistency. It also recommends conducting field visits to compare central office records with field site records, and visiting a broad range of sites.

General Recommendations

• Prepare an updated performance management plan that is complete and that contains all current performance indicators and reference sheets.

Source: AUDIT REPORT NO. 4-674-10-005-P MAY 12, 2010

The recommendations are derived from audit reports of the Office of the Inspector General. The source refers to the audit report, which is available on this site as part of the Audit Database Project: an educational tool for compliance with USAID regulations.  Please see the disclaimer of this site before using recommendations.