Step 6.6 Conduct mid-term review and make it publicly available
A midterm review of the NSDS is recommended to track progress in the achievement of key outputs and outcomes defined in the NSDS results framework and identify attendant issues and challenges in the implementation toward the middle of the plan period. The midterm review should also be informed by changes in the national development plans or goals. The review may be carried out as an assessment or as a formative evaluation or process evaluation . A well-defined terms of reference are key to ensuring a comprehensive, relevant, and insightful midterm review. The mid-term review must be approved and endorsed by the highest statistical body and highest statistical authority .
A small interagency group may be organized to guide and oversee the midterm review. Independent consultants are often tapped to conduct the midterm review to strengthen objectivity and assure impartiality of the process and results. In lieu of independent consultants, the interagency committee itself may undertake the review.
Concrete actions
- Organise an interagency midterm review task force to guide, oversee, and/or conduct the review process.
- Include a small number of key ministries/agencies, e.g., major data producers, ministries/agencies with large-scale statistical activities or representing a priority development sector
- Include representatives of key data user groups, e.g., planning and finance ministries/agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, academic and research community, and development partners.
- Prepare the terms of reference for the midterm review.
- Provide the rationale, objectives, principles, and expected outputs as well as the key questions to be addressed.
- Describe the evaluation methodology, assumptions and limitations, tools, and sources of data and information.
- Choose which evaluation tool to use.
- Consider using available NSDS evaluation tools.
- Specify the timeline, clarify the reporting mechanism, and provide cost information.
- Seek approval and endorsement of the terms of reference from the highest statistical body and highest statistical authority.
- Hire independent consultants, if resources allow.
- Conduct the midterm review.
- Make use of annual M&E reports (Step 6.4).
- Undertake the review using survey, interviews, visits, or focus group discussion, etc. as declared in the approved terms of reference of the independent consultants.
- Engage the interagency sectoral or subject matter groups in the review process.
- Consult and validate results with key data user groups in the government, private sector, civil society organizations, academic and research community, and development partners.
- Ensure that the report contains specific recommendations and identifies the ministries/agencies and other stakeholders expected to address them.
- Include in the report the management response , which consists of the concerned ministries’/agencies’ responses as well as those of the interagency sectoral and subject-matter groups to key findings and recommendations.
- Submit the midterm review report to the highest statistical body and highest statistical authority for evaluation, approval, and endorsement.
- Publish the midterm review report on the NSO website and disseminate to all stakeholders.
- Publish the management response for annual monitoring and updating.
- Encode relevant data and information into the monitoring database.
