Conducting evaluation

The Evaluation Department primarily addresses overarching questions and issues related to Norwegian assistance management. This distinguishes it from decentralized evaluations, which focus on individual measures and are carried out by those responsible for specific projects. The following process description applies exclusively to evaluations organized by the Evaluation Department (centralized evaluations). 

Evaluation topics are selected by the Evaluation Department based on risk, specificity, and materiality criteria established by the Ministry of Finance in the Regulations for Financial Management in the State. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and Environment may also request that evaluations be conducted. However, the Evaluation Department retains authority over the evaluation’s scope and methodology. 

An annually updated evaluation program details the evaluations planned for the upcoming years. 

When launching an evaluation, the department typically follows this process: 

• Preparation: Before the evaluation begins, the Evaluation Department studies the assistance to be evaluated and consults with selected experts and stakeholders. Based on this, an evaluation mandate (Terms of Reference) is developed. 

• Tender Process: The evaluation assignment is generally announced through international tenders on Doffin.no (also posted on Tender European Daily and EU-Supply). Most often, international experts—frequently working with Norwegian researchers or consultants—are selected for the assignment. 

• Contract and Inception: The Evaluation Department selects the best proposal, and the chosen experts begin their work according to strict quality and methodological requirements. At an early stage, the experts submit a detailed methodology description (Inception Report), which must be approved by the Evaluation Department. 

• Implementation and Oversight: Once the inception report is accepted, the Evaluation Department assumes a limited supervisory role, allowing the experts with independence to conduct the evaluation as they see fit. Stakeholders are generally kept informed through participation in a reference group or other appropriate mechanisms. 

• Draft Report and Review: The Evaluation Department reviews the draft report to ensure it meets quality standards. At a minimum, the report must clearly document the evidence base and demonstrate a logical, verifiable connection between data, methods, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 

• Stakeholder Feedback: The draft report is shared with those involved in the initiatives being evaluated, as well as other key stakeholders. They are invited to provide comments. The Evaluation Department also gives feedback, requesting improvements where necessary. If stakeholders disagree with the evaluation, they may request that their perspectives be included in the final report, either as footnotes or appendices. 

• Final Report and Submission: After incorporating feedback, the final report is prepared. The Evaluation Department drafts a submission note that assesses the report and makes recommendations for follow-up in Norwegian development policy. This note and the evaluation report are sent to the appropriate Ministerial Councillor, either in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Climate and Environment, depending on responsibility for the evaluated assistance. 

• Follow-Up and Publication: Based on the submission, the ministry responsible decides whether further decisions or follow-up plans are required, including considerations for publication. The Evaluation Department’s submission notes and any ministry follow-up plans are published alongside the evaluation report on the website. 

• Dissemination and Reporting: The findings are communicated to the public and relevant parties through suitable channels, such as seminars, news releases, or feature articles. The Evaluation Department also prepares an annual report summarizing that year’s evaluation results and resource usage. 

The Evaluation Department strives to ensure participatory and inclusive evaluation processes to maximize learning, while balancing this goal with the requirement for independence.