IFAD Evaluation Policy (2011)

While the fundamental principles and operational policies of the 2003 Evaluation Policy remain largely valid - independence, accountability, partnership, and learning - the new policy incorporates the recent changes that have taken place in IFAD since this first Evaluation Policy, such as the approval of the Fund's direct supervision and implementation support policy, and the introduction of country presence. 

The revised policy also includes the recommendations of the 2010 Peer Review of IFAD's Office of Evaluation and Evaluation Function conducted by the Evaluation Co-operation Group (ECG) of the Multilateral Development Banks, regarding inter alia:

1. The oversight, accountability and independence of IOE; 
2. The further strengthening of the use of evaluation findings and learning; and 
3. The adoption of an evaluation approach aligned with ECG good practice

A distinct new feature of the 2011 Evaluation Policy, compared with the 2003 Evaluation Policy, is the integration of IFAD's self-evaluation system. The policy for the first time stipulates the definition and policy provisions of IFAD's self-evaluation functions. 

The revision also refers to the new Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure of the Evaluation Committee approved in May 2011, which, inter alia, re-define the objectives and scope of work of the Committee as well as its oversight responsibilities in relation to IFAD's evaluation function.