Identify a specific need or use when commissioning interim evaluations. Reflecting upon both the interim and final evaluation reports of the Cabo Verde Compact II (CVII) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project, it was not clear that both reports provided distinct accountability and learning benefits. While both evaluations were rich in their analysis, they were also costly in terms of both evaluator expense and MCC staff time. It is therefore important to anchor any interim evaluation in a purpose that is distinct or complementary to the planned final evaluation. Relatedly, it is important for the project design to clearly indicate what success looks like, including when it is expected to be achieved, so that the number and timing of rounds of evaluation data collection can be informed by this. The CVII WASH evaluation, among others, informed adjustments to MCC’s Evaluation Management Guidance regarding interim evaluation reports.
Lesson Learned