MEL framework for the UNICEF-Gates foundation partnership strategy

In late 2018, the leadership of UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) signed and launched a ‘partnership strategy’ to strengthen the two organization’s collaboration in key result areas (nutrition, maternal and child health, adolescent well-being, early childhood development, and other cross-cutting areas).

Universalia was recruited to accompany the partners in the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan for the partnership. Key deliverables include the development of a Theory of Change of an evaluability assessment; a MEL framework; and a MEL manual. Universalia conducted extensive consultation with UNICEF and BMGF stakeholders at HQ, regional, and national levels, reviewed data and documentation from both sides, and facilitated the conduct of a ‘partnership survey’ to report on the perceived strengths and areas for improvement of the partnership.