Short Abstract

MEL assessments evaluate the quality and suitability of MEL systems. As complex delivery chains often face fragmentation, assessments must consider coherence between MEL systems. This talk presents a systems view to assess MEL coherence, offering insights to improve utilisation and efficiency.

Description

If MEL systems are assessed, the evaluative practice of MEL assessments typically do this in isolation, partner by partner, indicator by indicator. While this traditional approach offers insight into individual capabilities, it can obscure how MEL systems function across a whole project or programme, especially in complex delivery chains. In this session, we present Integrity’s systems-level MEL assessment approach, developed to address this challenge and enhance the utility and actionability of findings.

Drawing on experience supporting clients operating in complex environments, Integrity recognised the limitations of conventional MEL assessments. These typically focus on scoring individual indicators and tracking data movement, but fail to capture the coherence, coordination, and usability of MEL systems across the delivery chain. In response, we designed a methodology that ‘zooms out’—shifting the lens from isolated partners to the system as a whole.

This session will begin by outlining common challenges faced by MEL systems in complex delivery chains, including fragmentation between IP MEL systems, inconsistent reporting, and limited learning. We will then contrast traditional assessment approaches with our systems view, highlighting how the latter enables more meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.

Our approach centres on three key dimensions:

1. Partner capacity and capability – assessing not just technical MEL skills, but how these are applied within the system.

2. Cohesion in MEL reporting – examining alignment in data collection, analysis, and reporting across partners.

3. Usability of MEL products – assessing how MEL outputs support decision-making for both clients and implementing partners.

To ensure relevance and uptake, the assessment process is highly collaborative. We begin with co-creation sessions involving clients and partners to map MEL system components and identify priority areas (e.g., data quality, learning culture). Data collection combines document review (e.g., logframes, MEL plans, reporting tools) with qualitative interviews across the delivery chain. Key informants are selected to provide a holistic view, including client and partner perspectives.

Findings are synthesised using a MEL assessment framework, with each component scored and analysed for system-wide implications. The final report presents strengths, areas for improvement, and cross-cutting recommendations. For example, a recurring issue in data analysis may affect all stages of the MEL system, from collection to reporting, and require coordinated action across different actors in the delivery chain.

Attendees will leave with:

• A practical understanding of how to apply a systems lens to MEL assessments.

• Lessons learned from real-world applications of this approach across multiple programmes.

• Strategies to enhance MEL coherence, coordination, and learning in their own contexts.

• Strategies to get people on board, communicating the utility for both clients and implementors