From April 15-17, the IEU hosted a 3-day workshop on the Learning-Oriented Real-Time Impact Assessment (LORTA) program in Mannheim, Germany. The event brought together implementers, evaluators and other stakeholders to examine the topic of impact evaluations.

LORTA supports real-time measurement and learning within the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through theory-based impact measurement using experimental and quasi-experimental methods.

Ninety participants attended the workshop, representing 21 GCF projects and a variety of different sectors and agencies. Representatives from the GCF secretariat, Center for Evaluation and Development, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, academia, and the private sector participated in and chaired several sessions.

A feature of the workshop was the keynote speakers. Their addresses to the 90 attendees catalyzed lively and robust discussion.

Dr. Jorg Faust of the German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) discussed the power of impact evaluation in development cooperation.

Dr. Edward Jackson of Carleton University and the Institute of Development Studies looked at strategies for incorporating the private sector in impact evaluation.

Elspeth Kirkman of the Behavioral Insights Team examined the importance of behavior when conducting evaluation.

Dr. Jyotsna Puri (Jo), Head of IEU, delivered a presentation on methodology and approaches to the practice of impact evaluation.

Central to the workshop was the use of five group break-out tasks that delved into the components of impact evaluation design. These focused on program modalities, theories of change, impact evaluation methodologies, costing-sample size/power calculations, and implementation/timeline.

On the final day, groups had the opportunity to present a rapid-fire outline of their proposed evaluation designs. By discussing the projects in detail with evaluation and thematic experts attending the workshop, project managers learned the importance of building appropriate evaluation components in a project. At the end of the workshop, the IEU LORTA team and impact evaluation designers met and discussed whether projects were ready to develop evaluation designs.

To learn more, check out our LORTA program page. You can also see our photos from the event on Flickr.

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