98 . MOPAN 2017-18 ASSESSMENTS . UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST MI 7.5: Performance data transparently applied in planning and decision-making Score Overall MI Rating Highly satisfactory Overall MI score 3.67 Element 1: Planning documents are clearly based on performance data 4 Element 2: Proposed adjustments to interventions are clearly informed by performance data 3 Element 3: At corporate level, management regularly reviews corporate performance data and makes adjustments as appropriate 4 Element 4: Performance data support dialogue in partnerships at global, regional and country level N/A MI 7.5 Analysis Source document UNRWA uses its performance data to inform its planning and programming and there is strong accountability for the achievement of results at multiple levels of the organisation. Agency-wide reviews of expenditure and results are undertaken annually, and half-yearly agency-wide reviews using data from the results-based monitoring system, with each field given ten minutes to report on issues and what is/is not working and for lessons to be shared across Field Offices. In addition, quarterly reviews are held with Field Offices and HQ on the implementation of priority activities, implementation of other initiatives in the Fields operational plan and the achievement of programmatic results. Data submitted by Field Offices is verified in the field and further quality assured and verified by HQ who screen data for anomalies. Reviews and reporting of data are also undertaken at a programmatic level between departments and HQ, with Department Chiefs accountable for programmatic results achieved. These reporting processes inform the development of the following Operational Plans. 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 36, 37, 51, 66, 70, 73, 93, 99, 100, 102, 104, 108 UNRWA uses these reviews to review progress and document action points. Data is analysed through a ‘reflective’ process, and data is triangulated with other sources to support decision making and inform annual and periodic planning processes. Poorly performing, or off-track indicators are monitored with remedial plans made as necessary. The increased availability and use of data is perceived to have contributed to both improvements in programming, as well as to have enabled the identification of areas of cost-saving. At a field office level, some fields have Project Review Board (PRB) whose role it is to help ensure delivery of projects on time and on budget. These meet monthly by programme area. MI 7.5 Evidence confidence High confidence KPI 8: Evidence-based planning and programming applied KPI score Satisfactory 2.4 UNRWA’s evaluation function is located within the Department of Internal Oversight Services. DIOS fulfils its internal oversight role of UNRWA’s work through independent and objective assurance (internal audit and inspection) and advisory services, evaluation and investigation and the DIOS Director reports to, and is directly accountable to, the Commissioner General. UNRWA’s Evaluation Policy developed in 2016 affirms the independence of DIOS and the evaluation function; including unrestricted access to all functions, records, property, premises and personnel to enable DIOS to fulfil its responsibilities, and the necessary resources in terms of budget and staff in DIOS to adequately maintain its independence and objectivity. UNRWA’s medium-term evaluation plan is included as an annex to the MTS and covers the same time period. These are set out according to the five-strategic objective, as well as a category for Management and operational effectiveness. The plan is not prioritised or funded and indicates that between 2015 and 2017 not all intended evaluations have been completed.