An Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation (IAHE) is an independent assessment of results of the collective humanitarian response by member organizations of the IASC. IAHEs evaluate the extent to which planned collective results have been achieved and how humanitarian reform efforts have contributed to that achievement.
Usually, IAHEs are initiated as per their inclusion in the IAHE Steering Group’s Workplan and are formally launched by the Emergency Relief Coordinator. Using a systematic and defined set of selection and prioritization criteria, a list of priority countries for crisis-specific evaluations and priority themes for thematic evaluations are established on an annual basis.
IAHEs may also be triggered by an IASC Scale-Up Activation, a formal mechanism for the mobilization of system-wide capacities and resources beyond standard levels, which automatically requires the implementation of an IAHE. IAHEs triggered by a Scale-Up need to be conducted within 9-12 months from the initial Scale-Up activation taking into consideration the findings of the Operational Peer Review.
IAHEs of a specific crisis address the following core questions:
- Relevance: To what extent have the objectives set out in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) or similar plan been based on identified needs of the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis?
- Effectiveness: To what extent were the results (in terms of assistance delivery as articulated in the HRP) achieved and to what extent were they effective in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable?
- Sustainability: What were the positive and negative, intended and unintended effects of the IASC humanitarian system’s assistance for people affected by the crisis?
- Partnerships: To what extent have adequate partnerships been established (with international, national and/or local stakeholders) to deliver assistance to affected people?
- Localization: Have national and local stakeholders been involved in the response design and have their capacities and systems to respond in the future been strengthened through the response?
- Coordination: Was the assistance well-coordinated, successful and, as much as possible, equitable, reaching all affected populations and avoiding duplication of assistance and gaps?
The analytical framework for a thematic IAHE is developed on a case-by-case basis according to the agreed theme.
The Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluations follow agreed norms and standards that emphasize independence of the evaluation team, a certain process and methodology, and the usefulness and transparency of findings and recommendations. The Terms of Reference, the final Evaluation Report, and responses to the recommendations by the HCT and IASC Principals are shared publicly and posted on IASC, OCHA and ALNAP’s websites.
For additional information on the IAHEs, please view the IAHE Guidelines.
For a comprehensive overview of IAHEs, please view the IAHE Flyer.