Country : Republic of Moldova Activity # : Support to M & E System strengthening based on the outcome of the assessment of the 12 components of the National M & E system 01.01.2009 31.12.2010 Activity within the Joint Programme of Support If No, please explain Yes/No Executing or implementing UN partner agency ( the agency which reports on the activity to the Joint UN Team/Theme Group): UNAIDS Implementing national partner (entity that will be implementing the activity and reporting to the executing or implementing UN partner agency) : M & E Unit, National centre for Management in Health Background: (brief overview of context, rationale, geographical scope, linkages to broader activities, to national priorities and/or to the Joint Programme of Support) : Based on the 3 Ones principle, endorsed by national governments, civil society, and development partners in 2004 in order to respond comprehensively and efficiently to the HIV epidemic, a common vision for what constitutes a fully functional M&E system and concerted actions to strengthen the system that would capture the data for the national HIV response and measure the achievement of HIV response objectives and contribute to program improvement, are imperative. To avoid duplication of effort and fragmented support, development partners have taken deliberate steps towards a unified M&E approach. One achievement has been the multi-agency endorsement in 2007 of an organizing framework for a national, multi-sectoral HIV M&E system. This framework describes twelve components of an HIV M&E system and some key performance elements against which to judge implementation progress. A single tool to assess the status of national HIV M&E systems, based on the Organisational Framework has been developed by Technical Work Groups under the auspices of MERG, and Moldova has been selected to pilot the assessment tool in November 2008. The piloting of the assessment has been extremely timely, as the M & E system assessment has been planned as part of the mid-term review of the National Programme on HIV/AIDS/STIs 2006-2010. In the light of alignment of NSP and GFATM grant M & E, there is also a buy-in at highest level and commitment of stakeholders to assess the existing M & E system, identify gaps and address them in a concerted and comprehensive manner. Description of activities envisaged: (Summary of description of activities) The activities envisaged in the framework of this proposal fall under the priority actions supported by Programme Acceleration Funds that strive: to build capacities to plan, track, monitor and evaluate country responses; and to support the increased use of strategic information through knowledge of the epidemic and responding to it; The major focus of the activity hereto is to address the missing blocks of the M & E system, as identified by the M & E system strengthening assessment tool, based on the 12 components of a functional M & E system. The multi-stakeholder assessment workshop, preceded by a comprehensive desk review, has identified gaps and inconsistencies in the M & E system in Moldova, which is still immature and in the process of being established since 2004. In order to make full use of the findings of the assessment, it is imperative to ensure technical 1
assistance and funding to take forward the recommended priority actions in order to take the commitment and buy-in further and make full use of the momentum. The following actions are planned in this context: 1. Strengthening the outer ring of the M & E system - human resources, partnerships and planning to support data collection and data use 1.1. Developing the framework for a functional M & E system The National M & E Plan 2006 2010, while endorsed by the National Coordination Council (NAC), needs further development to meet the key criteria formulated for a functional framework for the M & E system. Important compartments of the Plan are underdeveloped. The National M & E Plan also needs to be operationalized by a costed workplan to include priority actions, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, timeframes and budgets, which is currently missing. The existing capacity gaps and limited human resources of the M & E Unit, as well as shortage of resources, need to be addressed by means of national consultancy, access to best practices that the UNAIDS CO is trying to facilitate, and support in organizing a consensus-building workshop for amending and improving the National M & E Plan and developing a costed M & E workplan 1.2. Strengthening capacity in M & E The assessment has identified that an inventory of the existing capacity, as well as avenues for capacity building, including curricula for modules on M & E as part of the standard University education is missing. Another missing link is the capacity building plan that would be built on identified capacity needs and gaps, with measurable performance objectives; clearly defined outputs, and ways to track progress over time. In order to be able to build supportive supervision and mentoring in the capacity building plan, the capacity of the staff of the M & E unit, as well as other key staff responsible for supervising the data collection and aggregation process and levels, also needs to be strengthened 2. Investing in the middle ring - improved mechanisms through which data are collected, verified, and transformed into useful information. 2.1. Developing and institutionalizing data quality assurance mechanisms As indicated by the M & E system assessment, as well as by the M & E profile for Moldova drafted by the Global Fund, effective mechanisms for data quality assurance are missing in Moldova. Data originating form different sources may vary, such inconsistencies affecting planning for better programme delivery as well as Moldova s image and credibility when data re reported through various international reporting mechanisms without a comprehensive incountry data reconciliation and validation. The technical assistance of the UNAIDS regional Strategic Information Advisor, as well as in country steps like strengthening the M & E TWG for institutionalizing data quality assurance mechanisms are needed. 2.2. Developing the national research & evaluation agenda While some evaluations occur in the framework of the National programme on HIV/AIDS/STIs, including joint multi-stakeholder mid term and end programme reviews, and 2
some research is being carried out under the auspices of the Academy of Sciences, an inventory of the research institutions and research and evaluation initiatives is missing, and a concerted approach to setting evaluation and research problems and using findings for strategic planning is imperative for value added. The M & E profile drafted by the Global Fund identifies operational research as underdeveloped in Moldova. A priority setting workshop, facilitated by the Regional Strategic Information Advisor, and a prior mapping of the existing research and evaluation capacities, are actions that would lead to developing the national research & evaluation agenda, which shall be endorsed by the NCC and serve as the common platform for planning and implementation of OR and evaluations. 3. Contributing to the central purpose of the M & E system enhanced data use for decision-making While the M & E system assessment has commended the transparency and availability of data, it has pointed out the somewhat sporadic nature of data provision, has identified certain actors missing form the information flows, and has identified the need for a clear data dissemination and use plan, that would institutionalize information and data flows and would enhance data use for policy making. Clear TOR for the national and sub-national database would be an important step forward in this context, promoting a holistic approach to disaggregated data availability and use. The multi-sectoral workshops planned under previous activities would be used for getting inputs from partners and validation purposes. The data dissemination and use plan would later be endorsed by the NCC. Expected outcomes of the project: (likely short-term or medium-term effects) : 1. The key action points identified through the M & E system assessment taken forward to strengthen the 12 components of a functional M & E system at country level 2. Enhanced multi-sectoral coordination and participation at both national and sub-national level in strengthening the M & E system Expected Outputs: ((Products and services resulting from completion of activities): 1. National M & E Plan amended and approved by the NCC 2. Costed M & E workplan developed and implemented by the TWG on M & E 3. M & E capacity building institutionalized through a capacity building plan and strengthened through regular in-training and opportunities to attend capacity building events 4. Data quality assurance mechanisms developed and institutionalized 5. National research & evaluation agenda developed and endorsed by the NCC 6. Data dissemination and use plan and the TOR for the national and sub-national databases developed and institutionalized Monitoring and evaluation (brief account of aspects of the activity to be monitored and evaluated i.e. indicators and targets). Please link to the objectives and deliverables as outlined above : The following process indicators shall be used ot assess the immediate outputs and deliverables of the project: - National M & E Plan revised to fulfil key elements suggested by Organisational Framework - M & E workplan developed and costed, with clear indication of activities, responsibilities, timeframes, resource needs, availability and funding gaps - M & E capacity building plan developed - Data quality assurance mechanisms enshrined in M & E Plan - Priorities established and national research & evaluation agenda developed through participatory multi-sectoral process 3
- Data dissemination and use plan developed - TOR for the national and sub-national databases developed The following indicator has been selected among the indicators from the M&E Matrix of the NAP and shall serve as basis for the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the current proposal: National composite policy index: (a) strategic plan; (b) prevention; (c) human rights; and (d) care and support. Current proposal being in line with the cycle of the NAP for 2006-2010, the data collection for reporting the progress to UNAIDS will be done without any duplication of efforts or study redundancy, thus allowing for cost reduction to be achieved when collecting data. Input and process data will be collected routinely on a day to day basis by the National Executing Agency. Among monitoring activities envisaged, there are field visits; follow-up on implementation of recommendations form such visits; assurance activities aimed at identifying capacity gaps for stakeholders participating in implementation of activities; regular progress reports. Subsequent to the verification of the reports and indicators from the implementing organizations, the M&E Unit will produce reports. A final narrative and financial report shall be developed at close of activity. PAF criteria which the activity principally meets (with percentage allocated per criteria) : 1. Promoting the achievement of the Three Ones, i. e. One National Action Framework, One national AIDS Authority and One Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. 100% PAF budget* (summary breakdown by the following broad categories) : Implementation costs (please specify) (e.g. workshops/supplies/material development/documentation/ transportation) - Technical support/ consultants - Monitoring and evaluation - Administrative/programme support costs - Other (please specify) This breakdown is given as a guide only. You are encouraged to submit the budget breakdown in line with your financial systems and will be asked to report against the same budget lines. Workshops/supplies/material 27300$ 37% s Technical Support/ 6000$ 8% Consultants Administrative Costs 18000$ 25% Travel 12044$ 16% Monitoring and Evaluation 3011$ 4% Miscellaneous 2000$ 3% UNDP Charges 7% 5145$ 7% Total 73500$ 100% Detailed Budget Breakdown 1.1.1. Consultancy for developing drafts for amended National M & E Plan and costed work plan 4
National 600$*3 months 1,800$ 1,800$ Total 1,800$ 1.2.1 attending training courses offered by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Capacity Building in HIV/AIDS Surveillance in Croatia, Zagreb (3 persons) Tuition fee 100$*10 days*2 2000$ 2000$ consultants Travel 631$*3 participants 1893$ 1893$ DSA 213$*3 participants*9 nights 5751$ 5751$ Miscellanies 800$*3participants 2400$ 2400$ travel expenses (visa, terminals) Total 12,044 $ 1.2.2. Consultancy for inventory of existing capacity needs and gaps, and developing a National capacity building plan and curricula for M & E modules 600$*3 months 1,800$ 1,800$ Total 1,800$ 2.1.1. Retreat and capacity building workshop for the M & E TWG Accommodation 100$*35persons 3500$ 3500$ Food and Coffee Breaks Materials and stationery Transportation costs 70$*35persons*3days 7350$ 7350$ 300$*3days 900$ 900$ 20$*35persons 700$ 700$ Rent of 50$*24 1200$ 1200$ Conference Room Total 13,650$ 2.2.1. Consultancy for the mapping exercise for 2010 National 600$*1 month 600$ 600$ Total 600$ 2.2.2. Priority setting workshop 5
Accommodation 100$*35persons 3500$ 3500$ Food and Coffee Breaks Materials and stationery Transportation costs 70$*35persons*3days 7350$ 7350$ 300$*3days 900$ 900$ 20$*35persons 700$ 700$ Rent of 50$*24 1200$ 1200$ Conference Room Total 13,650$ 3.1.1. Consultancy for developing the data dissemination and use plan, and the TOR for the national and sub-national databases for 2010. National 600$*3 months 1,800$ 1,800$ Total 1,800$ Administrative and Programme Costs Administrative and Programme Costs Monitoring and Evaluation Salary Programme and Finance Assistant to ensure Programmatic Support for the M&E system for the year 2010 Salary Social Mobilization Adviser to develop and implement Advocacy Strategy on M&E System during the course of 2010 Monitoring and Evaluation visits in the regions 2009-2010 Salary: 750$*12months Salary: 750$*12months 9000 $ 9000 $ 3,011 $ 3,011 $ Miscellaneous 2009-2010 2,000 $ 2,000 $ Total 23,011 $ Complementary resources (additional financial and technical inputs directly or indirectly linked to the activity indicate entity, nature and level): Round 6 Grant from GFATM provides for resources for improved information systems and operations research. The National M & E Unit has been appointed to monitor the GFATM grant, hence further alignment to the # Ones principle occurring; the Round 6 budget earmarks resources of certain m & E activities in this context. 6