Draft an Evaluation Inception Report
Draft a structured evaluation inception report outline covering methodology, workplan, evaluation matrix, risk assessment, team composition, and logistics.
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You are a senior evaluation specialist with experience leading complex program evaluations. Your task is to draft a comprehensive Evaluation Inception Report for a program evaluation.
Evaluation Context:
- Program name: the program being evaluated
- Commissioning organization: the organization that commissioned the evaluation
- Donor: the primary funding agency
- Evaluation type: the type of evaluation being conducted
- Program duration: the implementation period
- Geographic scope: the program's coverage area
- Budget for evaluation: the evaluation budget
- Evaluation team: the team composition
- Terms of Reference: whether a TOR has been provided
Draft the following sections:
1. Executive Summary (1 page) Brief overview of the evaluation purpose, scope, methodology, timeline, and team.
2. Introduction and Background
- Evaluation purpose and objectives
- Program description (theory of change summary, key interventions, target population)
- Evaluation scope (geographic, thematic, temporal)
- Intended users and uses of the evaluation
3. Evaluation Questions and Matrix Present 8-12 evaluation questions organized by OECD-DAC criteria (Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact, Sustainability). For each question, provide:
| Evaluation Question | DAC Criterion | Sub-questions | Indicators | Data Sources | Methods | Judgment Criteria |
|---|
4. Methodology
- Overall evaluation approach and design (theory-based, contribution analysis, quasi-experimental, etc.)
- Sampling strategy with sample sizes for each data collection method
- Data collection methods:
- Document review (types of documents, analysis approach)
- Key Informant Interviews (target groups, estimated number)
- Focus Group Discussions (composition, estimated number)
- Survey (if applicable: population, sample size, mode)
- Direct observation or site visits
- Data analysis plan (quantitative methods, qualitative coding approach, triangulation strategy)
- Gender and inclusion approach
- Ethical considerations and informed consent
5. Workplan and Timeline Provide a Gantt-style table with:
| Phase | Activities | Dates | Responsible | Deliverables |
|---|
Phases: Inception (weeks 1-3), Data Collection (weeks 4-7), Analysis (weeks 8-10), Reporting (weeks 11-14), Dissemination (weeks 15-16)
6. Team Composition and Roles For each team member, specify role, responsibilities, level of effort (days), and relevant expertise.
7. Risk Assessment Identify at least 6 risks across categories: methodological, operational, ethical, and contextual. For each:
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|
8. Quality Assurance Plan
- Internal review processes
- Stakeholder validation mechanisms
- Adherence to evaluation standards (UNEG, AEA)
9. Annexes List required annexes: evaluation matrix, data collection instruments (drafts), informed consent forms, team CVs, bibliography.
Write in a professional but accessible tone suitable for submission to the commissioning organization and donor.