Scoring Criteria
All six core M&E functions are present in the matrix: data collection, data entry, analysis, internal/external reporting, learning, and oversight or quality assurance. Each function has at least one assigned position.
At least five of six core functions are present. Any missing function is a non-critical one for the program type, or is covered implicitly with a clear reference.
At least four of six functions are present. One or two core functions (typically learning or oversight) are missing or only mentioned in passing.
Half or fewer of the core functions are present. Major operational functions such as analysis or reporting are absent.
No recognizable function structure. The matrix lists generic responsibilities without organizing them by M&E function.
Every assignment names a specific position title (e.g., "M&E Officer", "Field Coordinator", "Program Manager"). No assignments use unit labels or generic terms.
At least 80 percent of assignments name a specific position. No more than 20 percent use unit labels such as "M&E team" or "field staff", and these are paired with a named lead.
Half or more assignments name a position; the remainder use unit labels. Lead positions are not always identified within those units.
Half or fewer assignments name a position. Most assignments use unit labels, role categories, or generic terms such as "staff" or "the team".
No position-level specificity. All assignments are to organizations, units, or unspecified groups.
Where multiple positions share a function, the matrix explicitly distinguishes Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed (or an equivalent four-tier system). Each function has exactly one Accountable position.
RACI distinctions are applied for at least 80 percent of multi-position functions. No more than two functions have ambiguity about who is accountable.
Some RACI distinctions are present but applied inconsistently. Half or more multi-position functions show two or more positions marked as Responsible or Accountable without disambiguation.
The matrix lists multiple positions per function without distinguishing roles. Accountability is unclear for the majority of functions.
No role differentiation. All listed positions appear to share equal responsibility, or only one role type (typically Responsible) is used.
A supervision and escalation chain is explicitly stated for data quality issues, missed deadlines, and unresolved questions. The chain names positions and lists trigger conditions for escalation.
A supervision chain is stated with named positions. Escalation triggers are referenced but not fully specified, or escalation is documented for some issue types but not all.
Supervision relationships are implied by the matrix structure (e.g., a column showing a "reports to" position) but no explicit escalation path is described for unresolved issues.
No supervision or escalation chain is stated. Supervisory relationships must be inferred from organizational context not contained in the matrix.
No reference to supervision or escalation. The matrix is a flat list of assignments.
Time allocations or workload estimates are stated for each named position, and the matrix is consistent with documented staffing structures. No single position is assigned more than a reasonable share of M&E work.
Time allocations are stated for at least the lead positions. The matrix is plausible given typical staffing for the program scale, even if one or two positions appear stretched.
No time allocations are stated, but the matrix appears workable on inspection. No obvious overload of one position, and the named positions are recognizable as part of the program staffing.
One or more positions appear systematically overloaded (e.g., a single M&E Officer responsible for collection, analysis, and reporting across multiple sites), OR the matrix references positions that do not exist in the staffing plan.
The matrix is clearly infeasible. Positions are assigned tasks they cannot perform, or staffing assumptions are absent.
Score Interpretation
| Total (out of 25) | Band | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 22-25 | Strong | Minor refinements only |
| 17-21 | Adequate | Address flagged dimensions before submission |
| 11-16 | Needs Revision | Return to MEL team with AI output as revision brief |
| 5-10 | Substantial Revision | Rebuild the roles matrix with the program manager before proceeding |