About the Indicator Library
How the indicators were built, reviewed, and cross-checked against international donor frameworks.
Browse IndicatorsHow to use this library
Use them as starting points
Each indicator has a statement, definition, and data collection method. Adapt them to your program context, scale, and reporting requirements.
Grounded in donor frameworks
The library combines indicators taken directly from 27 international donor frameworks with independently developed indicators. About 80% of the library comes from or aligns with established frameworks.
Verbatim or blank — never fabricated
For donor indicators, we display only verbatim content from source documents. Definitions and data collection methods appear only after they have been verified word-for-word against the official donor document. An empty field is honest; a plausible guess is not.
Built on a clear structure
18 sectors, 120 sub-sectors, three levels (output/outcome/impact). Independently developed indicators are available in English, Spanish, and French.
Three indicator levels
Every indicator is classified as output, outcome, or impact.
Output
Direct, countable results of program activities.
Number of healthcare workers trained on essential primary healthcare services.
Outcome
Changes in knowledge, behavior, practice, or condition.
Proportion of households adopting improved water treatment practices.
Impact
Population-level changes, usually measured through national data.
Under-five mortality rate per 1,000 live births.
Framework alignment
The library combines indicators taken directly from donor frameworks with independently developed indicators. Every indicator carries an alignment tag so you can see its relationship to established donor frameworks.
A donor framework indicator imported verbatim, with source document and reference preserved
Independently developed, measures a construct also measured by one or more donor frameworks
Independently developed, no close match in donor frameworks, extends beyond standard coverage
About 77% of the library comes from or aligns with established donor frameworks across 27 international donors.
Aligned and Original classifications are determined through semantic similarity comparison between independently developed indicators and donor framework indicators. Sourced indicators are extracted verbatim from donor source documents.
How the library was built
Six stages, from setting the rules to cross-checking against donor frameworks.
Set the rules first
- Every indicator has a statement, a definition, and a data collection method.
- No embedded numbers so indicators work at any scale.
Map the sectors
- Initial taxonomy built from roughly 3,000 intervention specifications.
- Expanded to 18 sectors and 94 sub-sectors after an audit against 26 established donor frameworks.
Extract impact-level anchors
- Pulled real impact indicators from established donor frameworks.
- Used as reference examples when generating impact-level indicators in Stage 4.
Generate level by level
- Outputs and outcomes generated with explicit leveling rules and sector context.
- Impact indicators generated against the donor framework anchors from Stage 3.
Independent quality check
- Every indicator scored by a separate system against five criteria.
- Correct leveling, measurability, specificity, no embedded quantities, non-duplication.
Integrate with donor framework indicators
- Combined with indicators taken directly from 27 international donor frameworks.
- Every indicator tagged as Sourced, Aligned, or Original so users can see its relationship to donor frameworks.