Strategy and policy evaluations
Independent high-level evaluation of the ILO’s strategies and actions to promote fundamental principles and rights at work, 2018-23
This independent high-level evaluation provides insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the ILO’s strategies and actions to fundamental principles and rights at work from 2018-23.
Independent high-level evaluation of ILO's strategies and actions for promoting decent work in the rural economy (with a focus on rural employment), 2016 - 2023
This independent high-level evaluation provides insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the ILO’s strategies and actions for promoting decent work in the rural economy.
High-level independent evaluation of ILO’s COVID-19 response (2020-22)
This independent high-level evaluation provides insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the ILO’s response to the implications of COVID-19 (2020-22).
High-level independent evaluation of ILO’s gender equality and mainstreaming efforts, 2016-21
The evaluation analyses the achievements and outcomes of the ILO’s gender equality and mainstreaming efforts at the programme and institutional levels for the period 2016–21. It includes a review of the progress made and gaps in implementing the ILO Action Plan for Gender Equality 2016–17 (Action Plan 2016–17) and the ILO Action Plan for Gender Equality 2018–21 (Action Plan 2018–21), in response to a Governing Body request for an evaluation of the action plans to inform the development of a new action plan.
High-level independent evaluation of ILO’s strategy and action for promoting fair and effectives labour migration policies, 2016-20
This high-level evaluation provides insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the ILO’s work in promoting fair and effective labour migration from 2016-20. It also looks forward, identifying lessons learned that might inform the ongoing development of the organization’s strategy and approach, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
High-level independent evaluation of ILO’s research and knowledge management strategies and approaches, 2010–2019
This report presents the findings of the high-level evaluation ILO’s research and knowledge management strategies and approaches. The evaluation was undertaken using internationally accepted evaluation criteria covering relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. The evaluation aims to generate insights into organizational performance within the context of the ILO’s results-based management system, and are expected to contribute to decision-making on policies, strategies and accountability.
High-level independent evaluation of ILO’s strategy and action for promoting sustainable enterprises, 2014–19
This high-level evaluation provides insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the ILO’s work in promoting sustainable enterprises in the period 2014 to 2019. It also looks forward, identifying lessons learned that might inform the ongoing development of the organization’s strategy and approach, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Independent evaluation of ILO's public-private partnerships, 2008-2018
The high-level evaluation (HLE) of the ILO’s public-private partnerships was requested by the Governing Body in March 2016 citing their “value added” and unique “intervention models”. The HLE focuses on PPPs as both a funding and delivery modality.
Independent evaluation of the ILO’s strategy and actions towards the formalization of the informal economy, 2014-2018
The evaluation assesses the ILO’s strategy and actions towards the ‘Formalization of the Informal Economy’ taking into consideration the conceptual, methodological and operational frameworks. The evaluation is retrospective, as it bases its findings on work done during 2014-2018, as well as forward looking as it delivers findings, lessons learned and emerging good practices for improved decision-making within the context of the next strategic framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Independent evaluation of ILO’s capacity development efforts 2010-2017
This high level evaluation reviewed the ILO's support for capacity development of its constituents from 2010 to 2017. It reviewed interventions that intended to deliver capacity development with a focus on the difference it made to constituents. The evaluation is expected to inform the capacity development strategy to give effect to the 2016 resolution on Social Justice Declaration, due in March 2019.
Independent evaluation of the ILO’s strategy and actions for improved youth employment prospects, 2012–2017
This high-level evaluation assesses the ILO’s strategy and actions for improving youth employment prospects. The evaluation is informed by the organization's long history of work in youth employment. The evaluation takes into consideration all efforts undertaken by the office from 2012 to 2017 in order to provide insight into the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of its work in this area in order to inform future policy and decision-making processes.
Independent evaluation of the ILO’s field operations and structure 2010–2016
This high-level evaluation assesses the performance of the ILO's field operations and structure, given the Decent Work Agenda in particular but also the 2030 Agenda, and ongoing reform in the UN development system in view of the Sustainable Development Goals. The evaluation identifies recommendations for improving the ILO’s field structure and operations and reflects on lessons learned and emerging good practices.
Independent evaluation of the ILO’s strategy and actions for creating and extending social protection floors, 2012–2017
This high-level evaluation covered the ILO’s work on social protection following the adoption of the Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202), which had a profound impact on its work. The evaluation focused on the ILO’s strategy and work on promoting social protection, including social protection floors, for the 2012–17 period. The evaluation identifies recommendations for improving the ILO’s social protection-related work and reflects on lessons learned and emerging good practices in an effort to contribute to organizational learning.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's Evaluation Function, Final Report
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy and actions to promote skills development for jobs and growth, 2010-2015
This high-level evaluation explores the extent to which the ILO’s strategy, programme approach and interventions to promote skills development for jobs growth achieved their intended results from 2010-15. It also aims to facilitate the alignment of the ILO’s skills-related work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and informs the development of the strategic plan 2018-21.
Independent Evaluation of ILO's strategy for Technical Cooperation 2010-15
The evaluation of the Technical Cooperation Strategy, 2010–2015, was undertaken with a view to informing the preparation of the forthcoming Development Cooperation Strategy. Following consultations with constituents and senior ILO officials at the inception stage, it was determined that, in order to provide a useful analysis, the team of evaluators would need to evaluate the overall performance of ILO’s technical cooperation (TC) in the context of its intended normative and development results.
Independent evaluation of ILO's strategy and actions for strengthening labour inspection systems, 2010-2015
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an objective assessment of the design and implementation of the ILO strategy from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 in order to gauge results and inform future actions. It addresses a series of questions related to six evaluation criteria: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, sustainability, impact and efficiency (including management). Based on this analysis, the evaluation highlights lessons and offers recommendations for ILO to consider as it moves forward with the transitional Strategic Policy Framework (2016–17), which includes strengthening workplace compliance through labour inspection, as Outcome 7.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategies on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Volume I Full Report - Rev. Ed. (2015)
Covering the period from 2008 to 2014, this evaluation reviews ILO’s strategy to advance Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), namely: the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is widely known and exercised (Outcome 14); forced labour is eliminated (Outcome 15); child labour is eliminated, with priority to the worst forms of child labour (Outcome 16); and discrimination in employment and occupation is eliminated (Outcome 17). The case studies are contained in Volume II (online only).
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategies on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Volume II Annexes - Rev. Ed. (2015)
This report contains a collection of case studies as well as other thematic reports which were gathered as part of the desk review for the full report, Volume 1.
Effective Labour Protection for All: Lessons learned from a synthesis review, 2004–2014
Background Paper for the Recurrent Discussion under the ILO Declaration on Social Protection (Labour Protection), 104th Session, 2015.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy for coherent decent work policies
The evaluation assesses the ILO’s Outcome 19 strategy at global level and its contribution in supporting Member States to adopt coherent decent work (DW) policies through integrated approaches. This evaluation aims to identify the major achievements and obstacles encountered in order to extract the lessons learned and good practices. These are expected to facilitate decision-making on the future course of this area of ILO’s work.
Delivering decent work results: A meta-analysis of 15 ILO Decent Work Country Programme reviews
This is a meta-analysis of internally conducted evaluations of Decent Work Country Programmes carried out by regional offices. Recommendations propose ways to improve the quality of these internal evaluations to better inform on the progress of a DWCP and eventually provide useful data and input for independently conducted evaluations.
Decent work results of ILO employment promotion interventions: Lessons learned from evaluations, 2003-2013
This synthesis review examines a range of ILO project and programme evaluations, as well as evidence-based studies from external institutions to highlight decent work results of ILO interventions in the promotion of employment.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy on occupational safety and health: Workers and enterprises benefit from improved safety and health conditions at work - Volume I
Although the focus of this evaluation is on the strategy, it also analyses the effectiveness and efficiency of the organizational structure established by the Office to support the implementation of the global occupational safety and health (OSH) strategy while supporting national constituents’ capacities to develop, implement and enforce their own OSH systems. To this end, the evaluation takes a close look at the Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (SafeWork) to assess how effectively it has carried out its mandated workplan in implementing the global strategy.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy on occupational safety and health: Workers and enterprises benefit from improved safety and health conditions at work- Volume II
Volume II is accesible online only and contains annexes 3,4 which are case studies on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam
Decent work results and effectiveness of ILO technical cooperation: A meta-analysis of project evaluations, 2011-2012
EVAL launched a meta-analysis of independent project evaluations in 2010 to provide feedback on the effectiveness and operational performance of technical cooperation. The istructive results shed light on the ILO’s technical and operational strengths and weaknesses in the design and implementation of technical cooperation. Building on experience from this 2010 study, and following an adjustment of the methodology, a new study was conducted in 2013.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to promote sustainable enterprises and decent work - Volume I
The scope of the evaluation covers 2007 to 2012 and places focus on three indicators under Outcome 3 of the Strategic Policy Framework 2010–15: (i) reform of policy and regulatory frameworks to improve enabling environments for sustainable enterprises; (ii) implementation of entrepreneurship development policies and programmes for the creation of productive employment and decent work; and (iii) implementation of programmes to foster the adoption of responsible and sustainable enterprise-level practices.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to promote sustainable enterprises and decent work - Volume II
This volume is complementary to Volume 1 containing the full evaluation: Volume II contains annexes 3,4 and 5 covering case studies on Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
Independent thematic evaluation of the ILO's work on international labour migration
Evaluation consultants: Melissa Siegal, Elaine McGregor, Vivianne van der Vorst, Bram Frouws
Social Dialogue: What works and why? A synthesis review 2002-2012
This synthesis review examines a range of ILO project and programme evaluations, as well as evidence-based studies from external institutions, to highlight successful interventions and identify challenges in the promotion of social dialogue in the workplace. The study demonstrates that the ILO is a leader in ground-breaking and innovative interventions in social dialogue.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's sector-specific approach to Decent Work
The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the ILO’s strategy for achieving a sector-specific approach to decent work as outlined in the 2010–2015 ILO Strategic Policy Framework. The point of departure for the evaluation was the strategy as described in the 2010–11 and 2012–13 Programme and Budget (P&B) and reiterated in the Outcome-based Workplan (OBW), taking into account the evolution of ILO strategy from the 2006–2007 and the 2008–09 biennia until 2012.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's sector-specific approach to Decent Work [Case Study Volume]
The case studies are on Collective Bargaining and Dispute Resolution in the Public Service; and the Decent Work Pilot Programme in Morocco
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy for integrating inclusive employment policies
The independent evaluation is based on an initial scoping exercise to identify key issues, followed by a thorough desk review of research, reports and programme documentation, a portfolio review organized by country, and interviews with ILO staff, constituents and United Nations (UN) system colleagues. Four country missions and two desk case studies were undertaken. Case studies are contained in Volume 2.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy for integrating inclusive employment policies (Volume for the Annexes)
Case studies for the main report are presented for Bosnia, El Salvador, Indonesia, Malawi, Viet Nam (mission supported). There are also desk case studies of Burkina Faso and Honduras.
Independent thematic evaluation of the Social Finance Programme 2005-2010 - Cluster evaluation of GLO/07/08/GAT, GLO/09/01/LUX, Swiss Development Corporation and other German RBSA funds
Evaluation enterprise: Jacaranda Consult Group
Decent work results and effectiveness of ILO operations: A meta-analysis of project evaluations, 2009-2010
In mid-2011, the ILO Evaluation Unit (EVAL) synthesized the findings, conclusions and lessons learned from 59 independent evaluation reports completed in 2009 and 2010. The purpose of the study was twofold: to present a summary of evaluation results on ILO performance within the framework of the SPF 2010–15 based on a request from the ILO Governing Body to better synthesize information on Office effectiveness and achievement of results; and to establish a baseline, methodology and information system for reporting such results each biennium.
Meta analysis of lessons learned and good practices arising from nine Decent Work Country Programme evaluations
In 2006, the ILO began evaluating the performance of its Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs). Between 2006 and 2009, six such evaluations were undertaken and evaluation reports published - covering Argentina, Indonesia, Jordan, Philippines, Ukraine and Zambia. The ILO commissioned this meta analysis in order to derive lessons learned and identify good practices arising from these evaluations.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to address HIV and AIDS and the world of work (Volume 1 of 2)
The independent evaluation is based on the analysis of key reports and programme documentation, a portfolio review organized by country, project documentation, and interviews with ILO staff, constituents and United Nations (UN) system colleagues.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to address HIV and AIDS and the world of work - Annexes (Volume 2 of 2)
Six desk case studies and three country missions were undertaken covering Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, India, Paraguay, Russia, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy for the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation (Volume 1 of 2)
The period under review included two Strategic Policy Frameworks (SPFs), 2006–09 and 2010–15, and three P&B biennia covering the period from 2007 to 2011. The evaluation team assessed the evolution of the ILO’s non-discrimination work from activities responding to the Global Reports (GRs) and Action Plans (APs), to a specific strategic outcome, Outcome 17, under the 2010–11 P&B.
Annexes: Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy for the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation (Volume 2 of 2)
Case studies: Discrimination and Domestic Workers; Discrimination against Migrants; Discrimination of Indigenous Peoples; Discrimination based on HIV/AIDS; Support the promotion, implementation and application of ILO Convention on Discrimination (Convention No. 111); and Disabilities
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to extend the coverage of social security (Volume 1 of 2)
The independent evaluation of the ILO’s strategy to extend the coverage of social security during the period 2005-2009 is based on the analysis of key reports and programme documentation, a portfolio review organized by country, project documentation, and interviews with ILO staff, constituents and United Nations (UN) system colleagues.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to extend the coverage of social security - Annexes (Volume 2 of 2)
Eleven case studies were undertaken covering Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cyprus, Ghana, Jordan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mozambique, Nepal, Senegal, Thailand, and Zambia.
Strategy evaluation: Performance and progress in gender mainstreaming through the ILO Action Plan for Gender Equality 2008-09
This evaluation analyses performance and progress in gender mainstreaming, using the Action Plan as a basis for measuring results and gaps. The main purposes of the evaluation are: internal management learning and decision making; as a reference for drafting the Director-General’s report on results of the Action Plan, to be presented to the Governing Body in March 2010; for advising on the drafting of the next Action Plan; and for sharing lessons learned and good practices with other UN system entities.
Independent evaluation of the ILO's strategy to support member States capacities to development policies and programmes focused on youth employment. Case studies are on Perú, Indonesia and Liberia.
The evaluation analyses the ILO’s strategy to increase member States’ capacities to develop policies or programmes focused on youth employment. The thrust of this strategy is to strengthen the International Labour Organization (ILO) constituents’ capacities to translate global commitments expressed in the United Nations (UN) (for making productive employment and decent work a fundamental component of economic and social policies and/or development strategies) into national action.
Independent external evaluation of International Labour Organization Evaluation Function
When the ILO’s Governing Body adopted the Evaluation Policy in November 2005, it also stipulated that the policy be evaluated at the end of five years and this report commissioned to an external evaluation team is the result.
Terms of reference of the independent external evaluation of ILO's evaluation function
Independent Evaluation of ILO’s Strategy for the Protection of Migrant Workers: 2001-2007 (Volume I: Main Report)
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide insight into the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the ILO’s strategy, programme approach, and interventions for protecting migrant workers. This includes consideration of whether and how the Office approach should be modified or adapted to the current climate. It is also intended to provide findings and lessons learned for improved leadership and decision-making within the context of results-based management. The period under review is 2001-2007.
Independent Evaluation of ILO’s Strategy for the Protection of Migrant Workers: 2001-2007 (Volume 2: Annexes)
This annexes volume contains the evaluation Terms of reference; the Questionnaire; Components of TC projects on labour migration; Strategy’s Components Results Framework; ILO’s collaboration with members of the Global Migration Group (GMG), the International Organization for Migration (IOM)and other Agencies.
Independent Evaluation of the ILO's Strategy to Support Member States to Improve the Impact of International Labour Standards
The purpose of this strategy evaluation is to provide insight into the mandate, continued relevance, effectiveness, efficiency of the strategy, programme approach, and interventions in strengthening and broadening national capacities to ratify and improve the application of the International Labour Standards (ILS) by member States, and covering the period 2000-2006.
Independent Evaluation of ILO's Strategy for Employment Creation through Employment-intensive Investment
This evaluation report provides the background documentation and analysis for the basis of the findings, conclusions and recommendations set out in the summary report GB.297/PFA/2/2, “Independent evaluation of the ILO’s strategy for employment-intensive investment”, presented by the Office to the Governing Body at its 297th Session in November 2006.
Evaluation of the InFocus Programme on Socio-Economic Security
The Independent Evaluation of the inFocus Programme on Socio-Economic Security looks at the programme’s performance over the period 1999-2005. It examines the ILO’s strategy to contribute to the social and economic security in a dynamic international context through the creation and development of the SES programme. It endeavours to identify what works well and where improvements can be made.
Evaluation of the InFocus Programme on Social Dialogue, Labour Law and Labour Administration
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide insight on the mandate, continued relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of IFP/DIALOGUE’s strategies, programme approach and interventions in promoting social dialogue and strengthening mechanisms and institutions of social dialogue and assisting member States to improve their labour law and labour administration. This will include consideration of whether the programme should be continued, discontinued or modified.
External review of the ILO's implementation of strategic budgeting in a results-based management framework
Evaluation of the InFocus Programme on Skills, Knowledge and Employability
Independant Evaluation of the InFocus Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC)
This programme-level evaluation examines the relevance and effectiveness of IPEC’s strategies and design in the context of a results-based framework, and the efficiency of organizational arrangements for achieving programme outcomes.