Balancing context-specific and standard indicators

Challenge

Until 2015, the Swiss Agency for Development and Co‑operation (SDC) allowed managers of the programmes and projects it supports to choose results indicators. The indicators chosen were thus context relevant and aligned to local needs and priorities. However, this led to a multitude of context-relevant indicators for a similar result, making it impossible to aggregate results at programme or corporate level. The challenge was to produce aggregated evidence for accountability and steering purposes, and to standardise data sufficiently to create a digitalised system. To align results closer with the Agenda 2030, Switzerland also linked its International co-operation strategy 2021-24 to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Approach

Switzerland has developed a comprehensive system for measuring the impact of its international co‑operation. Following internal discussions, agreement was reached in 2016 to introduce a menu of one to five aggregated reference indicators per priority theme. Programme reports and the experiences of the SDC’s thematic staff were used to identify and define indicators that were grounded in reality. Indicators were selected mostly at output level to ensure attribution.

An external evaluation of the SDC’s Results Based Management System advised focussing less on accountability and co-operation results, and more on development results and their use for steering and learning. The SDC therefore decided to keep the most relevant output and outreach indicators and add thematic outcome indicators. Since 2020, the menu comprises 83 standard indicators, each of which contributes to an SDG target. The outcome indicators can be SDG indicators where appropriate.

The SDC is also creating a digitalised Results Data Management system to improve the use of results data for steering, learning and accountability. SDC co‑operation programmes are asked to ensure that at least 50% of the indicators used are standard indicators. The others may be determined freely, allowing programmes to remain context specific. This mix of indicators will be reviewed in the coming years and adapted accordingly.

Figure 1. Results reporting: Switzerland’s International Co-operation Strategy 21-24 and Agenda 2030

Source: Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation.

Results

The corporate accountability report produced in 2020 for the first time contained results aggregated across a wide range of situations. The report, which was very well received, clearly demonstrated the results and value of Switzerland’s international co‑operation. It made it easy for lay persons to understand Switzerland’s development co-operation achievements.

The indicator system also provides evidence on how the SDC’s programmes contribute to the objectives of Switzerland’s international co-operation strategy and to the 2030 Agenda.

Standardised results linked to SDG targets allow the SDC to:

• report on how it contributes to the 2030 Agenda

• align its objectives at local and country level to the SDG targets prioritised by partner countries and institutions

• aggregate results at different levels to enhance steering, learning and accountability.