Friday, May 22, 11:00am Eastern
Title:What does ‘success’ look like? Adapting the OECD evaluation criteria for the evaluation of humanitarian action
Abstract: Which criteria do we use to measure the success of humanitarian action? How do we know what difference humanitarian action has made to the lives of affected people? Using evaluation criteria adapted to the specificities of humanitarian contexts is one key factor in generating solid evaluative evidence. In 2025, ALNAP published "Adapting the OECD Criteria for Evaluation of Humanitarian Action." The revised guide responds to a humanitarian landscape that is more complex, protracted, and interconnected than ever before. It covers seven criteria — relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, coherence, coverage and inclusion, and inter-connection — and brings updated definitions, clear explanations, and guidance tailored to humanitarian contexts. In this workshop, we will explore the evaluation criteria as well as the three priority themes introduced by the guide. Participants will be introduced to the intricacies of applying the criteria when evaluating humanitarian action, and some of the key issues to consider.
Speakers: Sarah Gharbi
Type: Express workshop (90 minutes, online)
Language: English
Presenters' Expertise: Sarah Gharbi is a Research Fellow at ALNAP with nearly 20 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors. She has worked with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, several international INGOs, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as an evaluation advisor, researcher, and evaluator. She is the co-author of ALNAP’s most recent evaluation guide “Adapting the OECD criteria for the evaluation of humanitarian action”, which was published in September 2025. She has facilitated numerous online workshops, in French and English, as well as a great number of in person events, lectures and workshops.
Workshop level: Beginner
Prerequisite knowledge: Familiarity with the OECD DAC Evaluation Criteria
Learning objectives: In this workshop, participants will:
1) Learn about the adaptation of the OECD evaluation criteria to the evaluation of humanitarian action, based on ALNAP’s latest evaluation guide
2) Gain a better understanding of the intricacies of applying the evaluation criteria in humanitarian contexts and some of the key issues to consider
Teaching strategies : The workshop will start with an introduction to the “Adapting the OECD Criteria for Humanitarian Action Evaluation” guide and will continue with interactive learning exercises. Throughout the workshop, there will be polls/quizzes to gauge participants’ perspectives on and understanding of the topics covered. Group exercises will enjoin participants to discuss real-world scenarios/case studies and to brainstorm on ways to address key issues/challenges when evaluating humanitarian action.