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1 | Sr No | Assignment Name | Client | Geographic Area | Completion Year | About the Project | Sectors | Contract Value | Project Value | |||||||||||||||||
2 | 1 | Regional Infrastructure Fund for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (RIF-II)’ for Resilient Resource Management in Cities | UPU | Bannu and DI Khan, Pakistan | Ongoing | The RIF project aims to enhance the living conditions in tehsil-towns within the Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, by addressing water supply, wastewater, and solid waste management challenges. The project adopts an integrated multi-sector approach to introduce sustainable and resilient resource management practices, fostering improved physical living conditions and contributing to the SDG 11 of achieving sustainable cities and communities. The project focuses on identifying, designing, and constructing community infrastructure, building the capacity of relevant government staff, and promoting citizen participation in the selection, implementation, and maintenance of these infrastructure schemes. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life, particularly for the poor and women, through effective, participatory, and evidence-based planning and implementation processes. Cynosure facilitates access to local experts crucial for project implementation, provides banking services, and manages administrative procedures for the project. | Urban Planning, Water supply, Wastewater, WASH, Solid Waste Management | EUR 235,400 | EUR 17.5 Million | |||||||||||||||||
3 | 2 | Advanced Monitoring and Evaluation Training Aimed at Enhancing the Capabilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MoAF) | Asian Productivity Organization (APO) | Turkey | 2026 | Cynosure was commissioned by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) to design and deliver an advanced-level training program on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MoAF), Türkiye. Building upon a preliminary Technical Expert Services initiative from 2022, this project serves as a comprehensive capacity-building intervention to strengthen the oversight of the Ministry’s extensive outsourced project portfolio. The program targets approximately 90 M&E experts and relevant staff from the Directorate General for European Union and Foreign Relations (DG EUFR) and other ministerial units, focusing on sectors such as food security, climate change, and rural development. Cynosure applied a progressive, practice-oriented methodology that integrates international standards—including OECD-DAC and UNEG criteria—with cutting-edge digital innovations. The assignment followed a three-stage structure: (i) a Pre-training phase involving a rapid needs assessment and leadership alignment; (ii) Training delivery via three five-day face-to-face sessions utilizing case-based exercises and field simulations; and (iii) Post-training follow-up to reinforce learning through online refresher clinics and peer reviews. A distinctive feature of this approach is the integration of AI-enabled tools for data processing and Theory of Change (ToC) mapping to modernize traditional monitoring practices. Through this initiative, Cynosure generated a standardized, MoAF-specific M&E toolkit, including monitoring checklists, reporting templates, and risk management frameworks. By developing internal "champions" and institutionalizing evidence-based decision-making, the project ensures that the Ministry is equipped to manage its high-value investments with greater transparency, efficiency, and impact. | International Development, Institutional Capacity Building, Public Administration, Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management. | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
4 | 3 | Formative Evaluation of the UNCDF’s Lending and Guarantee Capacity (BRIDGE Facility) | UNCDF | Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Myanmar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe | 2026 | The UNCDF BRIDGE Facility (2016–2025), a core initiative operationalizing the LDC Investment Platform (LDCIP), is a catalytic investment mechanism implemented by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to address the "missing middle" financing gap in high-risk frontier markets. The facility promotes inclusive economic growth in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and fragile settings by deploying risk-tolerant capital where traditional financiers are often absent. It supports local enterprises, financial intermediaries, and subnational entities to advance sustainable development solutions through blended financing, de-risking mechanisms, and targeted technical assistance. The facility is structured around the deployment of three primary financial instruments: investment grants, concessional loans, and risk-absorbing guarantees. The formative evaluation, commissioned under UNCDF’s Evaluation Plan, assesses the facility’s relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, and likely impact and sustainability, while extracting critical lessons to inform the organization’s 2026–2029 Strategic Framework. The firm conducted an independent evaluation covering the period from 2016 to 2025 across global operations, using OECD-DAC criteria. Methods included key informant interviews with senior management and regional specialists, a comprehensive portfolio desk review of approximately 32 transactions, and detailed case studies. The assessment featured in-person field visits to Nigeria and Zimbabwe to examine direct loan operations, complemented by remote case studies of guarantee operations in Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea. The assessment examined contributions to institutional capability, catalytic leverage ratios, gender equality and Leave No One Behind (LNOB), and the potential for scaling innovative business models. | Concessional loans and guarantees, subnational and local infrastructure financing, nature and climate financing, women-owned enterprise financing, energy and decarbonization finance, sustainable food systems financing, inclusive digital finance, and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) finance | USD 72,510 | USD 20.3 million | |||||||||||||||||
5 | 4 | Final Evaluation of the Smart Green ASEAN Cities Project | UNCDF | ASEAN (Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos PDR, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar) | 2026 | The assignment involved conducting an independent evaluation of the SGAC programme, commissioned by UNCDF, covering programme implementation across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Lao PDR. The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach combining key informant interviews — carried out through both in-country field missions and online video calls — with desk review and stakeholder consultation to assess programme performance. | Blended Finance, Environmentally Friendly Cities, Green | USD 94,489 | EUR 5.7 million | |||||||||||||||||
6 | 5 | Independent High-Level Evaluation of the ILO’s strategies and actions on social protection | ILO | Global, with in-country data collection in Cambodia, Cote d'Ivoire, Oman, Paraguay, Zambia | 2026 | Cynosure is currently conducting an independent High-Level Evaluation (HLE) for the ILO Evaluation Office (EVAL), focusing on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) social protection strategies from 2021–2025. The assignment assesses institutional performance regarding universal and sustainable social protection, featuring a clustered evaluation of the Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All (Phase II) across 50 priority countries. The ongoing evaluation utilizes a theory-based, utilization-focused design aligned with OECD-DAC and UNEG standards. The methodology follows a four-phase approach: (i) an inception phase to reconstruct the Theory of Change; (ii) global evidence collection via headquarters interviews and surveys; (iii) in-depth case studies covering four countries and two thematic areas; and (iv) a triangulated analysis of portfolio-level quantitative data and qualitative stakeholder insights. Cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and climate resilience are integrated throughout the assessment. Through this review, Cynosure is generating actionable recommendations to inform the ILO Governing Body’s future strategic decisions. The findings will guide the design of a potential Phase III of the Global Flagship Programme, ensuring Pacific and global data ecosystems remain robust and inclusive. | Social Protection, Social Security, Health insurance, Unemployment Benefits, Pension Schemes, Employment Injury Benefits, Family, Child, Maternity, Disabiility, and Survivors' Benefits, Actuarial Services, Social Protection Financing, Fiscal Space, Decent Work, Social Justice, International Labour Standards, Social Dialogue | USD 126,675 | USD 242 million | |||||||||||||||||
7 | 6 | Institutional Capability Development Plan for the NPCC | Asian Productivity Organization (APO) | Cambodia | 2026 | The project focused on the development of an Institutional Capability Development Plan (ICDP) for the National Productivity Centre of Cambodia (NPCC), with the objective of strengthening NPCC’s effectiveness as Cambodia’s lead productivity-promoting institution and supporting its transition toward a semi-autonomous organizational status. The scope includes a comprehensive assessment of NPCC’s mandate, vision, mission, and strategic priorities; governance and institutional arrangements required for semi-autonomy; funding and financial management structures; and fit-for-purpose operating and service delivery models. The assignment also covered performance management systems, including monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices, as well as NPCC’s relationship management with government, the private sector, and development partners. Based on these assessments, the project required the formulation of a prioritized ICDP. Cynosure is implementing the assignment through a structured, phased approach under APO supervision. The project activities includes inception and planning meetings; desk reviews of relevant legislation, policies, and organizational documents; and the development of tailored data collection instruments. Diagnostic activities involved stakeholder interviews, online perception surveys, and multiple in-country missions to assess governance, organizational effectiveness, performance management, partnerships, and service delivery. Cynosure will synthesize findings into diagnostic and interim reports, facilitate participatory validation and co-creation sessions with NPCC stakeholders, and develope a detailed ICDP. The final activities comprises quality assurance and finalization of reports, dissemination and handover presentations, delivery of capacity-building and monitoring and evaluation training, and development of practical M&E tools and manuals to support implementation of the ICDP and NPCC’s transition toward semi-autonomy. | Institutional Development | USD 103,576 | USD 103,576 | |||||||||||||||||
8 | 7 | Evaluation of Development Account Project 2225F: TrainForTrade | UNCTAD | Africa, Caribbean, Asia-Pacific | 2026 | The TrainForTrade blended learning strategy to boost the digital economy in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific (2022–2025), developed under the 14th Tranche of the United Nations Development Account, is a USD 600,000 initiative implemented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with UN Regional Commissions and specialized international agencies including the UNSD, WTO, and UNCITRAL. The project strengthens the capacity of SIDS to adopt trade policies that foster digital economy development and enhance crisis responsiveness. It supports government officials and trade practitioners to advance digital solutions through technical knowledge in digital identity, legal frameworks, and digital trade statistics. The programme is structured around three components: enhanced technical knowledge via asynchronous e-learning, strengthened capacity to design digital economy policies through interactive workshops, and the validation of policy proposals through a high-level hybrid conference. The final evaluation, commissioned by UNCTAD’s Independent Evaluation Unit, assesses the project’s relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, and likely impact and sustainability, while documenting successful replication models and lessons learned. The evaluator conducted an independent assessment covering March 2022–December 2025 across the 39 beneficiary SIDS, using OECD-DAC criteria. Methods included a desk review, key informant interviews, group discussions with technical experts and management, an online survey of 125 respondents, and direct observations of the final Restitution Workshop in Singapore. The assessment examined contributions to national legislative reforms, statistical compilation practices, gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, as well as the administrative challenges of "One UN" logistical coordination. | Digital Economy / Education | USD 19,950 | USD 600,000 | |||||||||||||||||
9 | 8 | Evaluation of Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth phase IV: Green Recovery for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | UN ESCAP | Asia-Pacific | 2026 | The Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth (SINGG) Phase IV (2021–2025), entitled "Green Recovery for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," is a USD 705,860 initiative funded by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea (KME) and implemented by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in partnership with the Korea Environment Corporation (KECO). The programme promotes inclusive, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development across the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing the capacity of member states to implement green growth strategies. It supports national and local governments through a hybrid bilateral-multilateral modality that provides technical advisory services for pilot projects, analytical research, and regional policy dialogues. The programme is structured around two core outputs: the enhancement of policymaker knowledge and skills for formulating green recovery tools, and the strengthening of regional cooperation through the exchange of best practices and policy consultation. The independent final evaluation, commissioned by ESCAP, assesses the programme’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), while capturing lessons learned to inform the design of Phase V. The evaluator conducted a comprehensive assessment covering the period from August 2021 to December 2025 across participating member states using OECD-DAC criteria. Methodology included key informant interviews with the Project Management Unit (PMU), the donor ministry, and KECO; an online survey of 29 regional stakeholders; and in-depth reviews of technical assistance projects in countries including Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Nepal, Fiji, and the Philippines. The assessment examined the programme's unique ability to leverage small-scale technical assistance into large-scale Official Development Assistance (ODA), the functioning of its tripartite governance model, the strategic alignment of its regional forums with Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 updates, and its contributions to subnational capacity building and institutional coordination. | Climate Change / Green Growth | USD 20,000 | USD 705,860 | |||||||||||||||||
10 | 9 | Mid-Term Evaluation of the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics (2022–2030) | SPC | American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna. | 2026 | Cynosure was commissioned by the Pacific Community to conduct the first independent mid-term review of the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics (SFPS) 2022–2030. The Framework, endorsed by the Heads of Planning and Statistics (HOPS) and the Pacific Statistics Standing Committee (PSSC), serves as the regional blueprint for strengthening national statistical systems across Pacific Island countries and territories. Covering the period 2023–2025, the evaluation assessed progress in implementing the Framework’s five Key Focus Areas—capacity development, data production and accessibility, policy integration, statistical methods and innovation, and regional governance and coordination—while also examining cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and open data Cynosure applied a utilization-focused, mixed-methods design rooted in OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and SPC’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework. The assignment involved a structured review of core documentation, analysis of statistical performance indicators, and extensive consultations with National Statistics Offices, governance bodies, development partners, and data users across the Pacific. Two thematic case studies on Partnerships and Coordination and on the PACSTAT Innovation initiatives were also undertaken. Through this review, Cynosure generated actionable recommendations to enhance the Framework’s relevance, coherence, and impact during its remaining implementation phase (2026–2030). The findings are expected to guide SPC and its partners in adapting strategies, strengthening statistical governance, and ensuring that Pacific data ecosystems are robust, inclusive, and sustainable in meeting national, regional, and global development priorities. | National Statistical Systems, Agricultural Statistics, Climate Change Statistics, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, Household Income and Expenditure Surveys, Labour Force Surveys, Economic Statistics, Systems of National Accounts, GEDSI, Data Governance and Financing, Regional Governance and Coordination, Methodological Standards and Innovation, Digitalisation, Population and Housing Censuses, Public Sector Capacity Development, Governance and Institutional Strengthening, Policy Planning and Public Administration, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Economic Governance | USD 49,816.20 | EUR 15 million | |||||||||||||||||
11 | 10 | Independent Final Evaluation of the Knowledge for Nature (K4N) Project | IUCN | Global | 2026 | Cynosure has been commissioned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to conduct the Independent Final Evaluation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project “Knowledge for Nature (K4N): Provisioning the Biodiversity Data Behind Global Goals for Nature.” Implemented by IUCN in collaboration with BirdLife International, Sapienza University of Rome, Re:wild, Old Dominion University, Simon Fraser University, and Arizona State University, the project is a major global initiative to strengthen biodiversity knowledge systems and ensure that credible, interoperable data inform conservation, policy, and finance decisions. Launched in 2022 with a total financing of USD 11.18 million, K4N addresses systemic weaknesses in biodiversity data infrastructures through three interconnected components: a) Providing state-of-the-art data services—automating and scaling delivery of key biodiversity indicators such as the Red List Index (RLI) and the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric, including a new marine layer; b) Addressing urgent knowledge gaps—expanding Red List assessments for underrepresented taxa like goby fishes, fungi, and dung beetles; and c) Strengthening sustainability—using digital innovations (AI, remote sensing, and SIS Connect) and developing long-term financing strategies to sustain global biodiversity data systems. The Evaluation, commissioned jointly by IUCN and GEF, provides an independent assessment of K4N’s results and contributions to global biodiversity monitoring. Guided by OECD-DAC and GEF evaluation criteria, it examines relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, while integrating cross-cutting dimensions such as gender, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. Cynosure’s theory-based, utilization-focused mixed-methods approach is anchored in a reconstructed Theory of Change that links data innovation to biodiversity outcomes. The methodology combines desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and an online survey. Through this Evaluation, Cynosure will generate actionable insights to strengthen future biodiversity data initiatives and ensure that systems like the IUCN Red List remain scientifically robust, financially viable, and central to achieving global goals for nature | Biodiversity Data Systems, Red List Index, Species Assessment, Global Biodiversity Indicators, Data Interoperability and Integration, Digital Innovation in Conservation, AI, Remote Sensing, Knowledge Gaps, Taxonomic Expansion, Sustainability and Resource Mobilziation, Policy and Finance Linkages, Knowledge Managemetn and Accessibility, Partnerships and Institutional Coordination, Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR), Marine Biodiversity, Taskforce on Nature Related Finance Disclosure | USD 26,600 | USD 11.18 million | |||||||||||||||||
12 | 11 | Terminal Evaluation for the “Building climate resilience in supply chains for the mobilization of adaptation funding” Project | CI-GEF | Guatemala, Honduras | 2025 | The project was designed to tackle the compounded environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities of Guatemala and Honduras, particularly within the climate-sensitive Dry Corridor. The initiative is centered on enhancing resilience in agricultural value chains through the development and application of an innovative tool: the Adaptation Equivalency Index (AEI). Funded by the GEF's Special Climate Change Fund and implemented by CI-GEF with Heifer International as the executing agency, the project targeted coffee, cocoa, and high-value spice chains (e.g., cardamom, allspice). It operated across key regions in Alta Verapaz and Izabal in Guatemala and Olancho in Honduras, aiming to reduce habitat loss, support sustainable livelihoods for smallholders, and mobilize private-sector investment in climate adaptation through standardized, quantifiable practices. Cynosure was commissioned by Conservation International (CI-GEF) to undertake the independent final evaluation of the “Building Climate Resilience in Supply Chains for the Mobilization of Adaptation Funding” project. The evaluation aimed to assess the project’s performance, outcomes, and impacts using the OECD DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. It also examined key themes such as co-financing, environmental and social safeguards, gender equality, and stakeholder engagement. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, including desk reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and site visits across Guatemala and Honduras to provide a comprehensive and participatory assessment. | Agriculture, Agroforestry, Food and Beverage Industry, Rural Development, Climate Finance, Environmental Conservation, Water Resource Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, Trade and Export, Gender and Social Inclusion | USD 33,710 | USD 9.755 million | |||||||||||||||||
13 | 12 | Australia Awards South Asia and Mongolia – Women in Executive Leadership (Regional) 2025 | University of Queensland/Australian Awards | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka | 2025 | The Australia Awards – South Asia and Mongolia Program is designed to ensure that country programs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka effectively contribute to development, relationship-building, and public diplomacy objectives, aligning with Australia’s national interests. The program aims to achieve four key End-of-Program Outcomes. First, alumni are expected to apply their skills, knowledge, and networks to drive sustainable development in their respective countries. Second, they will play a crucial role in strengthening cooperation between Australia and partner nations. Additionally, the program fosters mutually beneficial partnerships between institutions and businesses in Australia and partner countries, creating opportunities for long-term collaboration. Finally, alumni are encouraged to develop a positive perception of Australia, its people, and its expertise, further enhancing bilateral relationships. This initiative specifically targets 18 female participants, focusing on emerging leaders and middle management professionals from both the public and private sectors. Participants are selected through a rigorous, merit-based assessment process conducted by an independent selection panel, ensuring that the most promising candidates benefit from the program and contribute meaningfully to its broader objectives. | Gender Equality, Women Empowerement, Capacity Building, Institutional Development, Economic Development | AUD 28,750 | AUD 28,750 | |||||||||||||||||
14 | 13 | Independent High-Level Evaluation of the ILO’s strategies and actions under the Youth Employment Action Plan 2020-2030 | ILO | Global (field missions in Colombia, Kenya, Philippines, and Tunisia) | 2025 | The objective of the ILO’s Youth Employment Action Plan (YEAP) 2020 – 2030 is to promote full, productive, and freely chosen employment and decent work for all young people aspiring to work, and to achieve equality, including gender equaliaty through a transformative, human-centered approach. The YEAP (2020) realigns youth employment promotion with a development framework that places young people at the center of economic, environmental, and social policy. By promoting policies, strategies, and programmes that support the entry and integration of young people into labour markets, allowing them to become lifelong active members of society an ensuring their rights are protected, the YEAP’s approach aims to foster effective measures to support young people through the transitions they will face throughout their working lives and promote their participation in shaping future labour markets through social dialogue. Cynosure was contracted by the ILO Evaluation Office to conduct the High-Level Evaluation (HLE) of the ILO’s strategies and actions under the Youth Employment Action Plan (YEAP) for the period 2020–2024. The evaluation assessed the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and early signs of impact of ILO’s institutional approach to youth employment, including knowledge development, technical assistance, and advocacy. It covered global, regional, and country-level activities, with specific focus on five policy areas and three implementation clusters. The assignment involved reconstructing the theory of change, conducting a synthesis review of past evaluations, designing and launching surveys, conducting semi-structured interviews, and preparing detailed country case studies for Colombia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Tunisia and thematic case studies on the ILO's partnerships on youth employment and the balance between demand- and supply-side approaches on promoting youth employment. The evaluation findings and recommendations are intended to inform the ILO Governing Body and guide future strategic decisions related to youth employment within the organization’s broader results-based management framework. | Youth Employment, Employment, Decent Work, Education, TVET, Skill Building, Social Policy, Employment Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy | USD 134,350 | USD 450 million | |||||||||||||||||
15 | 14 | Country Programme Evaluation The Government of Congo and UNICEF Country Programme (2020-2026) | UNICEF | Republic of Congo | 2025 | The UNICEF - Government of Congo Cooperation Programme 2020-2024 was adopted by the Board of Directors in September 2019 and extended until 2026. The Programme aims to support the Government of Congo to provide health, education, and protection for children, targeting the most vulnerable populations with the goal of reducing child mortality and malnutrition, UNICEF supports maternal and child health services and community nutrition programs. UNICEF contributes towards this vision using a life-cycle approach to promote the delivery of an integrated package of quality services for the survival and holistic development of children during the first decade of life and to promote the education and protection of adolescents. Within the scope of the UNSDCF, the CP efforts contribute to the achievement of National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Government’s national agenda policies. The UNICEF Congo Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) assessed the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of UNICEF’s cooperation with the Government of Congo from 2020 to 2026. The evaluation covered national and sub-national interventions across sectors including health, education, child protection, and adolescent development, with a strong focus on equity, gender, humanitarian response, and systems strengthening. It examined UNICEF’s strategic positioning, cross-sectoral approaches, and contribution to national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, including desk reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and online surveys, and was guided by the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria and UNICEF’s evaluation standards. | Health, Education, Child Protection, Reducing Child Mortality, Malnutrition, Maternal and Child Health, Life-cycle Approach, Nutrition | USD 95,855 | USD 58.5 million | |||||||||||||||||
16 | 15 | Final evaluation of the “Land Degradation Neutrality Fund Technical Assistance Facility" | WWF-GEF Agency | Africa: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Tanzania Asia: Bhutan, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Philippines Central and South America: Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil | 2025 | The Land Degradation Neutrality Fund Technical Assistance Facility (LDN TAF) was established to support sustainable land management and land restoration projects globally, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The facility was designed to complement the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund (LDN Fund), managed by Mirova, by providing project developers with technical assistance to enhance project readiness, financial viability, and sustainability. With a total budget of USD 6.93 million, the LDN TAF was funded through contributions from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), UNCCD, WWF, Mirova, and IDH. The facility provided pre-investment and post-investment technical assistance, helping project developers refine financial structures, ensure environmental and social compliance, and implement sustainable land use practices. Additionally, the LDN TAF promoted knowledge sharing, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure long-term impacts and alignment with global sustainability goals. Cynosure played a central role in conducting the terminal evaluation of the LDN TAF, ensuring a thorough assessment of its effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation aimed to determine the extent to which the facility achieved its objectives, identify key challenges, and extract lessons learned to inform future initiatives. Cynosure’s approach involved a multi-stage methodology, including desk research, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), online stakeholder surveys, and case study development. The firm provided an independent, evidence-based assessment, with a focus on investment readiness, technical support effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, Cynosure ensured rigorous quality assurance, ethical considerations, and adaptive evaluation methodologies to enhance the credibility and utility of the findings for stakeholders such as WWF-GEF, IDH, AFD, and Mirova. | Sustainable agriculture Agroforestry Regenerative farming Land restoration Reforestation Wetland recovery Financial innovations Blended finance models Green credit lines Climate resilience Biodiversity conservation Economic sustainability Timber/charcoal production Cocoa production Coffee production Pine resin extraction Horticulture Artemisia & Cinchona cultivation Tropical almond production Hazelnut farming Sustainable land management (SLM) Ecotourism Green infrastructure | USD 37,950 | USD 6.93 million | |||||||||||||||||
17 | 16 | Final Evaluation Enhanced Access to Rights, Essential Services, and Livelihoods for Vulnerable Afghans and Host Communities in Iran in the context of COVID-19 | NRC | Iran | 2025 | The Enhanced Access to Rights, Essential Services, and Livelihoods for Vulnerable Afghans and Host Communities in Iran project was implemented by the Partnership for Afghan Refugees in Iran (PARI) consortium, led by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) with support from INTERSOS, International Consortium for Refugees in Iran (ICRI), CESVI Fondazione, and national partners such as Society for Recovery Support (SRS) and Pars Development Activists (PDA). Funded by the European Union (EU)/International Partnerships (INTPA), the project operated between February 1, 2022, and January 31, 2025, across 11 provinces in Iran. The project aimed to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Afghan refugees and host communities by increasing their access to rights, essential services (education and healthcare), and sustainable livelihood opportunities. It sought to improve educational access, healthcare services, legal protections, and job opportunities for displaced Afghans while strengthening collaboration among national and international stakeholders. Activities included non-formal education programs, cash-for-education support, infrastructure development, vocational training, financial assistance for health services, and advocacy efforts to ensure legal protection and improved service provision. Cynosure International, Inc. was commissioned to conduct the final evaluation of the project to assess its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The evaluation, requested by NRC, aimed to provide insights into the impact of the project, document lessons learned, and identify challenges that influenced its implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, including desk reviews, key informant interviews, and stakeholder consultations, Cynosure assessed the project's alignment with donor and government priorities, its success in improving Afghan refugees' access to services, and the efficiency of resource utilization. Given access limitations, the evaluation relied primarily on interviews with consortium partners and secondary data sources. Cynosure also examined barriers to service delivery, external factors affecting project outcomes (such as government policy changes and funding constraints), and sustainability mechanisms, offering recommendations for future refugee assistance programs in Iran. | Education, Healthcare, Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Protection and Legal Assistance, Humanitarian Assistance, Social Services, Advocacy and Policy Engagement, Gender and Social Inclusion, Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening, Migration and Refugee Support | EUR 29,965 | EUR 14,736,842 | |||||||||||||||||
18 | 17 | Independent final evaluation of TRI Global Child Project and TRI programme | IUCN | Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania | 2025 | The USD 255 million Restoration Initiative (TRI) is a collaborative program implemented by IUCN, FAO, and UNEP, aiming to combat deforestation and land degradation in 9 Asian and African countries. Launched as a collaborative effort among the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the programme aimed to restore critical landscapes, enhance biodiversity conservation, and strengthen climate resilience. The program comprises 10 National Child Projects, each focusing on specific countries, and a Global Child Project that provides overarching coordination, technical support, and knowledge dissemination on Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). The TRI program's core objectives include fostering national commitment to FLR, implementing integrated landscape management practices, strengthening institutional capacities for large-scale restoration, and enhancing knowledge-sharing on best practices. The Global Child Project plays a pivotal role in facilitating program-wide coordination, monitoring, and knowledge exchange, while also supporting national projects in policy advocacy, finance mobilization, and the development of FLR tools. Cynosure was commissioned by IUCN to undertake the independent final evaluation of the TRI Programme and the Global Child Project. The evaluation aimed to assess the performance, outcomes, and impacts of both initiatives, employing the OECD DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation explored key themes such as co-financing, environmental and social safeguards, and gender considerations. The evaluation assessed how well the TRI Programme aligned with global and national priorities, its success in mobilizing financial and technical resources, and the extent to which it influenced policy and governance frameworks. The evaluation also highlighted key lessons learned, identified gaps—such as limited private sector engagement and financial sustainability challenges—and provided strategic recommendations for improving future large-scale restoration initiatives | Forest Landscape Restoration, Sustainable Land Management, Policy and Regulatory Frameworks, Institutional Capacity Building, Knowledge Generation and Dissemination, Finance Mobilization, Biodiversity Conservation, Agriculture and Sustainable Livelihoods, Policy and Governance, Gender and Social Inclusion | USD 43,925 | USD 255 million | |||||||||||||||||
19 | 18 | Midterm Review (MTR) of Wetland Protected Areas in Sichuan | UNDP | China | 2025 | Leading the evaluation design and execution, including field missions in China. The role involves engaging stakeholders at all levels to develop a report with forward-looking recommendations. | Environmental Conservation | |||||||||||||||||||
20 | 19 | Final Evaluation of the ABC Fund’s Technical Assistance Facility | Agriterra | Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda | 2024 | The ABC Fund’s Technical Assistance Facility is a EUR 4.56 million IFAD and EU funded component supporting the EUR 45 million ABC Fund with the objectives of improving the growth and development performance of ABC Fund investees by providing suitable and time Technical Assistance (TA) services and supporting the implementation of the M&E framework of ESG and Impact data for the ABC Fund. The TAF aims to support SMEs, farmer organizations/coops, and financial institutions that have been identified as potential investors by the ABC Fund to prepare them to receive and make good use of ABC Fund’s investments, accompanying potential investees during and prior to the investment period to iron out basic strategic, financial, operational, management, legal or technical obstacles that may hinder SME/coop growth and performance, and monitoring the performance of the SMEs, Fos, and Fis, and measure the development impact of the Fund and its associated services. The Project conducted various activities including: Pre- and Post-Investment Technical Assistance, Origination Activities to support potential investees preparing funding applications, ESG Assessments to ensure due diligence, Needs Assessments to evaluate organizational gaps in areas like financial management, governance, and digitalization, Value Chain Development Provided assistance to develop and enhance value chains, matchmaking missions to connect potential investees with the ABC Fund, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Capacity Building, Pipeline Development, Cost-Sharing Mechanism development. The project worked on diverse agricultural commodities, including cocoa and dairy and other key crops central to rural livelihoods. These commodities were targeted to strengthen value chains, improve market access, and enhance the financial and operational capacities of smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and SMEs. Cynosure was commissioned by Agriterra to conduct the final evaluation of the ABC Fund's Technical Assistance Facility (TAF). The evaluation assessed TAF’s impact in supporting financing for the "missing middle" across 25 countries from July 2019 to July 2024. The evaluation aimed to identify key factors that influenced the financing process, challenges in TAF’s delivery service, and provide recommendations for future phases of the project. It used a theory-based approach, analyzing the TAF's Theory of Change (TOC) and logical framework to understand the connections between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes. The evaluation employed a mix of qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, including gender-balanced field sampling and analysis. The findings provided insights into TAF's strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for future phases. | Agriculture & Agribusiness, Value Chains SMEs, Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Organization and Cooperative Development, Impact Investment/Financing, Partnership & Business Development, ESG based- investment framework, Informal Economy, Rural Development, Rural Economy, Employment, Food Security, Poverty Eradication, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Youth Empowerment/Development, Migration | EUR 48,383.25 | EUR 4,566,000, | |||||||||||||||||
21 | 20 | End Project Evaluation of Scaling-up Climate Resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water | Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) | Vanuatu | 2024 | The “Scaling-up Climate Resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water” in Vanuatu project is a 42-month project funded with EUR 1.61 million from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by GGGI between June 2021 and December 2024. The project was designed around two main outcomes, namely: a) Replication mechanism for the SPWS (Solar-Powered Water Systems) adopted; and (2) SPWS installed and commissioned in Vanuatu communities. Through the delivery of these outcomes, the Project aimed to contribute to enhanced adaptation to climate impacts with mitigation co-benefits. The adaptation benefits are associated with increased access to safe water in the context of extreme weather events (tropical cyclones and more often and prolonged droughts). GGGI's Impact and Evaluation Unit (IEU) commissioned Cynosure for an end-project evaluation of the “Vanuatu Phase II: Scaling-up Climate Resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water” project. The project aimed to enhance water access and strengthen the climate resilience of rural communities in Vanuatu through solar-powered water systems (SPWS), addressing challenges like droughts and cyclones. The evaluation assessed the project’s success in promoting sustainable energy and water practices, with a focus on its outcomes, impact, and contributions to improving water access and climate resilience. It aimed to provide insights and lessons to inform future initiatives in Vanuatu and other Pacific Island Countries (PICs), offering recommendations for scaling up SPWS and increasing water access, and guiding future government actions and project designs in the region. | Climate Action, Water Resource Management, Drinking Water, Access to Water, WASH, Sustainable Energy, Green Investment, Community Development, Renewable Energy, Disaster Risk Reduction, Gender and Social Inclusion, Public Health, Capacity Building and Education | $39,475 | USD 1,700,000 | |||||||||||||||||
22 | 21 | Final Project Evaluation Promotion of Sustainable Energy Practices in the Garment Sector in Cambodia | Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) | Cambodia | 2024 | Funded by the European Commission under the SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme, the EUR 3.45 million Switch Garment Cambodia project aimed to improve Cambodia's garment industry competitiveness through sustainable energy practices. It addressed issues such as an inadequate regulatory environment for energy efficiency (EE), low awareness and demand for sustainable energy solutions, and limited access to technical services and financial support, rising energy costs, environmental impact, and competition from neighboring countries. The project's objectives included promoting sustainable energy practices, fostering investments in cleaner technologies, and enhancing regulatory frameworks. The SG Project provided comprehensive technical assistance to garment factories in Cambodia, focusing on energy efficiency (EE) and sustainable practices. This included conducting 50 energy audits to identify energy-saving opportunities and offering tailored recommendations for cleaner technologies and operations. Capacity-building initiatives trained over 350 factory staff, government officials, and trainers from the Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI) on energy management and technology use. The project developed tools such as the Monitoring and Verification (M&V) framework to track energy improvements and piloted innovations like the WoodAI app for sustainable biomass sourcing. Additionally, it created technical briefs, case studies, and videos to guide implementation and facilitated connections between factories and equipment suppliers. Awareness workshops and engagement with international brands further promoted sustainability, while efforts to improve access to financing for EE investments addressed financial barriers, although challenges remained in establishing a dedicated facility. GGGI's Impact and Evaluation Unit (IEU) commissioned Cynosure for this end- project evaluation of the "Promotion of Sustainable Energy Practices in the Garment Sector in Cambodia" project, referred to as Switch Garment (SG) Project. The Evaluation aimed to assess the SG Project's success in promoting sustainable energy practices within the Cambodian garment sector, and focused on the SG Project’s implementation, outcomes, and impacts, with a particular emphasis on its contribution to enhancing the sector's competitiveness and reducing its environmental footprint. By examining the SG Project’s strategies, interventions, and achievements, the Evaluation sought to provide valuable insights and lessons learned to inform future initiatives in sustainable energy and green growth within the garment industry and beyond. | Sustainable Energy, Green Industries, Climate Action, Green Investment, Industrial Development, Capacity Building, Policy and Regulation, Economic Growth, Technology and Innovation, SME Development, Sustainable Consumption and Production | USD 27,575 | EUR 3.45 million | |||||||||||||||||
23 | 22 | Country Programme Evaluation The Government of China and UNICEF Country Programme (2021-2025) | UNICEF | China | 2024 | Cynosure was commissioned by UNICEF to conduct the Independent Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) of the UNICEF–Government of China Country Programme (2021–2025). The evaluation covers UNICEF’s support to national efforts for advancing children’s rights and well-being across four key programmatic areas—Child Health and Development, Quality and Inclusive Education, Child Protection, and Child-Centred Social Policy—and the cross-cutting domain of South–South Cooperation (SSC). The evaluation assesses the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the Country Programme, focusing on equity, gender, and disability inclusion. Guided by a theory-based contribution analysis, it explores UNICEF’s strategic pathways to scale through partnerships, advocacy, and pilot initiatives, identifying how these have influenced national policy and contributed to results for children. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods design, combining desk review of over 200 documents, 90 semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions with caregivers and local officials, and a global online survey of UNICEF’s SSC partners. Fieldwork in Shenzhen, Jinan, and Inner Mongolia examined child-friendly city models and early childhood development (ECD) pilots to illustrate contextual variation and innovation in UNICEF’s approaches. Findings highlight UNICEF’s strong positioning as a trusted partner of the Government of China, with the Country Programme aligning closely with the 14th Five-Year Plan, the National Programme of Action for Women and Children (2021–2030), and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021–2025). The evaluation underscores UNICEF’s contributions to improving maternal and child health, inclusive education, child protection systems, and child-sensitive social policies, while also advancing China’s growing role in global development through SSC. Through this evaluation, Cynosure provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen UNICEF’s next Country Programme (2026–2030), particularly in refining its pilot-to-policy-to-scale model, enhancing private sector and SSC partnerships, and leveraging data, advocacy, and integrated systems to achieve sustainable results for all children in China | South-South Cooperation, Child Health Development, Child Protection, Child-centered Social Policy, Education, Inclusive Education, Gender Equality, Human Rights, Partnerships and engagement, programme effectiveness, Gender-responsive programming, Health and Nutrition, Environmental Sustainability, Policy and Advocacy | 132,455 | USD 148 million | |||||||||||||||||
24 | 23 | High-Level Evaluation of the ILO’s Strategies and Approaches for the Development and Use of Labour Statistics for Promoting Decent Work and Social Justice, 2018-23 | ILO | Global, with in-depth assessments in Pakistan, Vietnam, Mozambique, Paraguay, and Senegal | 2024 | The USD 1.55 Billion project focused on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) strategies and efforts in developing and using labour statistics between 2018 and 2023 to advance decent work and social justice. It aimed to enhance the availability, quality, and relevance of labour data, aligning with international frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key objectives included supporting Member States in adopting international labour statistical standards, building institutional capacity, and improving data dissemination to inform policymaking. Activities encompassed capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance to national statistical offices, and the promotion of inclusive data practices to address the needs of vulnerable groups, ensuring that labour statistics effectively supported evidence-based decisions on employment, social protection, and equitable development. The HLE covered all ILO programme activities and actions between 2018 to 2023 (three full biennia; 2018-19, 2020-21; and the 2022-23 biennium), with a particular focus on the work carried out by the ILO on the production and dissemination of labour statistics. The Evaluation Office of the International Labour Organization commissioned Cynosure for a High-Level Evaluation of the ILO's Strategies and Approaches for the Development and Use of Labour Statistics for Promoting Decent Work and Social Justice. The evaluation aimed to assess the ILO's effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability in producing and disseminating labour statistics to promote decent work and social justice, aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs. It utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating synthesis reviews of 33 project evaluations, document analysis, stakeholder interviews, structured surveys, and seven case studies. This comprehensive evaluation identified successes, gaps, and opportunities, ultimately recommending improved strategic alignment, resource mobilization, and capacity-building initiatives.Furthermore, the HLE also included forward looking considerations and provided findings, lessons learned, and emerging good practices for improved decision-making within the context of the next ILO Strategic Framework, hence including both summative as well as formative approaches. | International Labour Standards, Capacity Building, Labour Statistics, Social Protection and Inclusion, Policy Development Support, Labour Market Information Systems, Occupational Safety and Health, Informal Economy, Labour Migration, Child Labour and Forced Labour, Green Jobs and Environmental Sustainability, Social Dialogue, Digital Economy, Statistical Standards Development, Regional and Country-Level Support | USD 70,250 | USD 13.1 million | |||||||||||||||||
25 | 24 | Final Evaluation Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) Project | Winrock International | Pakistan | 2024 | Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development (WI) signed a five-year Cooperative Agreement with the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Food for Progress Act, to address the issues in selected agricultural crops through the USD 18.71 million Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) project. PAD was designed using a holistic, private-sector-supported value chain development approach to increase productivity and reduce post-harvest losses in four horticulture value chains: Banana, Date, Red Chili, and Tomato; in 12 districts in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. provinces of Pakistan. PAD incorporated a range of activities, including the introduction of innovative farming techniques, capacity building for farmers, developing market linkages, and improvements in agricultural infrastructure, among others. The USDA's Food for Progress (FFPr) results framework aimed to achieve two strategic objectives: increasing agricultural productivity and expanding trade of agricultural products. These objectives were supported by various activities, including facilitating agriculture lending, providing in-kind grants for equipment, infrastructure, and inputs, promoting market access through buyer-seller relationships and partnerships, disseminating improved market information, and offering training on improved production techniques, post-harvest handling, and sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Additionally, the framework focused on capacity building for producer groups, cooperatives, and trade associations, as well as developing agro-dealers and input suppliers to enhance agricultural growth and trade expansion. Winrock International commissioned Cynosure for the final evaluation which aimed to determine if the PAD project met its objectives related to improving income, agricultural production, climate adaptation, credit use, and farm management, with a focus on empowering women and youth. It assessed the project's design, implementation, and sustainability based on OECD/DAC criteria (relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability). The evaluation used quantitative and qualitative data, including a beneficiary-based validation survey (BBVS), to verify results and identify challenges. The BBVS involved a sample size of 913 beneficiaries across 12 districts of Punjab and Sindh. Findings will guide USDA, PAD staff, and stakeholders in refining future food assistance and capacity-building programs, aligning with the Food for Progress (FFPr) learning agenda. | Agriculture, Value Chains, Post-Harvest Handling, Micro Credit, Microfinance, Climate Smart Agricutlure, Infrastructure Development, Trade, Capacity Building, Gender and Youth Empowerment, Technology and Innovation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS), Private Sector Engagement, Irrigation and Water Management | USD 72,000 | USD 18,710,058 | |||||||||||||||||
26 | 25 | Final Independent Evaluation of the Asia Regional Child Labour Project | ILO | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan | 2024 | The FCDO-funded and ILO-implemented ‘Asia Regional Child Labour’ project was implemented between May 2019 and March 2024 with funding of GBP 5.5 million. The project aimed to reduce the levels of vulnerability to child labour and enhancing the protection of children from exploitation in the six South Asian Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Utilizing its normative mandate and its tripartite Constituents, the project aimed to deliver on three outcomes: a) credible knowledge base on extent of child labour, its drivers and causes, informs policies; b) legislation and policies aligned with international conventions on child labour, forced labour and trafficking in persons; and c) holistic area-based approaches to eradicating child labour applied at selected regions in each country. Cynosure undertook the final evaluation of the ILO ARC project in a consultative manner, utilizing and applying the ILO's Results-Based Management approach which incorporated an assessment of the Project's Theory of Change (ToC) and whether the implementation confirmed or revoked the theory. The final evaluation assessed the project based on the OECD-DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact orientation, and sustainability. The evaluation was conducted using a variety of data sources, combining qualitative and quantitative data, through Desk Review, 122 Key Informant Interviews (including ILO Constituents, country and regional office staff, and social partners), 20 Focus Group Discussions through site visits in 04 countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan), and an online quantitative survey. | Child Labour, Child Rights, Social Protection, TVET, Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Agriculture, Mining, Brick Kiln Industry, Domestic Work, Manufacturing, Trading, Waste Collection, Fishing, Informal Sectors | USD 44,805 | GBP 5.5 million | |||||||||||||||||
27 | 26 | Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness Evaluation | UN ESCAP | Global | 2024 | Leading an independent team assessing the relevance and sustainability of Trust Funds, ensuring adherence to UNEG Ethical Guidelines and results-orientation. | Disaster Risk Management | |||||||||||||||||||
28 | 27 | GEF PIF Preparation for Plastics and POPs Circular Economy | UNIDO | Vietnam | 2024 | Providing support in developing the Project Identification Form (PIF), leading the technical design and ensuring a gender-responsive approach for waste management projects. | Circular Economy / Pollution | |||||||||||||||||||
29 | 28 | Terminal Evaluation of ASGM Project | CI / GEF | Guyana | 2024 | Leading the design and execution of the evaluation for mercury-free gold mining in Guyana, including guiding data collection and ensuring quality assurance of outputs. | Mining / Environment | |||||||||||||||||||
30 | 29 | Terminal Evaluation: Job Creation for Youth and Women | UNIDO | Jordan | 2024 | Undertaking a terminal evaluation utilizing a consultative approach, conducting desk reviews, and facilitating focus group discussions on SME competitiveness in Jordan. | SME Development / Employment | |||||||||||||||||||
31 | 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Roads Improvement Project (KPPRIP) | ADB | Pakistan | 2024 | Conducted poverty, social, and gender analysis of project impacts. Identified social risks such as human trafficking and prepared appropriate mitigation measures.+1 | Transportation | |||||||||||||||||||
32 | 31 | Terminal Evaluation (TE) for the "A GEF GOLD/ Supply Chain Approach to Eliminating Mercury in Guyana’s ASGM Sector: El Dorado Gold Jewelry Made in Guyana" | CI | Guyana | 2023 | The USD 5.7 million project "A GEF GOLD/Supply Chain Approach to Eliminating Mercury in Guyana’s ASGM Sector: El Dorado Gold Jewelry: Made in Guyana" aimed to support Guyana's commitment to the Minamata Convention in eliminating mercury use in gold production by creating market incentives for private enterprises and promote a mercury-free ASGM supply chain leading to El Dorado Gold jewelry. The Project aimed to transition Guyana's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector to mercury-free practices by 2025. Executed by CI-Guyana with co-executing agencies GGDMA and GGMC, the project was financed with a USD 2.65 million GEF grant and additional co-financing of USD 2,997,202 from CI, WWF Guianas, and the Government of Guyana. The project sought to promote mercury-free mining through partnerships with public and private sectors, focusing on innovative approaches and tools for developing a sustainable ASGM supply chain and branded jewelry. Originally set to end in May 2022, the project received a 14-month no-cost extension, concluding in June 2023. The Project had six components focused on promoting mercury-free gold mining. Component 1 introduced mercury-free technologies in Region 7, with positive responses from miners, but faced challenges in scaling up production and establishing markets. Component 2 aimed to create financing mechanisms but struggled due to financial institutions' reluctance and delays in marketing. Component 3 sought to establish markets for branded mercury-free gold, with limited progress. Component 4 focused on national policies for mercury-free gold production, but little progress was made due to lack of government support. Component 5 worked on monitoring and evaluation, achieving some progress despite COVID-19 disruptions. Component 6 raised awareness through digital media, successfully promoting mercury-free mining practices. Cynosure was commissioned to undertake the Terminal Evaluation to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of the performance of the project by assessing its design, implementation, and achievement of objects. The Terminal Evaluation was conducted through a consultative and participatory approach and employed mixed methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative data from both primary and secondary data sources, in the form of literature review of relevant documents, collection of primary data through key informant interviews and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders including Project Teams, partner organizations, donors, and public sector stakeholders. | Technology Transfer, Mercury Elimination, Mining, Environment, Enviornmental Protection and Safeguards, Women Economic Empowerment, Agricultural Development, Economic Development, Urban and Rural Development, Health and Nutrition, Conservation and Biodiversity, Livelihoods and Food Security, Education, Governance, Extractive Industries, ASGM | USD 29,775 | USD 5,790,000 | |||||||||||||||||
33 | 32 | Independent High-Level Evaluation of ILOs Strategies And Actions For Promoting Decent Work In The Rural Economy (With A Focus On Employment) 2016-2023 | ILO | Global (with in-country missions in Colombia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Morocco) | 2023 | The Evaluation Office (EVAL) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) commissioned a High-Level Evaluation (HLE) of the USD 87 million project "ILO’s Strategies and Actions for Promoting Decent Work in the Rural Economy (with a focus on rural employment) over the period 2016 to 2023". In line with the objectives of a high-level evaluation, the Evaluation team utilized a retrospective and a forward-looking approach to provide ILO and its member constituents with an account of the performance of the strategy and key results achieved as well as provide findings, lessons learned, emerging good practices, and recommendations for improved decision-making within the context of the next strategic framework. The scope of the HLE evaluation covered ILO’s activities and actions between 2016 and 2023 (four biennia). The ILO’s Decent Work in the Rural Economy (DWRE) portfolio targeted key sectors including agriculture, forestry, tourism, infrastructure, and vocational training, aiming to improve employment opportunities and working conditions in rural areas. Activities included capacity building, policy development, social dialogue, and knowledge dissemination to address challenges in rural employment. The portfolio emphasized gender equality, youth employment, and support for vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees. It also prioritized partnerships with UN agencies and international organizations to amplify its impact, promoting systemic changes through integrated approaches and evidence-based practices. Cynosure conducted the High Level Evaluation of the ILO’s strategies and actions for promoting decent work in the rural economy (with a focus on rural employment) using the OECD-DAC criteria of Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact, and Sustainability for the period of 2016 – 2023. Cynosure adopted a consultative and participatory approach, employing mixed methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative data to capture information relating to the Evaluation objectives, using a combination of Theory of Change and outcome-based evaluation approaches. | Rural Development, International Labour Standards, Social Protection, Rural Employment, Enterprise Development, Knowledge Generation, Social Dialogue, Policy Development, Youth, Capacity Development, Migration, Rural Economy, Market Systems Development, Gender Equality, International Labour Standards, Renewable Energy, Decent Work, Agriculture, Entreprenurship, Poverty Reduction, Water and Sanitation, Education and Lifelong Learning, Child Labour, Global Supply chains | USD 45,000 | USD 87 million | |||||||||||||||||
34 | 33 | Gender Diversity in Decarbonizing Technical Roles in Pakistan | Tetra Tech/International Financial Corporation | Pakistan | 2023 | The objective of this assignment was to help the IFC improve the efficiency, cost-competitiveness, reliability, and productivity of the manufacturing sector, particularly in energy intensive industries, by supporting improvements in resource efficiency and piloting innovative decarbonization technologies. The study achieved this by understanding current roles and the further potential of gender diversity in industrial decarbonization. The assignment involved the assessment of the gap between the number of female technical secondary school/university alumni with specific technical skills and the number of women employed in technical roles related to decarbonization, assessment of the market potential for Pakistan’s industrial sector to fill that gap; the assessment of gaps between male and female employees in the workforce of five Pakistani companies that are or plan on implementing decarbonization measures, and sharing knowledge with the assessed firms on how to reduce gaps between male and female employees in their workforce. The project also identified key challenges such as wage disparities, occupational segregation, and significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and technical positions. The study emphasized the need for gender-sensitive interventions, including targeted recruitment, equitable workplace practices, and training initiatives to empower women and address these systemic issues, enabling greater inclusion and representation in industrial decarbonization efforts. Cynosure was commissioned to engage in the primary data collection phase of the study. Collaborating with Tetra Tech, Cynosure was responsible for gathering data from employees and managers of a sample of three companies within the food processing, textiles manufacturing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. This primary data collection played a crucial role in validating the findings from the desk research, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the overall analysis on gender gaps and barriers to employment in Pakistan's industrial decarbonization sector. | Gender, Decarbonization, Climate Change, TVET, Education, Environment, Climate Crisis, Women's Labour Force Participation, Employment, Organizational Development, | USD 71,457.75 | - | |||||||||||||||||
35 | 34 | Terminal Evaluation for the “Strengthening Land Degradation Neutrality data and decision making through free and open access platforms’’ Program | CI | Global and Colombia (pilot country) | 2023 | The “Strengthening Land Degradation Neutrality data and decision-making through free and open access platforms” program (henceforth, “the Tools4LDN project”) was launched in September 2019 as a 30-month project, funded through a medium-sized GEF grant of USD 2 million. The overall objective of the project was to provide improved methods and tools for assessing land degradation and understanding the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities in affected areas through the integration of free and open platforms to support country-level implementation and reporting to the UNCCD. The Tools4LDN project aims to enhance global efforts toward achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by addressing critical gaps in existing tools for monitoring and planning. Building on the success of Trends.Earth, the project focuses on improving data resolution, integrating remote sensing with field data and participatory approaches, and incorporating decision-support tools to evaluate trade-offs in land management interventions. It addresses challenges such as limited data granularity, lack of local knowledge inclusion, and inadequate decision-making support. With pilot testing in Colombia and global capacity-building efforts, the project provides improved methods for monitoring land degradation, understanding socio-environmental interactions, and supporting countries in achieving LDN goals through enhanced planning, reporting, and resource mobilization. Cynosure was commissioned to undertake the Terminal Evaluation to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of the performance of the project by assessing its design, implementation, and achievement of objects. The Terminal Evaluation was conducted through a consultative and participatory approach and employed mixed methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative data from both primary and secondary data sources, in the form of literature review of relevant documents, collection of primary data through key informant interviews and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders including Project Teams, partner organizations, donors, and public sector stakeholders. | Environment, Land Degradation Neutrality, Sustainable Land Management, Institutional Capacity Building, Sustainable Development, Vulnerable Communities, Socio-Economic Vulnerability, Gender Mainstreaming, Accountability and Grievance Mechanism, Knowledge Management | USD 29,400 | USD 2,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
36 | 35 | Accompanying Measure for Promoting Sustainable Urban Development through Resilient Resource Management with a Participatory Approach in Mansehra | KfW | Pakistan | 2023 | Funded by German govt. and implemented by AHT GROUP AG (Lead Firm) and Consortium partners National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd. (NESPAK) and Cynosure Consultants (Pvt), Ltd.) this project concerns an Accompanying Measure (AM) directed towards the promotion of sustainable urban development through resilient resource management with a participatory approach in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The overall objective of the project is to ensure the integration of the sectors of water supply, wastewater, and solid waste management through the pilot of infrastructure schemes to be implemented following a systematic process. Cynosure facilitates access to local experts crucial for project implementation, provides banking services, and manages administrative procedures for the project. | Urban Development, WASH, Solid Waste Management, | EUR 201,512 | EUR 999,960 | |||||||||||||||||
37 | 36 | Terminal Evaluation of PSBEE | UNDP / GEF | China | 2023 | Orchestrating remote interviews and developing evaluation methodologies to deliver actionable insights on managing energy consumption in China's public sector. | Energy Efficiency | |||||||||||||||||||
38 | 37 | Terminal Evaluation: Transition to Energy Efficient Lighting | UNEP | Pakistan | 2023 | Managing the evaluation process from inception to reporting, drafting the framework and conducting interviews to assess climate change mitigation benefits. | Energy Efficiency / Policy | |||||||||||||||||||
39 | 38 | Mid-term Review: Integrated Water Resources Management (LDCF II) | UNDP / GEF | Somalia | 2023 | Undertaking the mid-term review and assessing project strategy and progress across six states in Somalia, including managing national consultants for field data collection. | Water Resource Management | |||||||||||||||||||
40 | 39 | Mid-term Review: Industry-Urban Symbiosis and Green Chemistry | UNIDO / GEF | Thailand | 2023 | Independently assessing the achievement of project results in Thailand and drawing lessons to improve sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction. | Green Chemistry / Industry | |||||||||||||||||||
41 | 40 | Terminal Evaluation: Biomass and Small Hydro Solutions | UNIDO / GEF | Cameroon | 2023 | Independently assessing project design and progress towards objectives, identifying lessons learned, and providing recommendations for future renewable energy interventions in Cameroon. | Renewable Energy | |||||||||||||||||||
42 | 41 | Final Evaluation of the project "Making Migration Safe for Women" | UN WOMEN | Niger | 2023 | Led the final evaluation focused on the implementation assessment of phase one. Conducted consultations with key stakeholders at national and global levels.+1 | Gender / Migration | |||||||||||||||||||
43 | 42 | Final Evaluation of the project "Support to Women Cooperatives and Associations in the Agrifood Sector of Lebanon" | UN FAO | Lebanon | 2023 | Led the final evaluation and reported to the Regional Evaluations Manager. Conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders and beneficiaries in Lebanon.+1 | Agribusiness | |||||||||||||||||||
44 | 43 | Final Evaluation of the project "The Horticulture Advancement Activity in Pakistan" | UN FAO | Pakistan | 2023 | Managed a team of national members and led the project evaluation. Prepared the inception report and presented final evaluation findings.+1 | Horticulture | |||||||||||||||||||
45 | 44 | PAK: Emergency Assistance Loan (Floods 2022) | ADB | Pakistan | 2023 | Prepared and finalized poverty, social, and gender assessments. Conducted field surveys and focus group discussions to inform the program strategy.+1 | Disaster Recovery | |||||||||||||||||||
46 | 45 | Promoting Sustainable Urban Development... in Mansehra | KfW | Mansehra, Pakistan | 2023 | Developed a gender mainstreaming strategy and action plan. Integrated the differentiated needs of women and men into project interventions. | Urban Management | |||||||||||||||||||
47 | 46 | Programme Evaluation of UN Women Regional Programme "Women Peace and Security in the Arab States Phase II 2019-2022" | UN Women | Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia | 2022 | Adopted under UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) No. 1325, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) aimed to address the impacts of changing warfare around the globe that was increasingly targeting civilians, especially women. Under WPS, National Action Plans (NAPs) on women, peace and security have been developed, in nearly 80 countries, to set priorities for action by government bodies and other agencies. The objective of this EUR 5.5 million project, ‘WPS in the Arab States Phase II’ was to enable the implementation of women, peace, and security commitments through policy change and community-level action. The geographic scope of the evaluation was regional, while focusing on the 5 project countries specifically, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, and Libya. Cynosure International, Inc. undertook an independent Programme Evaluation of the Regional Programme ‘Women, Peace and Security in the Arab States – Phase II”. The main objective of the evaluation was to retrospectively assess the efficacy of the results and achievement of objectives of the project in relation to those set initially and to generate learnings to improve subsequent projects. Accordingly, the Evaluation utilized the OECD/DAC criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and contribution to impact. | Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Displaced Persons, EVAWG, Gender based Violence (GBV), Human Rights, Employment, Education and Awareness, Policy and Governance, Social Cohesion and Community Dialogue, Capacity Building | USD 29,875 | EUR 5,536,762 | |||||||||||||||||
48 | 47 | Mid Term Review of the Project "Mitigating Marine Plastic Debris in Viet Nam" | WWF Viet Nam | Viet Nam | 2022 | Funded by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and WWF Germany, the EUR 9.8 million “Mitigating Marine Plastic Debris in Viet Nam” project, is being implemented Viet Nam with the aim to contribute to the4discharge of plastic waste in seven cities and three marine protected areas, while addressing national level priorities in both the policy sphere and in public awareness and behavior change. Cynosure conducted a comprehensive Mid Term Review (MTR) of this project in order to review the project measures, activities and assess its progress and achievements after two and half years of project implementation. Additionally, the MTR identified challenges which the project may be confronted with, by analyzing their underlying causes and based on its findings, proposed suitable mitigation measures to improve project performance and speed up future implementation. | Marine Plastic Pollution, Plastic Waste Management, Environment, Behavioural Change, Policy, Public Awareness, Environmental Protection, SMEs, Private Sector, | USD 24,700 | EUR 9,800,000 | |||||||||||||||||
49 | 48 | Evaluation of Lessons Learned in Relation to The Regional Implementation Team for The Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot | Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) | Guinea | 2022 | The implementation of the current CEPF investment strategy in the Guinean Forests of West Africa (GFWA) started in July 2016 and concluded in June 2022, with a total USD 10.1 million. The CEPF awarded a grant to Birdlife International to act as the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) and lead the small grants mechanism of the CEPF as well as to coordinate the CEPF investment in GFWA hotspot. The CEPF commissioned Cynosure International to conduct an independent evaluation of the lessons learned in relation to the Regional Implementation Team for the Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the performance of the RIT in relation to the geography of the hotspot, the capacity of civil society there, the budget allocated to the RIT, and its achievement of individual deliverables as defined in its grant agreement with the CEPF. The Evaluation Team adopted a consultative and participatory approach and employed mixed methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative data from both primary and secondary data sources, through a literature review of relevant project documents, key informant interviews and in-depth interviews with the implementing agency, executing agency, and grantees. | Biodiversity Conservation, Grant-making, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Institutional Capacity Building, Civil Society, Mainstreaming Biodivesity, | USD 24,880 | USD 10,100,000 | |||||||||||||||||
50 | 49 | Terminal Evaluation for the “Effectively Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into Government Policy and Private Sector Practice: Piloting Sustainability Models to Take the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) to Scale” Program | CI | Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya | 2022 | The USD 94.6 million GEF-funded project was a full-sized project implemented in three biodiversity hotspots – the Cerrado, Eastern Afromontane, and Indo-Burma – and executed by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. The overall objective of the project was to demonstrate, through grants to civil society organizations, innovative tools, methodologies, and investments, and build related civil society capacities. Through the grants, civil society in three pilot biodiversity hotspots, in partnership with public and private sector actors, cost effectively conserve biodiversity and progress towards long-term institutional sustainability. The project aimed to replicate successful tools, methodologies, and investments developed and demonstrated in nine additional hotspots. Cynosure was commissioned to undertake the Terminal Evaluation to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of the performance of the project by assessing its design, implementation, and achievement of objects. The Terminal Evaluation was conducted through a consultative and participatory approach and employed mixed methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative data from both primary and secondary data sources, in the form of literature review of relevant documents, collection of primary data through key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, and field visits to selected project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, and Kenya. | Biodiversity Conservation, Biodiversity Mainstreaming, Natural Resource Management, Grant-making, Environment, Institutional Capacity Building, Implementation and adaptive management, Gender Mainstreaming, Accountability and Grievance Mechanism, Involuntary Resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, Physical Cultural Resources, Civil Society, Financial Sustainability, Systematic impact assessment | USD 24,925 | USD 94,632,944 | |||||||||||||||||
51 | 50 | Final Project Evaluation of the Marine Plastics & Coastal Communities (MARPLASTICCs) Project | IUCN | Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa,Thailand, Viet Nam | 2022 | In response to the growing problem of plastic leakage in the marine environment, the Marine Plastics and Coastal Communities (MARPLASTICCs) project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was initiated in 2017. With an initial budget of SEK 36 million (increased to SEK 45 million) the project focused its work in five countries: including Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa (Africa) and Thailand and Viet Nam (Asia). The overall objective of the MARPLASTICCS project is to equip the governments, industries, and civil society with knowledge, capacity, and policy options in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Asia Pacific regions. Cynosure was commissioned to conduct the final evaluation of the MARPLASTICCs project from October 2021 to January 2022. The purpose of this evaluation was to explore MARPLASTICCs’ work and achievements and the role played by IUCN with the aim of assessing the results of the project intervention and its sustainability. The Evaluation Team carried out the evaluation using the OECD/DAC criteria and by undertaking desk review, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In Depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and field visits to Circular Economy projects in two countries (Thailand and Kenya). During the course of the evaluation, a total of 31 interviews were conducted with project stakeholders from the public, private, and international development sectors. The UNDP-GEF rating criteria was used to rate the results of project’s Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency and Sustainability. | Environment, Marine Plastic Pollution, Civil Society, Capacity Building | USD 35,125 | SEK 45,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
52 | 51 | Evaluation of the UEF/RBF Programme | Sustainable Energy for All | Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Benin | 2022 | The USD 8.5 million Universal Energy Facility (UEF) is a multi-donor Results Based Financing (RBF) facility established to support the electrification of households, businesses, public institutions, and other potential electricity consumers in sub-Saharan Africa that do not have reliable access to modern electricity services. The UEF provides incentive payments (i.e., grants) on a ‘results-based’ approach to selected eligible organizations that develop and operate systems and provide verified electricity connections. The main objective of the programme is to provide a funding mechanism that allows for scale, speed, and efficiency to achieve universal energy access by 2030 – in alignment with SEforALL’s business plan. The purpose of the evaluation of the first Wave of the UEF programme was to evaluate the first year of operation of the UEF in order to generate learnings and create an internal and external facing learning document. This was a retrospective assessment looking back from the establishment of the facility in October 2020 to present day to understand what’s worked well, what’s been more challenging, and outlining opportunities for improvement based on learnings generated throughout the evaluation. The evaluation scope included the Pre-Launch phase of the UEF; the launch and implementation of UEF’s Wave 1 in the Sierra Leone and Madagascar and Benin; the two different stages of the UEF application process- the Pre-Qualification stage and the Site-Specific stage; and the contracting phase, including grant agreement signing process with successful applicants. The evaluation included a mix of primary and secondary data collection including desk review and interviews with key stakeholders in Benin, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone | Rural Electrification, Renewable Energy, Financing Facility, Results Based Management, Sustainable Development, Electrification, Solar Energy, Infrastructure Development | USD 39,050 | USD 8,552,074 | |||||||||||||||||
53 | 52 | Evaluation of AFI Plan (Aviation Safety) | OIO / ICAO | Africa | 2022 | Examining the relevance and effectiveness of the plan in achieving aviation safety objectives across 54 member states in Africa. | Transportation / Safety | |||||||||||||||||||
54 | 53 | Evaluation: “Closing the Loop: Scaling up Innovation” | UN ESCAP | Southeast Asia | 2022 | Undertaking an independent final evaluation to generate insights on achieved results regarding plastic waste management and marine pollution in ASEAN cities. | Pollution / Innovation | |||||||||||||||||||
55 | 54 | TA-6559 REG: Implementing the Cities Development Initiative for Asia - Tracer Study | ADB / CDIA | Pakistan | 2022 | Assessed the progress and effects of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation. Evaluated contributions to environmental improvement and social inclusiveness. | Urban Transport | |||||||||||||||||||
56 | 55 | SC 118936 PAK: Building Resilience with Active Countercyclical Expenditures (BRACE) | ADB | Pakistan | 2022 | Advised the ADB processing team on gender-related aspects of macroeconomic impact. Assessed gender issues and reviewed ongoing policies to identify design features.+2 | Macroeconomics | |||||||||||||||||||
57 | 56 | Punjab Sustainable Highway Development Project | ADB | Pakistan | 2022 | Conducted poverty, social, and gender analysis of project impacts. Identified social risks and assisted in preparing mitigation measures for the SDAP.+1 | Transportation | |||||||||||||||||||
58 | 57 | TA-6678 PAK: Preparing the Integrated Social Protection Development Program (ISPDP) | ADB | Pakistan | 2022 | Finalized poverty, social, and gender assessments. Prepared social safeguard assessments on involuntary resettlement and indigenous peoples.+1 | Social Protection | |||||||||||||||||||
59 | 58 | TA-6678 PAK: Preparing Transport Projects | ADB | Pakistan | 2022 | Conducted poverty, social, and gender assessments in line with upgrading provincial roads. | Infrastructure | |||||||||||||||||||
60 | 59 | Midterm Evaluation (MTE) for the “The Meloy Fund: A Fund for Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries in Southeast Asia | Cl/GEF | Indonesia, Philippines | 2021 | The USD 45.5 million ‘The Meloy Fund: A Fund for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in Southeast Asia’ project (henceforth, “the Meloy Fund project”) is a full-size, 60 months duration project (Project Investment Period over a 120-month term), being implemented in Indonesia and Philippines, and partially funded as a Non-Grant Instrument pilot under GEF-6. The project began in August 2017 (implementation started in October 2017) and is scheduled to terminate in August 2027. The objective of the project is to improve the conservation of coral reef ecosystems by providing financial incentives to fishing communities in the Philippines and Indonesia to adopt sustainable fishing behaviors and rights-based management regimes through capital investments in 12-18 commercially viable enterprises. Cynosure Consultants was commissioned for the Mid-Term Evaluation of ‘The Meloy Fund: A Fund for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in Southeast Asia’ project. The MTR assessed the project’s performance from October 2017 to November 2021, focusing on sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency, and progress toward results, including gender mainstreaming. Conducted between September and December 2021, the MTR employed a consultative, participatory approach using mixed methodologies and both primary and secondary data. It evaluated eight key factors—such as project design, implementation, impact, sustainability, and safeguards—using a six-point rating scale based on GEF guidelines. The objectives included enhancing transparency, assessing milestone achievements, ensuring robust monitoring frameworks, and identifying risks to promote learning, replicability, and scalability. | Fisheries, Sustainable Practices, Impact Financial Investing, Gender Mainstreaming, Environment, Sustainable Aquaculture, Social Impact, Partnerships and Collaborations, Accountability and Grievance Mechanism, | USD 27,860 | USD 45,500,000 | |||||||||||||||||
61 | 60 | Midterm Evaluation (MTE) for the “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity in the Northwestern Landscape (Boney region) | Cl/GEF | Madagascar | 2021 | The USD 16.6 million ‘Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity in the Northwestern Landscape (Boeny Region)’ project was a GEF-funded 3-year duration project with the objective of strengthening the long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the five Protected Areas of the Northwestern landscape of Madagascar. Based on GEF policies, all GEF funded projects are required to undergo and complete an Evaluation. Cynosure Consultants was commissioned for the MTR was to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of performance of the project by assessing its design, implementation, and achievement of objectives. Moreover, the MTR assessed the implementation, execution, and processes, along with the design, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, management, sustainability, environmental and social safeguards, and M&E system components of the project as per GEF Evaluation Criteria. | Conservation, Biodiversity Conservation, Protected Areas, Environment, Gender Mainstreaming, Sustainable Finance, Safeguarding Ecosystems, Accountability and Grievance Mechanism | USD 24,685 | USD 16.6 million | |||||||||||||||||
62 | 61 | Evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Consensus Building Programme | The Commonwealth | United Kingdom | 2021 | Consensus Building is a major cross-cutting theme undergirding the work undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat. The evaluation included not just the current Strategic Plan period (2017/18 - 2020/21) but also the previous Strategic Plan period (2013/14 – 2016/17), for a total of eight years. The Consensus Building Programme for the strategic period 2017/18 to 2020/21 comprise nine projects with each supporting one or more of the programmatic outcomes. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), ministerial and high-level senior meetings as well as other supportive mechanisms such as the working groups were also included in the assessment. "Cynosure Consultants was commissioned to conduct an evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Consensus Building Programme which aimed to assess the Secretariat’s performance in utilizing its convening power, global presence, visibility and influence through its various Consensus Building processes and mechanisms such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, along with the Ministerial Meetings pertaining to multiple functional areas such as Youth, Gender, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Law. Consensus building meetings and supportive processes convene high-level officials, ministers and heads of states to discuss, share knowledge and propose responses to common issues impacting the Commonwealth broadly and/or sub-groups of its 54 member states more specifically. Accordingly, the evaluation team also carried an in-depth review of four specific thematic areas (Rule of Law, Education, Health, Trade Connectivity) of the Secretariat’s work, profiling the various Consensus Building initiatives with the results achieved, impact generated, implications for future project and initiatives assessed, and lessons learnt gauged." | Governance, Education, Health, Trade, Gender Equality, Human Rights, Sports for Development, | EUR 46,375.35 | GBP 1,830,000 | |||||||||||||||||
63 | 62 | Rural Market Assessment Services in Pakistan | ITC | Pakistan | 2021 | Under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) initiative, this project focused on assessing the management capacities, trading practices and capacities, data management, infrastructure and other facilities of the horticulture and livestock Agricultural (wholesale) Produce Markets (APM) in selected districts Balochistan & Sindh. The project aims to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Pakistan's agriculture sector, focusing on livestock and horticulture, which contribute significantly to the economy and employ a large portion of the population. It emphasizes strengthening Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) involved in value chains, addressing challenges such as limited access to finance, technology, skills, and market information. By fostering a favorable business environment, promoting climate resilience, and empowering women’s economic participation, the project seeks to drive sustainable economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs in rural and semi-urban areas. To undertake this project Cynosure conducted a field survey in 18 horticulture and livestock APMs and developed APMs Capacity Assessment Reports, APM Market Profiles, and APM Market Improvement Plans for both horticulture and livestock APMs in Balochistan and Sindh. | Agriculture, Horticulture, Livestock, Value Chains, Rural Development, Climate Resilience, Market Access, Capacity Building, Women's Economic Empowerment, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Livelihood Improvement, Technology and Innovation, Sustainability | USD 60,813 | EUR 48,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
64 | 63 | “Securing the long term conservation of Timor-Leste’s biodiversity and ecosystem services through the establishment of a functioning National Protected Area System and the improvement of natural resource management in priority catchment corridors (“TLSNAP”) | Cl/GEF | Timor Leste | 2021 | The USD 15.6 million GEF-funded project titled ‘Securing the long-term conservation of Timor-Leste’s biodiversity and ecosystem services through the establishment of a functioning National Protected Area System and the improvement of natural resource management in priority catchment corridors (“TLSNAP”)’ Project is a full-sized GEF project being implemented in 10 suco (villages) across two priority catchment corridors – Irabere and Comoro – in Timor-Leste by CI-GEF. The project was initiated in June 2018 and is currently set to end in May 2022. CI-TL as the lead executing partner along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Secretary of State for the Environment (SSE) as co-EPs are executing the project. The overall objective of the project is to establish Timor-Leste’s National Protected Area (PA) System and improve the management of forest ecosystems in priority catchment corridors, which is being achieved through five outcomes spread across three components of the project. Cynosure was commissioned to undertake a Mid-term Evaluation of the project with the overall objective of providing the project management team with feedback on the project’s performance to date and identify risks to project sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency, progress towards results, as well as project safeguards. The MTE was undertaken by adopting a consultative and participatory approach and employing mixed methodologies by combining qualitative and quantitative data from both primary and secondary sources. | Environment, Natural Resource Management, Reforestation, Protected Area Management, TVET, Sustainable Forest Management, Capacity Building, Youth Training, Climate Resilience, Legislative and Policy Development, Sustainable Livelihoods, Water Resource Management, Gender Mainstreaming | USD 18,854 | USD 15,630,000 | |||||||||||||||||
65 | 64 | Decentralized Evaluation of Youth Empowerment Programme | UNDP | Pakistan | 2021 | The USD 8.6 million UNDP Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) was launched in 2018. The programme was a strategic response to address the challenges posed by the ‘youth bulge’ in Pakistan and meet the challenges associated with the lack of youth focused development. The Programme has been implemented in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan Provinces of Pakistan. The overall aim of the Youth Empowerment Programme was to ensure that ‘equal opportunities exist for all youth to participate in Pakistan’s social, political and economic development processes so that all youth feel an empowered part of society with a stake in its future.’ YEP addressed issues such as high youth unemployment, outdated education systems, lack of access to technical skills, gender disparities, and limited opportunities for youth engagement in decision-making processes. By promoting leadership, job placements, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding, the program aimed to foster inclusive social, political, and economic development for Pakistan's youth. The Evaluation was designed to reflect UNDP’s commitment to putting youth in a leading role in evaluating UNDP’s work, both as active participants and beneficiaries. Accordingly, during the evaluation process youth were treated as partners throughout in order to benefit from the youths’ opinions about best practices. The evaluation was based on the assessment criteria defined by the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and based on the criteria of UNEG, covering relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. Additionally, cross cutting issues, including Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusion, and Innovation were also reviewed as part of the evaluation. | Youth Empowerment, Socio-Economic Development, Access to Technology, Vocational Training, Employment, Civic Participation, Peace and Security, Economic Empowerment, Gender Equality and Inclusion, Human Rights and Social Justice, Capacity Building | PKR 3,304,686 | USD 8,600,000 | |||||||||||||||||
66 | 65 | Impact Assessment – Empowering Pakistani Women through Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth | BOP Inc | Pakistan | 2021 | The project "Empowering Pakistani Women through Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth" focused on creating sustainable and scalable opportunities for women in rural Pakistan. By partnering with organizations like Unilever, JazzCash, and RSPN, the project provided employment to women as "Guddi Bajis" (female sales agents) to expand access to financial services, improve income levels, and enhance livelihoods. It aimed to economically empower 3,000 women retailers in in 16 rural districts within RSPN network, promote financial inclusion for 36,000 women customers, and provide training in business management and financial literacy. Addressing challenges like limited mobility, low financial independence, and cultural barriers, the project emphasized increasing women's participation in the economy and improving their household decision-making roles, contributing to sustainable development and gender equity. The program was aimed at creating a sustainable and scalable last-mile distribution model that provides low-income women with decent employment and expands the financial inclusion of women in Pakistan The scope of the the impact assessment covered the period of the first phase of the project which involved the training and onboarding of the JCGBs and start of their business activities in 2020. The purpose of the assessment was to better understand the impact and perceived value of the project activities for two of the project’s target groups: a) the women sale agents participating in the program; and b) the customers of the women sale agents. The assessment therefore sought to determine the self-defined positive and negative changes which mattered to the target groups based on their own qualitative evaluation. Moreover, the Consultant also assessed any changes on the relevant areas of women’s empowerment. | Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, Microfinance, Gender, Economic Growth, Women's Economic Empowerment, Rural Development, Employment and Livelihoods, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Education, Capacity Building, Public-Private Partnerships, Social Inclusion, Sustainability | EUR 29,858 | The project value is not explicitly listed in the documents | |||||||||||||||||
67 | 66 | Prevention and Protection of Women from Violence Through Access to Justice, Services and Safe Spaces | UN WOMEN | Pakistan | 2021 | The USD 3.5 million Project “Prevention and Protection of Women from Violence through access to Justice, Services, and Safe Spaces” was launched in 2016. The overall project objective was to enhance women’s access to justice, social services, and safe spaces and involved multiple stakeholders at various levels from community organizations, law enforcement agencies, the justice departments, and social services providers. Under this project, UN Women Pakistan scaled up its response to gender-based violence by supporting women’s access to justice through capacity building of partners, provision of quality services to survivors, creation of safe spaces, and public awareness. The overall aim of the evaluation was to assess and learn about the relevance & coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and contributions to the advancement of gender equality and human rights. As presented in the figure below, the evaluation serves three purposes, namely accountability, learning and decision-making. The key objective of this evaluation was to assess the results of the project that has been implemented in five districts (Rawalpindi, Quetta, Dadu, Khairpur, and Karachi) from 2016 to 2020. | Women Rights, Gender Based Violence, Access to Justice, Preventing VAWG, Women Shelters, Law Enforcement, Legislation, Policy, Human Rights, Public Awareness and Advocacy, Capacity Building, Cyber Harassment and Digital Safety, Public-Private Partnerships | PKR 2,984,100 | USD 3,500,000 | |||||||||||||||||
68 | 67 | Terminal Evaluation: Solid State Lighting Market Transformation | UNDP / GEF | China | 2021 | Assessing results and performance to promote accountability and inform future programming for energy-efficient lighting technologies in China. | Energy Efficiency / Industry | |||||||||||||||||||
69 | 68 | Final Evaluation of the Project for Restoration of Livelihoods in Merged Area of KP | UN FAO | Pakistan | 2021 | Led the evaluation team and conducted field visits to target districts. Undertook stakeholder consultations and documented lessons learned. | Livelihoods | |||||||||||||||||||
70 | 69 | Mid-term Review of ‘Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation through Water Resource Management in Leather Industrial Zone Development’ | UNIDO | Pakistan | 2020 | The USD 18 million GEF-funded project titled Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation through Water Resource Management on Leather Industrial Zone Development was a full-sized project implemented in Sialkot, Pakistan by UNIDO. The project supported the baseline project by integrating climate change adaptation (CCA) measures and strategies into the environmentally sound construction of the Sialkot Tannery Zone (STZ) and urban development planning, supporting the construction and operationalization of a combined effluent treatment plant (CETP) for the tanneries which will relocate to the STZ, and through awareness STZ, and through awareness raising, sensitizing, and capacity-building activities to build climate change resilience among various project stakeholders. Cynosure Consultants was responsible for conducting a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the referenced project. The overarching purpose of the MTR was to provide the respective project management teams with feedback on project performance to date and to identify early risk to project sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency and progress towards results including gender mainstreaming. The MTR was conducted through a consultative and participatory process and involved field visits to project sites in Sialkot. In addition, the MTR was conducted through a desk review of documents, key informant interviews with project management and implementation team, and along with in-depth discussions with project stakeholders such as community beneficiaries, government officials, and business owners. | Industrial Waste Management, Climate Change, Water Resource Management, Industrial Development, Environment, Gender Equality, Capacity Building, Policy, Technology and Innovation | USD 37,594 | USD 18,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
71 | 70 | Mid Term Review of UNIDO Project: Transforming the Leather Processing Industries Towards Low Emissions and Climate Resilient Development Paths in Pakistan | UNIDO | Pakistan | 2020 | The GEF-funded project titled Transforming the Leather Processing Industries towards Low-Emissions and Climate Resilience Development Paths in Pakistan was a full-sized project implemented in Karachi by UNIDO. Overall, the project aimed to deploy, demonstrate, and finance low- carbon technologies and GHG emission mitigation measures to enhance the competitiveness and acceptability of Pakistan leather products in international markets. One of its main components was the preparation and establishment of a sound and profit-enhancing waste management system including the utilization and/or proper collection and disposable of solid waste. Additionally, the project also aimed to introduce the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and/or Leather Environmental Footprint (LEF) as a tool for decision makers to calculate and optimize processes to reduce GHG emissions and carbon footprint, and its application to the leather industry for the first time in Pakistan. Finally, the project also aimed to build capacities of various stakeholders with regards to best practices in leather production to minimize carbon footprints and reduce GHG emissions through the use of the CCF tool and environmentally sound management of solid waste and its reutilization. Cynosure Consultants was responsible for conducting a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the referenced project. The overarching purpose of the MTR was to provide the respective project management teams with feedback on project performance to date and to identify early risk to project sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency and progress towards results including gender mainstreaming. The MTR was conducted through a consultative and participatory process and involved field visits to project sites in Karachi. In addition, the MTR was conducted through a desk review of documents, key informant interviews with project management and implementation team, and along with in-depth discussions with project stakeholders such as community beneficiaries, government officials, and business owners. | Industrial Waste Management, Climate Change, Enviornment, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Industrial Development, Climate Change Resilience, Gender Mainstreaming, Capacity Building, Policy | USD 37,594 | USD 14,396,000 | |||||||||||||||||
72 | 71 | Conducting a Gender- Based Analysis to Inform the Project “Improved Access to Quality Education in Tribal Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” | UNICEF | Pakistan | 2020 | Improved Access to Quality Education in the Tribal Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ – was an initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and jointly implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project worked to improve learning outcomes for girls in the KP Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) by reducing barriers that prevent them from accessing quality education. This desk review explored the current status of gender equality and girls’ education in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, by applying the lens of gender-based analysis (GBA+). This desk review emphasized on governance, key education stakeholders, education profile at the NMD level and a detailed overview of challenges faced by girls access to education. | Gender Equality, Youth, Education, Policy and Governance, Internally Displaced Persons, Infrastructure Development, Humanitarian Response, Economic Development, Disaster Risk Reduction | USD 49,957 | - | |||||||||||||||||
73 | 72 | Mid-Term Evaluation of Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) project | Winrock International | Pakistan | 2020 | Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development (WI) signed a five-year Cooperative Agreement with the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Food for Progress Act, to address the issues in selected agricultural crops through the Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) project. This USD 22.8 million project primarily addresses the problems concerning productivity and post harvest losses in four horticulture value chains, including dates, banana, tomato, and red chili in 12 priority districts of the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The project was implemented in collaboration with sub-awardees Haji Sons and Bureau Veritas (BV), as well as local banks, mobile phone companies, and other private sector partners. Cynosure was commissioned for this MTE to assess the effectiveness of the programmatic approaches of PAD activities. The evaluation was based on the criteria of DAC/OECD, including relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. In order to assess the quantitative contribution of different interventions, a beneficiary survey was conducted in 09 selected target districts of both provinces with 796 beneficiaries | Agriculture,Value Chains, Post-Harvest Handling, Micro Credit, Market Access and Trade, Infrastructure Development, Capacity Building, Financial Services, Gender Mainstreaming, Technology and Innovation, Public Awareness | USD 63,684 | USD 22,875,000 | |||||||||||||||||
74 | 73 | Impact Evaluation Study Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support Project | IFAD | Pakistan | 2020 | Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihoods Support Program (GLLSP) was implemented in two coastal districts of Pakistan, Gwadar and Lasbela. The Project targeted 53,395 households in 451 villages. The project aimed to assist the provincial Government of Balochistan to achieve its economic growth and poverty alleviation objectives. The overall project goal was to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Gwadar and Lasbela, by enhancing the access of the poor rural men and women to productive assets, skills, services, and technologies for productivity enhancement. The Impact Evaluation of the IFAD-supported Gwadar – Lasbela Livelihoods Programme (GLLSP) was conducted in December 2019. The findings of this IE also served to inform the GLLSP Project Completion Report (PCR), which was also undertaken by Cynosure Consultants. This impact evaluation covered all evaluation criteria adopted by IOE in its evaluation manual, namely: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, gender equality and women’s empowerment, innovation and scaling up, and performance of partners (IFAD and Government). In line with IOE’s methodology, impact was assessed across five specific domains, including: (i) household income and assets; (ii) human and social capital and empowerment; (iii) food security and agricultural productivity; (iv) natural resources, the environment and climate change; and (v) institutions and policies. | Livelihoods, Fisheries, Poverty Reduction, Agriculture, Food Security, Climate Change, Rural Instrastructure, Community Development, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Water Resource Management, Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Microfinance and Financial Services, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Sustainability | USD 16,311 | USD 38,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
75 | 74 | Project Completion Review (PCR) Gwadar Lasbela Livelihood Support Project | IFAD | Pakistan | 2020 | Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihoods Support Program (GLLSP) was implemented in two coastal districts of Pakistan, Gwadar and Lasbela. The Project targeted 53,395 households in 451 villages. The project aimed to assist the provincial Government of Balochistan to achieve its economic growth and poverty alleviation objectives. The overall project goal was to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Gwadar and Lasbela, by enhancing the access of the poor rural men and women to productive assets, skills, services, and technologies for productivity enhancement. The IFAD Project Completion Review (PCR) of GLLSP was undertaken by Cynosure. The exercise was carried out in accordance with IFAD PCR Guidelines and OECD DAC principles. Accordingly, the PCR was informed by review of project M&E data and reports, key informant interviews at the institutional level, and focus group discussions. | Livelihoods, Fisheries, Poverty Reduction, Agriculture, Food Security, Climate Change, Rural Instrastructure, Community Development, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Water Resource Management, Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Microfinance and Financial Services, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Sustainability | USD 16,311 | USD 38,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
76 | 75 | Assessment of Potential Centers of Excellence and Development of Arrangements for (work-based) Vocational training | GIZ/ADB | Pakistan | 2020 | In many partner countries of German development cooperation, the private sector is only occasionally, if at all, involved in shaping the framework conditions for TVET. Curricula and examination standards are almost always set by state actors, often without considering the actual needs of the business sector. Likewise, funding for TVET is often the sole responsibility of the state. Build4Skills collaborated with the bilateral project Support to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector in Pakistan, which is establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs), to conduct training courses on didactics and workplace safety. Through the courses it was able to reach the workers of the participating construction companies in Islamabad and Peshawar. For their practical training, trainees were placed in two construction projects associated with the CoEs being supported. Build4Skills has also been involved in developing a national qualifications framework for scaffolding, formwork, and masonry. A joint initiative, Shana Bashana (Urdu for side by side), was launched by Build4Skills and Siemens Pakistan to promote the integration of women and girls into different fields of work in the infrastructure sector. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of 08 TVET institutions shortlisted as potential Centres of Excellence (COEs), ensuring thorough evaluation and strategic selection. And developing robust operational arrangements for the seamless implementation of B4S, encompassing all facets related to work-based training and in-class instruction delivery. These arrangements will align meticulously with the requirements of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) IWRPP, fostering synergy and effectiveness. | Eduation, TVET | USD 21,017 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
77 | 76 | Final Evaluation of the project Restoration of Livelihoods in KP Tribal Districts | UN FAO | Pakistan | 2020 | Led the evaluation team and conducted field visits to tribal districts. Documented lessons learned and recommendations for the final report. | Livelihoods | |||||||||||||||||||
78 | 77 | Final Evaluation of the project Restoring Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture in FATA | UN FAO | Pakistan | 2020 | Led the evaluation team and conducted stakeholder consultations to assess recovery needs. | Agriculture | |||||||||||||||||||
79 | 78 | Pakistan Country Strategy and Program Evaluation (CSPE) | IFAD | Pakistan | 2020 | Provided preliminary assessments on community infrastructure and vocational training. Evaluated gender equality and quality of project monitoring tools.+1 | Program Evaluation | |||||||||||||||||||
80 | 79 | Undertaking Gender-Based Analysis... Project Improved Access to Quality Education in KP | UNICEF | Pakistan | 2020 | Undertook an extensive desk review on barriers to education. Conducted a baseline survey of selected districts to inform project implementation.+1 | Education | |||||||||||||||||||
81 | 80 | Preparation Study for Technical Cooperation Project for Livelihood Improvement through Livestock Development in Hazara Division (KPK) | JICA | Pakistan | 2019 | To address the needs of small-scale farmers, JICA aimed to formulate and support the implementation of a project in collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development (L&DD) department under the KP Government. In order to establish a robust knowledge base for consolidating the project framework and planning potential intervention activities, this study was conducted to gather and analyze essential baseline data/information that could facilitate JICA and L&DD in preparing a detailed action plan for the upcoming project, which is slated to be implemented over a four-year period. To cater the needs of small-scale farmers, JICA aims to formulate and support implementation of a project in collaboration with Livestock and Dairy Development (L&DD) under the KP Government. To establish a solid knowledge base to consolidate the project framework and plan possible intervention activities, JICA engaged Cynosure Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. to carry out a preparatory study to collect and analyze necessary baseline data/information that could facilitate JICA and L&DD prepare a detailed action plan for the forthcoming project to be implemented for four years from early next year. | Agriculture, Livestock, Dairy, Value Chains, Artificial Insemination, Veterinary Services, Gender Mainstreaming, Community Development, Infrastructure Development, Capacity Building, Market Access, Private Sector Engagement, Climate-Resilience | USD 31,210 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
82 | 81 | Gendered Value Chain Analysis of Dairy Sector, Sindh, Pakistan | CARE International | Pakistan | 2019 | This gendered value chain analysis reviewed the dairy sector with an emphasis on enhancing women’s economic empowerment, with focus on identification of gendered barriers, role of men and women in the value chain, opportunities in production, market scope size, requirement for linkages, etc. The gendered value chain analysis was conducted in Mirpurkhas, Sukkur and Umerkot districts of Sindh. Key challenges included poor access to veterinary services, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial tools for smallholder farmers. The project sought to uncover opportunities for improving women’s involvement in production, marketing, and the overall dairy value chain, presenting solutions for greater equity and sustainability. Cynosure Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. played a pivotal role in executing this project. As the primary consultant for CARE International, Cynosure led a comprehensive multi-phase methodology to analyze the value chain through qualitative and quantitative data collection. This included conducting focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth surveys. The organization developed practical recommendations, such as forming milk producer groups (MPGs), enhancing access to financial tools, promoting women as livestock extension workers, and establishing one-stop input shops. Cynosure's work culminated in the design of inclusive business models, which aimed to address systemic challenges and ensure sustainable gender integration in the dairy sector. The consultancy’s expertise in gendered analysis and stakeholder engagement was instrumental in crafting actionable strategies to foster women's economic leadership and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. | Value Chains, Dairy, Gender | USD 15,887 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
83 | 82 | Training Needs Assessment for Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative | UNICEF | Pakistan | 2019 | The launch of the Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme in 1994 has brought a massive decline in polio cases in Pakistan from approximately 20,000 every year in the early 1990s to only 12 cases in 2018. This success is largely attributed to the coordinated multiple developments in the polio programme over the years. The overall objective of the TNA was to identify key capacity gaps and make recommendations on improvement of existing capacity building efforts to accomplish the strategies and major activities described in National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) 2018/19 for Polio Eradication in Pakistan. The assessment focused on determining existing staff capacity with the view to identify training needs for the staff to perform the expected functions and roles effectively. The TNA also aimed to provide recommendations regarding enabling environment and institutional arrangements which would impact retention as well as utilization of acquired skills. The TNA carried out a sample-based training needs assessment of different cadres of polio teams (through self-assessment survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews) in high-risk districts vulnerable to polio. | Health, Immunization, Training, Polio, Capacity Building & Training, Epidemiology & Surveillance, Public-Private Partnerships, Gender & Inclusion | USD 39,200 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
84 | 83 | Final Evaluation of the Gender Sensitive Integrated Rural Development Project in Mansehra District, Pakistan | Oxfam Germany | Pakistan | 2019 | The Gender-sensitive Integrated Rural Development in Mansehra District was a BMZ-funded project implemented by Saibaan which sought to: a) support small-scale farmers in 16 villages, particularly women-led and vulnerable households; b) contribute to women in the 16 villages having better access to their rights, using their skills to improve their families’ and communities’ wellbeing; and c) contribute to women and men in the 16 villages being organized in functioning Village Development Organizations (VDOs). Cynosure was commissioned to conduct the Terminal Evaluation of the project while specifically assessing (i) Impact; (ii) Effectiveness; (iii) Relevance; (iv) Efficiency; and (v) Sustainability. As part of the evaluation, Cynosure conducted site visits to 6 valleys and held consultations at community and institutional levels through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. | Gender, Livelihoods, Rural Development, | EUR 9,985 | EUR 498,944 | |||||||||||||||||
85 | 84 | Value Chain Assessment of Key NTFPs in Pakistan | World Bank | Pakistan | 2019 | In order to understand key opportunities and constraints affecting the efficient development of local NTFP market and value chain systems in Pakistan, the World Bank Environment and Natural Resource Global Practice (South Asia Region) supported a study on the assessment of three selected NTFPs namely: Mazri (Nannorrhops ritchiana), Guggul (Commiphora wightii), and S. persica (S. persica) in Pakistan. The project addressed critical challenges such as unsustainable harvesting, limited propagation, lack of modern processing techniques, and outdated policy frameworks that hindered the efficient development of these value chains. Key issues included limited market access, high product losses due to poor storage and handling, and inadequate financial services for producers. The project also identified systemic gaps in conservation efforts and the absence of data-driven policies to ensure sustainable management and equitable economic benefits for marginalized communities relying on these NTFPs. Cynosure undertook the Value Chain Assessment of three selected NTFPs namely: Mazri (Nannorrhops ritchiana), Guggul (Commiphora wightii), and S. persica (S. persica), covering Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and KP provinces of Pakistan. Additionally, Cynosure also conducted a document a review of the UNDP-GEF funded “Mountain and Markets” project and provided a synthesis of key lessons learned and results achieved. Cynosure’s work involved mapping the value chain from production to marketing, identifying key constraints and opportunities, and formulating practical recommendations for sustainable development. These included introducing mechanized processing methods, promoting conservation through community-based approaches, and linking producers with high-value markets. Cynosure also recommended legislative reforms to update outdated policies and foster greater economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups involved in the NTFP trade. | Agriculture, Forestry, Value Chains, Environmental Conservation, Livelihood Development, Market Access and Trade Development, Gender Inclusion, Policy Development, Governance, Community-Based Conservation, Capacity Building, Economic Development, Climate Change Resilience | USD 47,612 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
86 | 85 | German contribution to the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas Programme (RAHA) | AHT Group | Pakistan | 2019 | AHT in consortium with the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt) Limited (NESPAK) Consulting engineers was awarded the contract for the RAHA project. AHT subcontracted a part of the contract to Cynosure Consultants for assistance in implementing selected components of the assignments. The Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) programme is a government-led initiative, supported administratively by UNDP and by UNHCR, responsible for the overall coordination of programme activities. While UNDP headed the RA component, focused on Refugee affected areas that have previously hosted refugees, the current assignment focused on the HA component, implemented by UNHCR comprising activities within current hosting communities. The programme aimed to increase cohesion and tolerance among host communities and the Afghan refugee population as well as to improve the living conditions of Pakistanis in host communities and the Afghan refugee population. Development interventions under the RAHA programme comprised support for rehabilitation and construction of physical infrastructure in the communities along with improved service delivery of public institutions by strengthening capacities of the government, community institutions and vulnerable groups. As a partner of AHT, Cynosure provided the following services: (i) Provision of sector experts for: Development of Knowledge Support Concepts and Organization of trainings, and (ii) Provision of administrative assistance and other technical backstopping during the course of the assignment. | Refugee Rehabilitation & Assistance, Community Infrastructure | EUR 36,042 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
87 | 86 | Preparation Study: Livelihood through Livestock Development | JICA | Pakistan | 2019 | Leading a team to analyze baseline data and constraints faced by dairy farmers to inform technical cooperation with JICA. | Livestock / Dairy | |||||||||||||||||||
88 | 87 | Terminal Evaluation: Enhancing Climate Resilience | UNDP / GEF | Somalia | 2019 | Providing an assessment of project results and outcome impacts related to community and ecosystem resilience in Somalia. | Climate Resilience | |||||||||||||||||||
89 | 88 | Assessment of Women Entrepreneurship Challenge 2017 | Karandaaz | Pakistan | 2019 | Evaluating the project in terms of relevance and impact on barriers faced by women-led businesses in Pakistan regarding finance and mentorship. | SME Development / Gender | |||||||||||||||||||
90 | 89 | Terminal Evaluation: Promoting Biomass Power Plants | UNIDO / GEF | Thailand | 2019 | Evaluating demonstration units and influences on local policy to promote sustainable renewable energy in rural Thailand. | Renewable Energy | |||||||||||||||||||
91 | 90 | Assessment of Potential Centres of Excellence and Development of Arrangement for Vocational Training | GIZ | Punjab, Pakistan | 2019 | Undertook an assessment of TVET institutions shortlisted as Centres of Excellence. Developed operational arrangements for work-based training implementation.+1 | Vocational Training | |||||||||||||||||||
92 | 91 | Training Needs Assessment. Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) | UNICEF | Pakistan | 2019 | Compiled the findings of the capacity gap assessment into a final report. | Public Health | |||||||||||||||||||
93 | 92 | Final Evaluation of the Gender Sensitive Integrated Rural Development Project | Oxfam Germany | Pakistan | 2019 | Conducted the terminal evaluation assessing impact, effectiveness, and sustainability. | Rural Development | |||||||||||||||||||
94 | 93 | TA-9088 REG: Strengthening Gender-Inclusive Growth in Central and West Asia | ADB | Pakistan | 2019 | Conducted situational analysis to identify challenges for women entrepreneurs. Identified profitable businesses and backward/forward market linkages.+1 | SME Development | |||||||||||||||||||
95 | 94 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Program (KP-IAIP) | World Bank | Pakistan | 2019 | Analyzed environmental and social implications of project activities. Assisted in preparing the ESMF and Resettlement Plan Framework. | Agriculture | |||||||||||||||||||
96 | 95 | Provision of Services Relating to Assessment and Training in Gilgit Baltistan | UNIDO | Pakistan | 2018 | The project “Agribusiness and agro-industry development assistance in Pakistan (PAAID) Assistance” aims at supporting the upgrading of quality and enhancement of quantity of agri-food production in selected provinces of Pakistan, in view of market opportunities boosting from the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The goal of the project was to avail provinces of Pakistan with better products for its local market, thus decreasing post-harvest losses and agro-wastage, as well as gaining competitive advantage in the local food production when it comes to export to regional and international markets. Cynosure conducted an in-depth value chain analysis of selected agro-products (apple, cherry and trout) in the Gilgit-Baltistan Region of Pakistan through an assessment of existing local agricultural service centers’ services and capacities including services to local value chains in the areas of agriculture extension services, food manufacturing and preservation, research as well as certification services such as quality management, and food safety and hygiene. In addition to value chain assessments, the scope of activities also included : 1. Financial and technical feasibility studies on the upgrade of the value chain and their supporting infrastructure: • Establishment of 03 Model Nurseries (Gilgit, Diamer and Baltistan); • Establishment of Energy Efficient Technologies (Solar Dryers); • Establishment of Fish Pelleting Units; and • Installation of Aquaculture Cages. 2. Needs assessment of the Department of Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan 3. Revision of Policy: • Produce recommendation for the Gilgit-Baltistan’s Agriculture and Livestock Policy and development of a report 4. Training: • Conduct training in the areas of gender mainstreaming, value chain analysis and institutional research capacity building in agriculture to the Department of Agriculture and other identified stakeholders. | Agriculture, Gender, Value Chains, Institutional Capacity Building | USD 174,265 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
97 | 96 | Situational Analysis and Baseline Survey of LACIP Phase II | PPAF | Pakistan | 2018 | Supported by KfW, and implemented by PPAF, the program “Livelihood Support & Promotion of Small Community Infrastructure Program (LACIP)” was implemented between 2012 and 2021, with the aim to improve the general living conditions and quality of life of the poor in 11 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Under phase I (2012 to 2017) the project was implemented in 8 districts of KP, while the remaining 3 districts were targeted under phase II of the project. Cynosure was selected to undertake the baseline survey for PHASE II of this project in selected UCs of three districts of KP namely, Buner, Shangla and Lakki Marwat. The survey was carried out using the Poverty Scorecard and other questions related to KPIs with carpet coverage of all the households in the selected UCs. The overall purpose of the survey was to establish programme performance benchmarks and identify the potential beneficiary households for LACIP-II interventions in the areas of Institutional Development, Community Physical Infrastructure and Livelihood Enhancement Programme. | Livelihoods, Rural Development, Community Infrastructure, Community Mobilization, Education and Health, Disaster Risk Management, Gender Inclusion, Climate Adaptation, Water and Sanitation | USD 177,729 | EUR 10,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
98 | 97 | Digital Empowerment of Women in KP | GIZ | Pakistan | 2018 | The main objective of GIZ Support to Local Governance (LoGo) Programme is to strengthen the local government structures and dialogue-based systems of service¬ delivery to meet the citizens' needs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The Programme provides advisory services in three interlinked areas of strengthening local governance, increasing local revenue generation, and enhancing state citizen dialogue. Under the Result Area ‘State-Citizen Dialogue’ which focuses on feedback mechanisms for women and youth, GIZ is implementing a Training program on digital skills for female IT professionals, who are willing to update their skills, seek a career in the technology sector and promote equality in the society. Cynosure provided the following services: (i) Detailed Stakeholder Analysis of the Women in IT sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (ii) Identification of 50 female IT professionals for training and mentorship, (iii) Arranging a Kick-off event for the shortlisted candidates from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and (iv) Preparation of a Boot Camp in consultation with international experts to serve as an advocacy event for women in IT. | Gender, Digital Empowerment, Digital Skills Development, Entrepreneurship, Education, Capacity Building, Workforce Development, Digital Economy, Leadership and Advocacy, Networking and Collaboration | USD 11,485 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
99 | 98 | Promoting Multi Sector Approaches to Nutrition | Griffith University | Pakistan | 2018 | Funded by the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a four-week study tour for 23 Pakistani professionals from the health and nutrition sector was organized under the Australia Short Course Award program. Australia Awards Short Courses offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake short-term study, research, and professional development opportunities in support of key development and foreign affairs priorities. The Short Course Award ‘Promoting Nutrition as a Multi-Sector Priority in Pakistan’ was delivered by Griffith University’s International Business Development Unit. The international study tour focused on the multi causes of malnutrition in Pakistan including the lack of organized marketing facilities, inadequate sanitation, and poor coverage of health infrastructure. Along with the site visits a range of educational workshops ran throughout the month-long program giving participants the opportunity to effectively develop ‘Return to Work’ plans which could be implemented in the health sector of Pakistan in the future. "As an in-country partner of Griffith University, Cynosure provided assistance in the delivery component of the Short Course Award on Nutrition in Australia and Pakistan: The consultancy services included: (i) Provision of consultancy services in preparation for the online pre-course. (ii) Mentoring services for the 25 participants to continue work on their Return-to-work plans (iii) facilitation of post course program in Pakistan for a 3 day workshop and field visits. (iv) Organising Interpretation and Translation Services in Pakistan." | Health, Nutrition, Capacity Building | USD 15,460 | Not listed | |||||||||||||||||
100 | 99 | Devising Strategic Framework on Governance and Fragility | OXFAM GB | Pakistan | 2018 | The purpose of the assignment was the development of a strategic framework for the governance and fragility programmes of Oxfam in Pakistan to enable Oxfam to build on its current governance and fragility projects and expand the scope of governance programming to not only set the direction of Oxfam’s governance programming but also help the organization to capitalize on its experience from previous and current governance programs and establish a shared understanding on possible approaches and guidance in terms of effective planning, quality implementations and monitoring of current and upcoming projects under the theme of governance and fragility governance and fragility. To that end, using a consultative and participatory approach, Cynosure developed a Strategic Framework through an in-depth analysis explicitly focusing on key focus areas of: a) Citizens Empowerment and Inclusion/Civic Engagement; b) Accountability and Transparency to End Equality; c) Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion; and d) Provision of Equitable Quality Public Services. | Governance | USD 9,950 | Not listed |