The First Steps to Set Up a

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

System
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Step 2
Perform a situational analysis. Even when an
organisation wishes to develop a completely new
M&E system, there are almost always existing
systems or procedures in place. Whether you want
to design a new M&E system, or simply make
alterations to an existing one, it is important to
fully understand the consequences of doing so.
This means acquiring an accurate knowledge of
what is already in place.
Step 4
Step 1
Define the scope and purpose. Is the M&E system
just a series of data collection tools to gather
information and summarise progress? Does it
extend to financial monitoring? Does individual and
departmental performance fall under the M&E
system too? Is the M&E system mostly for learning
or an accountability purpose? Be very clear on the
scope and purpose.
Step 3
Consult with relevant stakeholders. Consultation with
a variety of different stakeholders is important as
you will need to have buy-in to the new M&E system,
and are unlikely to get this if people feel they have
not been consulted or their needs
have not been addressed.

Identify the key levels. Once you begin the

design phase, you will need to consider where
the M&E system will sit – at which levels plans
are made and/or information is collected,
analysed, summarised, shared and used. (And
remember that information collected at one
Step 5
level can be analysed, summarised and used at
a variety of different levels). Complete the M&E Framework: This involves
filling in the matrix with the result areas that will
be assessed, the indicators, baseline values,
targets, data sources etc.

Source: Nigel Simister (2009). Developing M&E Systems for Complex Organisations: A Methodology