[{"bbox": [83, 120, 1147, 202], "category": "Text", "text": "The statistical and monitoring systems as well as the quality of official data in the policy field covered have been assessed. This assessment has fed into the design of the action as follows: M&E capacities to monitor and report on sector performance will be strengthened."}, {"bbox": [87, 231, 253, 259], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 5.2. Evaluation"}, {"bbox": [83, 287, 1147, 422], "category": "Text", "text": "Having regard to the nature of the action, an ex-post evaluation will be carried out for this action or its components via independent consultants contracted by the Commission. It will be carried out for accountability and learning purposes at various levels (including for policy revision), taking into account in particular the EU's engagement at strategic level in the sector with the Government and the promotion of a system-oriented approach, as called for in the 2012 Communication on Social Protection in EU Development Cooperation."}, {"bbox": [83, 433, 1147, 487], "category": "Text", "text": "The evaluation of this action may be performed individually or through a joint strategic evaluation of budget support operations carried out with the partner country, other budget support providers and relevant stakeholders."}, {"bbox": [83, 498, 1147, 605], "category": "Text", "text": "The Commission shall inform the implementing partner(s) at least three months in advance of the dates foreseen for the evaluation mission. The implementing partner(s) shall collaborate efficiently and effectively with the evaluation experts, and inter alia provide them with all necessary information and documentation, as well as access to the project premises and activities."}, {"bbox": [83, 617, 1147, 751], "category": "Text", "text": "The evaluation reports shall be shared with the partner country and other key stakeholders following the best practice of evaluation dissemination⁴⁵. The implementing partner and the Commission shall analyse the conclusions and recommendations of the evaluations and, where appropriate, in agreement with the partner country, jointly decide on the follow-up actions to be taken and any adjustments necessary, including, if indicated, the reorientation of the project."}, {"bbox": [83, 762, 703, 789], "category": "Text", "text": "Evaluation services may be contracted under a framework contract."}, {"bbox": [87, 820, 391, 848], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 5.3. Audit and Verifications"}, {"bbox": [83, 863, 1147, 944], "category": "Text", "text": "Without prejudice to the obligations applicable to contracts concluded for the implementation of this action, the Commission may, on the basis of a risk assessment, contract independent audit or verification assignments for one or several contracts or agreements."}, {"bbox": [72, 971, 660, 1005], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 6. COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY"}, {"bbox": [83, 1034, 1147, 1088], "category": "Text", "text": "Communication and visibility is a contractual obligation for all entities implementing EU-funded external actions to advertise the European Union's support for their work to the relevant audiences."}, {"bbox": [83, 1099, 1147, 1181], "category": "Text", "text": "To that end they must comply with the instructions given in the **Communication and Visibility Requirements of 2018** (or any successor document), notably with regard to the use of the EU emblem and the elaboration of a dedicated communication and visibility plan, to be completed for every action at the start of implementation."}, {"bbox": [83, 1192, 1147, 1300], "category": "Text", "text": "These obligations apply equally, regardless of whether the actions concerned are implemented by the Commission, the partner country (for instance, concerning the reforms supported through budget support), contractors, grant beneficiaries or entrusted entities. In each case, a reference to the relevant contractual obligations must be included in the respective financing agreement, procurement and grant contracts, and delegation agreements."}, {"bbox": [83, 1311, 1147, 1442], "category": "Text", "text": "Communication and visibility measures may be funded from the amounts allocated to the action. For the purpose of enhancing the visibility of the EU and its contribution to this action, the Commission may sign or enter into joint declarations or statements, as part of its prerogative of budget implementation and to safeguard the financial interests of the Union. Visibility and communication measures should also promote transparency and accountability on the use of funds."}, {"bbox": [83, 1454, 1147, 1507], "category": "Text", "text": "Effectiveness of communication activities on awareness about the action and its objectives as well as on EU funding of the action should be measured."}, {"bbox": [83, 1521, 1147, 1575], "category": "Text", "text": "Implementing partners shall keep the Commission and concerned EU Delegation/Office fully informed of the planning and implementation of specific visibility and communication activities before work starts. Implementing"}, {"bbox": [72, 1634, 469, 1661], "category": "Footnote", "text": "⁴⁵ See best [practice of evaluation dissemination](#)"}, {"bbox": [1040, 1661, 1159, 1686], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 25 of 27"}]