[{"bbox": [83, 145, 1147, 307], "category": "Text", "text": "The Action shall ensure that there is a systematic M&E system covering the overall programme, as well as specific M&E systems to capture each component's own progress towards implementation. The development of these component-level M&E systems shall be done in close association between EUD and each component leader IP. Yearly M&E sessions shall be set up at the level of the project, including the institutional beneficiaries' representatives, and regular M&E documentation shall be provided by the IPs (bi-annually or quarterly) to ensure a comprehensive follow-up and assessment."}, {"bbox": [83, 331, 1147, 440], "category": "Text", "text": "The identification of the baselines and the collection of data shall be the responsibility of each implementing partner while the overall M&E indicators follow-up shall be done by the EUD, with dedicated funds and staff, working closely with the M&E staff from each of the implementers. M&E focal points should also be identified within each of the institutional beneficiaries, to facilitate data gathering and collection, and smoothen the overall process."}, {"bbox": [83, 464, 1147, 599], "category": "Text", "text": "Monitoring and evaluation will assess gender equality results, an impact on rights of groups living in the most vulnerable situations and the implementation of the rights based approach working principles (applying all human rights for all; meaningful and inclusive participation and access to decision-making; non-discrimination and equality; accountability and rule of law for all; and transparency and access to information supported by disaggregated data). Monitoring and evaluation will be based on indicators that are disaggregated by sex, age, disability when applicable"}, {"bbox": [87, 616, 249, 644], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 5.2 Evaluation"}, {"bbox": [83, 659, 1147, 714], "category": "Text", "text": "Having regard to the importance of the action, a midterm and/or final evaluation will be carried out for this intervention or its components via independent consultants contracted by the Commission."}, {"bbox": [83, 714, 1116, 768], "category": "Text", "text": "A mid-term evaluation will be carried out for problem solving, learning purposes in particular with respect to the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme and intention to launch a second phase of the action."}, {"bbox": [83, 792, 1143, 873], "category": "Text", "text": "A final evaluation will be carried out for accountability and learning purposes at various levels (including for policy revision), taking into account in particular the innovative architecture of the action and the importance of the involvement of the EU in the field of youth employment and digital innovations."}, {"bbox": [83, 904, 1147, 1020], "category": "Text", "text": "The Commission shall inform the implementing partner(s) at least three months in advance of the dates envisaged for the evaluation missions. The implementing partner 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, 1051, 1147, 1196], "category": "Text", "text": "The evaluation reports shall be shared with the partner country and other key stakeholders following the best practice of evaluation dissemination⁶. 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, 1227, 895, 1255], "category": "Text", "text": "The action will ensure gender and human rights expertise during all evaluation missions."}, {"bbox": [83, 1285, 703, 1313], "category": "Text", "text": "Evaluation services may be contracted under a framework contract."}, {"bbox": [87, 1359, 386, 1388], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 5.3 Audit and Verifications"}, {"bbox": [83, 1403, 1147, 1484], "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": [71, 1632, 528, 1658], "category": "Footnote", "text": "⁶ See best practice of evaluation dissemination."}, {"bbox": [1040, 1661, 1158, 1686], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 21 of 22"}]