Objectives
The Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) meets the need for independent evaluation of policy and operations in all policy fields falling under the Homogenous Budget for International Cooperation (HGIS). Its evaluations enable the ministers to account to parliament for policy and the allocation of resources. In addition, the evaluations aim to derive lessons for the future. Efforts are accordingly made to incorporate the findings of evaluations into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' knowledge cycle. Evaluation reports are used to provide targeted feedback, with a view to improving both policy and implementation. They enable policymakers to devise measures that are more effective and focused.
The IOB also advises on the planning and implementation of non-central evaluations of policy departments and embassies.
Approach and methodology
IOB has a staff of experienced evaluators and its own budget. When carrying out evaluations, it calls on the assistance of external experts with specialised knowledge of the topic under investigation. To monitor its own quality, it sets up a reference group for each evaluation, which includes not only external experts but also interested parties from within the Ministry.
Programme
IOB has a rolling multi-year programme which is updated every two years. This programme is devised using an internal selection process based on an assessment of the political, social, policy-related and financial implications of all possible themes, as well as on a number of broad consultations within the various parts of the Ministry. Once adopted, the programme is submitted to parliament by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Development Cooperation.
An organisation in development
Since IOB's establishment in 1977, major shifts have taken place in its approach, areas of focus and responsibilities. In its early years, its activities took the form of separate project evaluations for the Minister for Development Cooperation. Around 1985, evaluations became more comprehensive, taking in sectors, themes and countries. Moreover, IOB's reports were submitted to parliament, thus becoming public.
1996 saw a review of foreign policy and a reorganisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a result, IOB‘s mandate was extended to the Dutch government's entire foreign policy, in which development cooperation occupies an important place. In recent years, it has also sought to extend its partnerships with similar departments in other countries, for instance through joint evaluations.
Finally, IOB also aims to expand its methodological repertoire. A recent example is the application of statistical methods of impact evaluation.
IOB's history shows considerable changes in the approach and methodology of its evaluations. However, its strict independence has remained constant. This, combined with its thorough approach and professional evaluations, ultimately forms the rationale for IOB's existence.
