10. CARE’s policy on monitoring and evaluation in emergencies

Lessons learned from previous CARE emergency operations have found that CARE COs often lack the capacity to design and implement monitoring and evaluation systems during emergency responses. In particular, COs have difficulty in adapting their regular monitoring and evaluation systems (used for longer-term programming) to more unpredictable emergency situations that are changing rapidly.

As both a relief and development agency, CARE has determined that programme and project standards should apply to all CARE programming, including emergencies, post-conflict rehabilitation and development, whether CARE is directly providing assistance, working with or through partners, or conducting advocacy campaigns. 

CARE’s Humanitarian Accountability Framework should be used to inform the development of monitoring and evaluation systems. These are outlined in detail in Chapter 6 Quality and accountability. CARE’s own standards are outlined intentionally consistent with Sphere minimum standards, Humanitarian Accountability principles as well as the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

CARE’s Evaluation Policy describes CARE’s commitments to using evaluations to promote systematic reflective practice and organisational learning, and accountability to help contribute to significant and sustainable changes in the lives of people we serve.