Results Based Frameworks and Beneficiaries: Irish NGO Practitioners Views and Experiences Molly Middlehurst Dr. Enida Friel Dr. Susan Murphy

Research Question Has the practice and implementation of (Irish Aid funded) RBFs in Irish development NGOs led to increased impact and accountability for beneficiaries? –What are the aspects of RBF that help or hinder increased impact and accountability for beneficiaries? –How is beneficiary feedback gathered and incorporated into RBFs?

Semi-Structured Interviews –Open ended questions –Leikart scales Sample: 10 NGOs –4 Field Based –6 Ireland Based 13 Total Respondents Methods

Impacts The (Irish Aid funded) RBF is an effective tool for increasing long-term, high-level impacts for beneficiaries.

Accountability to Beneficiaries The (Irish Aid funded) RBF is an effective tool for increasing accountability to beneficiaries.

Accountability to Donors The (Irish Aid funded) RBF is an effective tool for increasing accountability to donors.

Beneficiary Feedback We incorporate feedback from our beneficiaries when we adjust our RBF.

Lack of flexibility Over focus on metrics / no room for “color” Opportunity cost “It’s just a tool” Negative Aspects / Challenges

“It helps us to establish coherence and cohesion in everything we do.” – Program Officer, Field Based Office Examining theory of change Establishing and measuring against a baseline Selecting good indicators Accountability Focusing on results/impacts/outcomes Better programming Positive Aspects of RBFs

Moving Forward: Recommendations and Lessons Learned Specific Recommendation: -Formal Complaints Mechanism -Roll external processes into RBF Takeaways: -Balance -“It Gets Better”

“We’re learning. We’re getting better at it … It has been progress. I think it’s been progress for Irish Aid as well. I just really hope they don’t change it all again.” – Program Coordinator, Ireland Based NGO Moving Forward

Thank You! Questions? Special thanks to Aaron Cunningham, Ang DeMarco