Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

Edmaaj conducted an external evaluation of the “Awda Amina” project for Stars Orbit Consultants & Management Development and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Funded by the European Union, the project has been implemented by IOM since 2018 in Dohuk and northern Diyala to support the Government of Iraq (GoI) in managing migration through institutional support and community-based reintegration services.

The evaluation assessed the impact of IOM’s social cohesion programming in reducing social tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence. Edmaaj conducted joint meetings with IOM and GoI representatives, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs) with a range of stakeholders. A comprehensive final report was submitted, presenting findings and recommendations to inform the future design and delivery of reintegration and migration management initiatives.

Edmaaj conducted an external evaluation of the “Ante Raeda” project for the Institute of War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), a three-phase initiative focused on advancing women’s economic and social empowerment across Northern, Southern, and Eastern Libya. Funded by the British Government, the project supported local CSOs through sub-grants to implement community-based initiatives promoting women’s rights and participation.

The evaluation assessed the overall impact of the project using the OECD-DAC criteria. Edmaaj conducted a comprehensive desk review of programme documentation, designed evaluation tools, and carried out key informant interviews (KIIs) with IWPR staff and women-led CSOs. The team also administered surveys with project beneficiaries and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings were presented in draft and final reports and shared with IWPR management and stakeholders. The final evaluation report included lessons learned and practical recommendations for improving future programming.

Edmaaj conducted an evaluation of the “Taking the Lead COVID-19 Project” for the Institute of War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) – BCI in Libya. Funded by the United Kingdom, the project focused on advancing women’s economic and social empowerment by strengthening the capacity of women-led CSOs to conduct needs-based research and implement sub-grant activities in their communities.

The evaluation applied the OECD-DAC criteria to assess project impact, relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. Edmaaj developed evaluation tools, conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) with IWPR staff, partner CSOs, and relevant stakeholders, and administered phone surveys with CSO beneficiaries. The team analyzed qualitative and quantitative data and submitted a final evaluation report that included key findings, an executive summary, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations to inform future programming.

Edmaaj conducted an external evaluation of the “Aswat Horra (Free Voices)” project for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). Funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the project aimed to protect, empower, connect, and amplify free voices in the MENA region by strengthening the capacity and resilience of local civil society organizations (CSOs) to respond to freedom of expression (FoE) threats.

The 40-month initiative focused on enhancing FoE in Libya and Lebanon through evidence generation, advocacy planning, and support for sub-grant development—particularly in response to rapid gender assessments. Edmaaj measured the project’s performance against the OECD-DAC criteria, assessing effectiveness, sustainability, and relevance. The evaluation included a review of project documentation, stakeholder consultations, and analysis of program outcomes to inform IWPR’s future strategic direction in the region.

Edmaaj conducted a baseline study for Right to Play’s (RTP) ‘Extra-curricular Training Rehabilitation and Support’ (EXTRAS) programme in Jordan. The programme aimed to enhance students’ educational experience and learning environment through a play-based teaching methodology, supporting the development of core skills and improved outcomes aligned with the national curriculum.

The baseline focused on validating outcomes in RTP’s existing log-frame. Edmaaj used a mixed-methods approach, conducting key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and online surveys with students, parents, teachers, and school headmasters. All tools and materials were reviewed and refined to ensure their conceptual alignment with the EXTRAS programme and its objectives.

Edmaaj conducted the evaluation of the “Municipal Governance and Infrastructure (MGI) Study – Promoting Youth for Peaceful Development in Libya” for GIZ, in collaboration with the Municipal Development and Decentralisation Support Centre (MDSC) and the General Secretariat of the Local Administration Councils (GSLAC). The project aimed to assess the effectiveness and contribution of GIZ-supported interventions to youth engagement, social cohesion, and local development in municipalities across Libya.

The evaluation focused on identifying intended and unintended results—both positive and negative—arising from the project, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and broader instability. Edmaaj applied the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and used a mixed-methods approach, including in-person and remote key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) with youth and local authorities, and analysis of project documentation.

Findings were synthesized into a final report that provided evidence-based recommendations to inform GIZ’s future programming in the youth development and local governance sectors.

Edmaaj conducted an external evaluation of the Inhad 'Rise' National Self-Employment Programme, which aimed to expand self-employment opportunities for youth in Jordan. The programme focused on improving access to financial and non-financial services, strengthening MSMEs and social enterprises, and addressing barriers to decent work for women and refugees. It was implemented by the Business Development Center (BDC) in partnership with UNICEF, the Royal Hashemite Court, the Central Bank of Jordan, and Irada.

The evaluation assessed the programme’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability using customized OECD-DAC criteria tailored to its operational structure. Edmaaj used a mixed-methods approach, conducting 55 key informant interviews (KIIs) with programme stakeholders and beneficiaries, alongside surveys with youth participants. Findings and recommendations were compiled in a final report to inform future programme design and national youth employment strategies.

Edmaaj conducted a baseline study for Right to Play’s (RTP) Supportive Educational Engagement for Development (SEED) programme in Jordan. The programme aimed to enhance students’ formal and informal educational experiences through play-based teaching methodologies, helping children develop core skills and achieve national curriculum outcomes.

The study focused on collecting baseline data aligned with RTP’s existing log-frame using key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), online surveys, and academic assessments targeting students, parents, teachers, and headmasters. Special attention was given to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups—particularly refugees—and the challenges they face in accessing quality education.

Edmaaj conducted a baseline study on gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF). The study aimed to assess the national policy landscape and actions addressing workplace GBV in Jordan and to generate a comprehensive understanding of the issue across sectors—particularly in rural and industrial areas.

The study examined the prevalence, forms, and impact of GBV on women, as well as the effectiveness of existing support systems and legal frameworks. Edmaaj conducted a comprehensive desk review, analyzed parliamentary discussions and national strategies, and administered 30–40 online/phone surveys with CSOs and CBOs, in addition to 30 field surveys with companies and factories in industrial zones. The team also analyzed qualitative and quantitative data, facilitated a validation session, and submitted a final report with practical recommendations. The study also identified key training needs among CSOs/CBOs to strengthen their capacity to address GBV in workplace settings.

This initiative, part of the Inclusive, Transparent, and Climate Responsive Program for Results (PforR) in collaboration with the Government of Jordan, aimed to strengthen Jordan's grievance mechanisms to enhance government accountability and citizen engagement. The primary focus was on the "At Your Service" platform, a nationwide mechanism for receiving and managing citizen complaints. The project assessed the effectiveness, accessibility, and transparency of the existing grievance mechanisms and developed recommendations to improve their functionality and integration across various government agencies. Edmaaj's role involved conducting detailed reviews, implementing diagnostic assessments, collecting primary data through interviews and surveys, analysing data, developing an action plan, and facilitating validation sessions. Training and support were provided to ensure the implementation of recommended improvements.