Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation

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 final evaluation of the “Inclusive Project (LRRD Initiative in Support for School Inclusion of Minors with Disabilities and Special Needs, between Refugees and the Host Communities),” implemented by ICU and Mercy Corps and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The project was implemented in seven public schools in Irbid and aligned with the Ministry of Education’s 10-Year Strategy for Inclusive Education. It aimed to enhance school readiness for children with disabilities, strengthen access to inclusive education for refugee and host community children, and foster positive community and family attitudes toward disability and inclusive learning environments.

The evaluation was guided by the OECD-DAC criteria and employed a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive document review, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and surveys with a broad range of stakeholders—among them Italian NGOs, non-governmental service providers, Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) representatives, and CSOs/CBOs. Edmaaj also conducted joint planning meetings and trained enumerators on inclusive evaluation protocols. The final report presented key findings, lessons learned, and practical recommendations to inform future inclusive education programming in Jordan.

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 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 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.

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.

Edmaaj supported the Government of Jordan in developing a national Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) dashboard to monitor progress on gender equality across three priority domains: political participation, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence (GBV). The initiative aimed to enhance the government’s capacity to evaluate and report on gender-related progress through a unified, institutionalized system.

The project was implemented in two phases. Phase 1 focused on the design and development of KPIs. Edmaaj began with a comprehensive desk review to assess relevant national and international indicators, existing data availability, and alignment with Jordan’s strategic objectives. This was followed by structured consultation sessions with key stakeholders from relevant ministries and institutions. Based on this process, Edmaaj developed a robust set of KPIs, each with clearly defined technical parameters—such as numerator, denominator, data source, reporting frequency, disaggregation requirements, and desired trend direction (e.g., “trend is good when increasing/decreasing”). These indicators were integrated into an interactive digital dashboard developed by a third-party IT partner, enabling real-time data visualization and reporting.

Phase 2 involved coordination with government entities to collect baseline data for the approved KPIs and prepare for systematic annual tracking. Participating entities included the Social Security Corporation, Department of Statistics, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment, Judicial Council, Prime Ministry, Civil Service Bureau, Public Security Directorate / Criminal Information Department, and the Ministry of Justice.

To ensure institutional readiness, Edmaaj delivered tailored capacity-building workshops for all participating government stakeholders. These sessions focused on KPI data collection, entry protocols, dashboard usage, and performance analysis.

This multi-stakeholder, government-led process resulted in a comprehensive, national monitoring platform that enables consistent tracking of gender equality progress, supports policy dialogue, and strengthens accountability across Jordan’s public institutions.

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.