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Developing a theory of change aims to bring improved clarity and quality to the process of programme design and implementation using a simple, flexible methodology. According to the UNDAF, there are four key principles to consider when developing your impact measurement theory of change.
It should be developed consultatively to reflect the understanding of all relevant stakeholders
It should be grounded in, tested with, and revised based on robust evidence at all stages
It should support continuous learning and improvement from programme design to closure
If you reached this stage, and you understand the foundational principles for developing a theory of change, the steps towards implementation will come along intuitively. UNDAF’s methodology recommends a four-step sequence to initiate your framework for impact measurement:
Focus on the high-level change you wish to contribute to
Identify needs for the desired development change/sustainable transition to happen
Establish and make explicit the related key assumptions and risks
Identify relevant partners and stakeholders
Figure 1 represents a schematic depiction of the methodology, starting with the desired impact, and moving all the way down to implementation strategies and relevant stakeholders.
Bridge the gap
Translating theory into practice can be the most challenging part of measuring impact, but it is essential for achieving real change. Remember that the theory of change revolves around causal evidence that we have available at the time. Therefore, a crucial step in making this happen is to validate and quality assure everything from our partner's involvement, assumptions, risks, and the proposed solutions that came from the general framework.
Once the branches of the issue tree are coherent, and aligned with the core challenge we are solving, we then go into each problem branch, validate and hopefully start flipping branch by branch into a solution tree.
Validating the focus, solutions, assumptions, risks and partnerships from our theory of change model is what ultimately brings it to life. As a result, you end up with a new measurement tool in your arsenal, no matter the scale of your initiatives, or the complexity, a theory of change framework can provide a systematic map to address any problem piece by piece.
Learn more about the theory of change by following @UN, and @Colectivo!