Lessons learnt from the Pilot Year 2004 Implementation of the CGIAR Performance Measurement System

The new CGIAR Performance Measurement (PM) System was piloted in 2005 with datafrom 2004. Overall, the exercise was a positive experience for all involved - on one side it helped Centers to better understand their own performance, and on the other side members expressed satisfaction with increased accountability and welcomed new information on performance which also helped in their funding allocation decisions. The CGIAR Secretariat and the Science Council’s joint assessment of the pilot experience indicate that the exercise has been useful for Members and Centers, but that several refinements are necessary. An improved PM System is expected to be in place for 2005. Experience shows that PM systems usually need calibration over time in order to enhance their validity and reliability. Therefore this document draws lessons learnt from the pilot PM exercise for refining the set of indicators and related definitions, instructions as well as the data collection process for the coming year. The paper is based on findings from the SC, the CGIAR Internal Audit Unit (IAU), the CGIAR Secretariat and feedback from Centers. The annex includes a summary table of the SC recommendations for implementing the CGIAR PM System in 2006 and beyond. This document was discussed at the Business Meeting at AGM2005.