New Methodology

In 2011, MOPAN will continue to apply and develop the new methodology it adopted in 2009. The methodology, called the 'Common Approach', broadens and extends the reach of the annual assessments MOPAN has conducted since work began in 2003.

The Common Approach is an annual assessment of a select group of multilateral organisations in several developing countries. It collects data through a survey and a review of documents published by the multilateral organisations. The inclusion of a document review brings a better balance of factual- and perception-based findings.

The Common Approach is derived from, and meant to replace, seven existing bilateral assessment tools. It is also meant to forestall the development of other bilateral assessment approaches.

MOPAN does not rank the performance of multilateral organisations. Rather, it uses the findings of its work to encourage discussion among members and multilateral organisations about lessons learned and ways to further build capacity for organisational effectiveness.

Final reports on the results of the 2011 Common Approach assessment are expected to be released in December 2011, along with responses from the organisations reviewed.

Aims of the Common Approach

The MOPAN Common Approach:

• Generates relevant, credible and robust information MOPAN members can use to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations as bilateral donors
• Provides an evidence base for MOPAN members, multilateral organisations and direct partners to discuss organisational effectiveness in order to build better understanding and improve performance
• Supports dialogue between MOPAN members, multilateral organisations and their partners, with a specific focus on improving organisational effectiveness over time, particularly at country level.

Common Approach Countries/ Territories 2011

The 2011 Common Approach will assess five multilateral organisations in 12 developing countries/ territories (known as 'Common Approach countries').[1] It will be customised to account for the differences between multilateral development banks and United Nations institutions or organisations.