Annual Snapshot 2024
CGIAR’s Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES) provides operational support as the secretariat for the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) and the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA), and implements CGIAR’s multi-year, independent evaluation plan as approved by the System Council. The IAES and the two independent bodies it supports, facilitate and provide external, impartial, and expert advice related to strategy and positioning, program evaluation, and impact assessment.
Summary statement
The 2024 initiatives of ISDC, SPIA, and the IAES/Evaluation Function, supported by the robust operational framework of IAES, demonstrate a highly productive year in delivering independent advisory services, as well as evaluative and impact-driven evidence within CGIAR's research and innovation ecosystem. Their unwavering commitment to inclusivity, knowledge dissemination, and exemplary governance continues to strengthen their strategic positioning, paving the way for sustained success and influence in the years ahead.
ISDC Achievements
In 2024, the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) strengthened CGIAR’s strategic focus by reviewing 13 key proposals and the Portfolio Narrative for 2025-2030, leveraging insights from 39 diverse experts.
The reviews emphasized inclusivity, achieving balanced gender representation among reviewers. ISDC’s in-person meeting in Nairobi supported CGIAR scientists and partners, fostering collaboration during Scaling Week. Their thematic commitment to inclusive innovation culminated in the publication of a special issue in Agricultural Systems, featuring 17 papers, with 70% authored by CGIAR-affiliated early-career researchers. This milestone concluded their three-year thematic focus on inclusive innovation. ISDC also improved stakeholder engagement through structured consultations with CGIAR leadership, aligning their expertise with upcoming global development challenges. Overall, ISDC’s achievements fortified CGIAR’s forward-looking research agenda, underpinned by collaboration and inclusivity.
SPIA Achievements
In 2024, the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) concluded its 2019-2024 workplan, showcasing causal impact studies and reach assessments at prominent events, including SPIA Fest and a System Council Side Event.
Transitioning to the 2024-2030 workplan, SPIA introduced an expanded operational model, selecting and funding country-level studies in 16 nations, including Bangladesh, Kenya, and Vietnam. It initiated three pilot studies and identified over 20 prospective impact research ideas through engagement with CGIAR scientists. A well-attended webinar introduced the expanded study model, encouraging broad participation from researchers. These efforts underline SPIA’s commitment to generating robust evidence on CGIAR’s global impact, bridging knowledge gaps, and informing strategic planning through innovative methodologies.
IAES/Evaluation Function Achievements
In 2024, the IAES Evaluation Function delivered key contributions by completing evaluations for CGIAR’s Science Groups, including a synthesis report and Evaluability Assessments for four Regional Integrated Initiatives.
It piloted and refined the QoR4D Evaluation Guidelines and inclusion-focused methodologies, enhancing evaluation rigor. The team actively engaged with CGIAR governance and MEL practitioners, co-developing tools like a Social Network Analysis Methods Note and translating materials into French and Spanish to improve accessibility. Knowledge dissemination efforts included launching a dedicated portal on evaluating quality of science. Through collaborative initiatives, the Evaluation Function advanced evaluative evidence to bolster decision-making, enhance accountability, and address critical challenges within CGIAR’s evolving research frameworks.
Our Network Around the World
Diversity and inclusivity form the foundation of our mission, shaping the composition of our expert teams and global networks. We prioritize diversity in all its forms—spanning thought, discipline, national origin, identity, and gender—to foster innovative and comprehensive approaches across all workstreams of ISDC, SPIA, and the IAES/Evaluation Function. Inclusivity is deeply embedded in our operations, reflected through meaningful participation and global collaboration. A clear example of this commitment is evident in 2024, when 55% of those we engaged were women and 45% were men, demonstrating our progress toward gender balance within our networks. The accompanying map further illustrates the extensive global reach and varied backgrounds of the individuals and organizations with whom we work most closely, emphasizing the critical role that diversity plays in advancing our mission and achieving impactful outcomes.
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Plans for 2025
Independent Science for Development Council
ISDC will focus on advancing CGIAR's mission through comprehensive portfolio reviews and targeted scientific advice. Key initiatives include conducting 12-13 CGIAR Program and Accelerator inception report reviews to assess CGIAR's research focus. A second major foci is onboarding new ISDC members. With a commitment to strategic governance, ISDC will hold biannual consultations with CGIAR leadership and System Council, ensuring adaptive planning. These efforts aim to strengthen CGIAR’s strategic direction and support sustainable development goals.
Standing Panel on Impact Assessment
SPIA aims to improve the understanding of CGIAR’s impact through robust data and evidence generation. For 2025, plans include scaling up country-level studies to assess the reach of CGIAR innovations in 20 countries, including longitudinal surveys and scoping new priority regions. SPIA will initiate causal impact assessments to address knowledge gaps in CGIAR’s influence on global development goals. Additionally, SPIA will host stakeholder events and produce synthesis reports to inform strategic decision-making, ensuring rigorous evidence supports the design and evaluation of CGIAR’s research strategies.
Evaluation Function
The Evaluation Function will focus on delivering high-quality, independent evaluations aligned with the Multi-Year Evaluation Plan, to enhance CGIAR’s strategic decision-making and accountability. Key initiatives for 2025 include completing evaluability assessments for 12 portfolio components, to support the inception phase of the portfolio and issuing updated guidance and method notes on evaluation frameworks aligned with industry standards and CGIAR context. Evaluative evidence related to CGIAR Strategy “Ways of Working” will be summarized, the Gender Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan progress will be evaluated, and scoping work will proceed for country and center-specific evaluation .Knowledge management efforts will concentrate on accessible and actionable evaluations for internal and external stakeholders.
