The most intensive task of the One CGIAR reform was the development of a roadmap for the external review of One CGIAR Initiative proposals and completion of 33 external reviews (as of December 2022). Reviews occurred in four waves from October 2021 through October 2022. On the right side column are resources developed for the review process.
External Review of 33 Initiatives
The most intensive task of the One CGIAR reform was the development of a roadmap for the external review of One CGIAR Initiative proposals and completion of 33 external reviews (as of December 2022). Reviews occurred in four waves from October 2021 through October 2022. On the right side column are resources developed for the review process.
- Operationalization of Quality of Research for Development in Practice for One CGIAR
- Review process blog
Initiative Proposal Reviewers
An independent and anonymous review team comprised of three external subject matter experts (SMEs), led by an ISDC member, and supported by IAES, reviewed each of the 33 proposals (as of December 2022). A total of 65 reviewers assessed the proposals, representing 22 countries. Below provides the composition and demographics of the reviewers (see reviewer list).
Outcomes of Initiative Reviews
The Initiative reviews occurred in several waves and subsequently the reporting is presented by waves. The first wave report was published for the 14th Meeting of the System Council in November 2021 and the second wave for the 15th Meeting of the System Council in March 2022, the third wave for the 16th Meeting of the System Council in July 2022. A final proposal was reviewed in September 2022.
- Review of 19 Initiative Proposals
- Review of 12 Initiative Proposals
- Review of 1 Initiative Proposal
- Review of 1 Initiative Proposal
Strategic Planning Reviews and Reflections
System Council called on ISDC many times through the reform to provide input on various strategy documents. Below contains the outcomes of these requests.
- Review of the Companion Document to the 2022 – 2024 CGIAR Investment Prospectus
- Reflections on Emerging One CGIAR Research Portfolio and Investment Plan
- Feedback for One CGIAR Research and Innovation Strategy
Member Participation in Investment Advisory Groups
Three ISDC members participated in the Investment Advisory Groups (IAGs). The IAGs served an advisory role to the System throughout 2021, working closely with Science Group Directors to provide guidance to the Executive Management Team. Their aim was to advise on the research and innovation portfolios within the three Action Areas of the CGIAR 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy. To prevent any conflict of interest and address perceptions of IAG involvement, ISDC adopted guidelines to maintain ISDC’s ability to provide an independent assessment.
Participation in Transition Consultation Forum, Transition Advisory Groups, and Transition Program Management Unit Selection Committee
The ISDC chair engaged in the Transition Consultation Forum (TCF) and brought ISDC perspectives into the codesign dialogue and process in Transition Advisory Group (TAG2 on research). Additional ISDC members participated in cross-cutting communication and change management (TAG1), country and regional engagement (TAG5), financial management and modalities (TAG6), and resource mobilization (TAG7).
In April and May 2020, a selection panel of five members—Holger Meinke (chair), Hilary Wild, Clarissa Van Heerden, Stephen Potter, and Andrew Smith—evaluated five competitive proposals for the incoming Transition Program Management Unit (TPMU). The committee recommended the appointment of Dalberg Advisors.