CARE's Global MEAL Cohort: Driving Efficiency and Sustaining Institutional Knowledge

In 2020, CARE identified several challenges in its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes, including uneven resource distribution, limited collaboration opportunities, and reliance on external consultants leading to knowledge loss. To address these issues, CARE launched the Global MEAL Cohort (GMC), leveraging its diverse MEAL expertise to build an efficient, consistent, re-centered MEAL capacity. The GMC, a network of vetted MEAL experts within CARE, offers a cost-effective, agile platform for cross-learning and support. It functions like a group of internal consultants, retaining institutional knowledge and enhancing program effectiveness without high costs or administrative complexities. The primary strength of GMC was in its diverse technical experts from varied backgrounds and geographical regions which ensured knowledge sharing in a non-linear way, especially encouraging south-south collaboration. The GMC's development involved three key phases: Ideation and Consultation: Country and regional offices prioritized MEAL services, and MEAL experts provided input on requests. Five focus areas were identified: Research and Evaluation, Knowledge Management and Learning, MIS and Data Visualization, M&E Frameworks in Project Design, and MEAL in Advocacy. Financial Planning: A business plan ensured GMC’s cost-effective and sustainability, incorporating best practices. Tools and procedures were developed and a sliding scale pricing model was tested. Member Recruitment: MEAL staff were recruited based on expertise, with consideration for gender, geography, language, and tenure diversity encouraging collaborations across regions. Since inception, the GMC has supported 37 projects across 13 countries, with 23 members deployed. Feedback highlights the quality and positive impact of GMC’s work.