Creating Space for Cross Country TPM Learning

USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) provides assistance in some of the most insecure, dangerous environments to some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. The non-permissive contexts in which they operate require third-party monitoring (TPM) for program oversight since BHA staff are unable to conduct site visits directly. TPM is a relatively new way of working for USAID and the body of learning and best practice is limited. These decentralized mechanisms are implemented in silos, yet they experience common challenges.

BHA established a TPM Learning Event series in October 2022 to make connections between TPM mechanisms globally and develop a culture of knowledge sharing and learning that has been missing among and within BHA staff and contractors. To date, the series has hosted four events on topics such as adapting to disruptions and data utilization. Feedback, as well as the continued participation of TPM staff, indicates that these events contribute to the TPM knowledge base, support TPM staff in making programmatic decisions, and break down silos and create a community where none existed before.