USAID/Jordan Data Driven Working Group: When Data Drives Us

With over 35 awards across USAID/Jordan’s diverse portfolio, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Activity (MELA) recognized an opportunity to bring MEL and CLA professionals together for collective knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and resource dissemination rather than having USAID activities operate individually. MELA set out to create a working group that prioritized peer learning, enabling practitioners to share insights and showcase their expertise. Collaborating closely with their COR, MELA co-designed the Data-Driven Working Group (DDWG). From the outset, MELA engaged USAID/Jordan Implementing Partners (IPs), gathering input for session themes and inviting members to present their implementation experiences. The DDWG launched officially in September 2023 and over the span of a year, the MELA team hosted three DDWG workshops focused on climate change, data visualization, and scenario planning. Anticipating MELA’s closure in 2025, sustainability was a key design element from the inception of the DDWG. Therefore, in June 2024, MELA co-facilitated the fourth workshop with Economic Development and Energy (EDE) IPs taking the technical lead. This strategy aimed to ensure the DDWG’s continuity, with rotating technical offices taking turns to lead sessions, fostering long-term collaboration after MELA’s departure. MELA’s engagement of IPs through the DDWG resulted in greater integration of climate change indicators across USAID/Jordan’s portfolio, the creation of sector-specific infographics that aggregated outcomes, and enhanced adaptability through scenario planning. The ongoing engagement through the DDWG has strengthened collaboration and learning, driving progress towards USAID/Jordan’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) development outcomes.