DARA has in-depth knowledge in contexts of protracted emergencies and disasters. We promote learning and accountability through practical guidance. At a strategic level we provide orientation to policy makers and practitioners for the benefit of the humanitarian system as a whole.
To help our clients improve their performance and the quality of humanitarian aid, DARA offers a wide range of services:
Evaluations
Evaluations allow us to assess our actions, learn lessons and optimise our efforts in order to improve future results. Since its creation in 2003, DARA has designed and conducted evaluations in more than 50 countries. Our evaluations guide aid policies and interventions, and are designed to improve results and increase impact.
We have carried out participatory, results-oriented and utilisation-focused evaluations for a variety of key humanitarian actors including donor governments, United Nations, and other major international humanitarian organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
DARA is one of the leading organisations in Real-Time, System-wide and Thematic and Sector evaluations. Of particular importance is DARA’s participation in the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition, the Thematic study on the Paris Declaration and the Inter-Agency Real-Time Evaluation of the Response to the February 2007 floods and cyclone in Mozambique.
All evaluations are carried out and delivered in accordance with international evaluation standards, such as Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) and The United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG).
Technical Assistance
DARA has a solid track record in providing technical assistance to key humanitarian actors. We provide analysis, results frameworks and senior management workshops to improve policy and performance. Our most recent work includes: Quality and Accountability Initiatives study and the technical assistance to the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID in its Spanish acronym) in its EU Presidency commitment after the Haiti earthquake.
Quantitative Analysis
DARA’s team is composed of highly skilled data analysis experts with capacity for managing large volumes of data. We conduct surveys, develop indicators, econometric and mathematical models and provide the corresponding analysis. For the Impact Evaluation of WFP’s School Feeding Programme in Cambodia DARA designed the sample and two sets of surveys that were conducted among over 2000 households and 120 schools in rural Cambodia.
Training
Upon request, DARA offers professional training for humanitarian managers. DARA’s Director General, Ross Mountain, has carried out a training for Humanitarian and Resident Coordinators: Working with Partners in Humanitarian Contexts. Both him and the Head of Evaluation, Riccardo Polastro are regularly invited to participate in different trainings, such as the UNICEF Regional Training Course.
