Mechanisms for Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue

Output

Outcome

number of newly established or strengthened structures / mechanisms to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between [specify the stakeholders]

This indicator measures the number of formal or semi-formal structures or mechanisms created or strengthened to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between key stakeholders, such as civil society, local authorities, government institutions, and the private sector. It reflects progress in institutionalising inclusive and participatory approaches to decision-making, policy dialogue, coordination, or conflict resolution.

Determine the indicator’s value by using the following methodology:

1) Define the criteria specifying what type of structures or mechanisms are to be considered - between which actors, for what purpose, at which level, during which time period, etc.

• Define what counts as a “structure” or “mechanism.” Clarify minimum requirements such as the type and number of stakeholder groups involved, identifiable representation or membership, scope or mandate, and evidence of functioning. To be counted, require at least one verifiable activity demonstrating functionality (e.g. a meeting held, a decision taken, or an action implemented).

• Define what is meant by “newly established” and “strengthened.”

  - Newly established: Created during the project period with project support.

  - Strengthened: Pre-existing mechanisms that show demonstrable improvement, such as broader or more inclusive membership, a clearer mandate, improved coordination, higher frequency or quality of meetings, or more concrete outputs.

• Clearly define the reporting timeframe; for example, mechanisms established or strengthened within the last 12 months or during the project period.

2) Develop a tool to record key information. Prepare a simple tool (table or database) to record each structure and assess its status using predefined criteria. For example:

• Structure / mechanism name

• Geographical level (local / regional / national)

• Type (new / strengthened)

• Actors involved

• Focus of activity

• Evidence of activity

• Source of verification

3) Collect data to identify the structures and mechanisms which meet your criteria using the following methods:

• Document review: Project reports, meeting minutes, terms of reference, participant lists, memoranda of understanding, or action plans.

• Key informant interviews: With representatives of participating institutions, civil society organisations, or local authorities to confirm establishment and functioning.

• Observation (if feasible): Attend or review records of meetings to verify regular activity.

4) To calculate the indicator’s value, count the number of each verified structure or mechanism that meets the criteria defined in step 1.

Disaggregate by the type of mechanism / structure, newly established / strengthened, level, and actors involved, as feasible and appropriate.

1) Ensure functionality - not just existence. A mechanism that only exists on paper (without meetings, membership, or outputs) should not be counted as established or strengthened.

2) If you are interested in an indicator that assess the number of mechanisms or partnerships maintained or established for advocacy efforts, you can refer to another IndiKit indicator: number of existing or new partnerships for implementing advocacy efforts. Alternatively, number of engagements with relevant decision-makers regarding the advocacy efforts shows the extent of engagement with relevant decision-makers who can influence the results of advocacy efforts.

3) For EU-funded projects, consider the following OPSYS indicators  instead (more options can be found on Predefined indicators for design and monitoring of EU-funded interventions website):

• Number of networks, platforms, dialogues, or mechanisms set up or supported by the EU- funded intervention

• Number of policy dialogue initiatives supported (of which number of those that include dialogue on gender equality)

• Number of Civil Society Organisations' representatives, participating in multi-stakeholder dialogues at global and regional level with the support of the EU-funded intervention