Evaluation

The aim of Phase Six—Evaluate is to ensure that the project is tracked and evaluated effectively during implementation. The self-assessment exercise and associated Indicators questionnaire within the Circles of Sustainability are two critical tools for cities to utilise during monitoring and evaluation activities. These tools are developed during the Refine and Design phases and are used repeatedly during implementation to capture change over time. At the completion of Phase Six – Evaluation, a city will be able to measure the success of the project and determine whether the objectives have been met through project implementation.

  • 1. Evaluate

    Local Secretariat and Critical Reference Group to hold an Evaluation Workshop to reflect on project successess and challenges.

  • 2. Report

    In-Country Convenor to submit a Final Evaluation Report to International Secretariat outlining project successes, challenges and learnings.

  • 3. Review

    International Secretariat to review Final Evaluation Report and discuss content with In-Country Convenor.
    (Identifying potential recipients)

  • 4. Communicate

    Evaluation Report submitted by In-Country Convenor and International Secretariat communicates it on Cities Programme website.

  • 5. Optional

    Local Secretariat to consider undertaking:
    * Second Survey
    * Sustainability Questionairre

Implementation

The aim of Phase Five—Implement is to translate the Final Project Plan into action. It is the typically the longest phase as it requires the time and resource to meet the project objectives. Tailored Communication on Progress templates have been designed to assist city's report on their progress periodically throughout implementation. At the completion of Phase Five—Implement, a city benefits from the successful project implementation. Often, a city will enable the project to continue to be implemented by relevant authorities or organizations with adequate resources who are able to foster ongoing implementation. This transition enables the project to be spun off from the Local Secretariat and into a permanent organization within the city following the initial incubation phase within the Cities Programme.

  • 1. Launch

    Launch commencement of Project with all stakeholders.
    (Typicaly an event or forum/meeting)

  • 2. Schedule

    Local Secretariat and Critical Reference Group to agree on schedule of meetings to monitor project over time.

  • 3. Implement

    Local Secretariat to implement project consistent with Project Design and provide regular written feedback to In-Country Convenor.

  • 4. Report

    In-Country Convenor to submit a Communication on Progress to International Secretariat each year on the anniversary date of their engagement. This is to be accompanied with the annual Engagement Fee.

  • 5. Complete

    Project Completed against agreed milestones and outcomes, within the estimated timeframe.

  • 6. Optional

    Local Secretariat to consider undertaking the development of:
    * baseline survey
    * sustainability questionairre

Design

The aim of Phase Four—Design is to ‘map’ how the desired outcomes will be achieved through the project implementation. The Local Secretariat is to develop a meaningful project design with facilitated assistance from the International Secretariat. At the completion of Phase Four—Design, a city submits their Final Project Plan and is able to demonstrate sufficient support (financial and human resources) to commence implementation.

  • 1. Develop

    The Local Secretariat to develop a Detailed Project Design including key project milestones and measures of success.

  • 2. Design

    Local Secretariat to develop an Indicator Set (using the Indicator Selection Tool) to track and report on performance. This is based on the identified 'needs' of a city.

  • 3. Consider (Optional)

    Local Secretariat to consider undertaking a Facilitated Design Workshop.
    * Note: this is optional

  • 4. Submit

    Local Secretariat to finalize Detailed Project Design and Indicator Set and In Country Convenor to submit to International Secretariat for review.

  • 5. Feedback

    International Secretariat provides feedback to In Country Convenor regarding Detailed Project Design and Indicator Set to 'ready' the city for Implementation Phase.

Refine

The purpose of this phase is for the city to consider the feedback and recommendations received from the International Secretariat and to refine the project focus and confirm key project stakeholders. A Strategic Workshop provides the forum for the relevant decision-makers to meet and undertake the project refinement exercise. It is opportunity for the In-Country Convenor to facilitate inter-sectoral dialogue between people from business, government and civil sectors, who are considered key in being able to develop bring unique knowledge and skills sets to the discussion in order to develop a holistic project design. Following the Strategic Workshop, it becomes apparent which individuals and organizations would be suitable for the Critical Reference Group, who are responsible for advising the Local Secretariat during the life of the city's engagement. Details of the Critical Reference Group are also submitted to the International Secretariat. Level One of the Circles of Sustainability tool is used to frame discussion with a series of questions that challenge stakeholders to question the relationship between the issue and the four social domains including economy, ecology, culture and politics. During this project refinement exercise, the city produces an illustrative diagram which is representative of the city's awareness of these inherent relationships. It provides a graphic representation of the city's understanding of the resources and practical responses that have been or are being brought to bear on this issue at a city level. This exercise helps to shape and inform the Design phase and assists in confirming individuals and organizations who may not be the usual people involved, yet whose skills and experience are considered well placed to be part of the Local Secretariat. The city also has opportunity to undertake a Scenarios Planning Workshop, which would be facilitated by the International Secretariat.

  • 4. Advise

    International Secretariat to provide strategic advice to In Country Convenor re: Revised Project Outline.

  • 5. Establish

    Member City to establish a Critical Reference Group that reflects outcomes of Project Refinement exercise.

  • 6. Optional

    Local Secretariat to consider undertaking a Scenarios Planning Workshop (facilitated).

Engagement

The purpose of this phase is for the pending or interested cities to engage in the Cities Programme and be recognized as a participating city at either the Signatory, Reporting or Innovating level. It relies on the nominated In-Country Convenor to use the submission package template documentation and submit it to the International Secretariat in a timely manner. At the completion of Phase Two—Engagement, a city's engagement level and the In-Country Convenor are confirmed. The city's commitment to the 10 Principles of the Global Compact is recorded through the Letter of Commitment, which is submitted to the UN Secretary General, H.E. Ban Ki-moon.

  • 1. Feedback

    International Secretariat provides feedback on the Statement of Understanding.

  • 2. Submit

    City representative sends Submission Package to engage as a participating city within the Cities Programme.

  • 3. Review

    International Secretariat reviews the submission and sends Letter of Agreement for the city to complete.

  • 4. Complete

    In-Country Convenor to completes the Letter of Agreement and submits the
    Letter of Commitment to the UN Secretary General.

  • 5. Confirm

    International Secretariat confirms receipt of completed Letter of Agreement and issues the city an invoice for payment.

  • 6. Engage

    To formally engage as an Innovating city, the city must complete the requirements stated in the Letter of Agreement.

  • 7. Consider

    City to consider recommendations and suggestions identified by the International Secretariat to prepare for the refinement phase.

Pre-Engagement

The purpose of this phase is for city representatives to become familiar with the processes of engagement and confirm their interest to engage. Phase One is often the most challenging and time-consuming and seeks to gain support from a number of different stakeholders. It determines the range of challenges as it clarifies how your city would benefit from engagement in the Cities Programme, which assists in your presentation to local government. At the completion of Phase One—Pre-Engagement, key stakeholders (including local government) will understand the value of engaging in the Cities Programme and be familiar with the associated costs and benefits. A city representative may choose to conduct a conference call with the International Secretariat at any stage during the Pre-Engagement or Engagement phases. This is opportunity for both parties to clarify details of the city's engagement proposal.

  • 4. Identify

    City representative identifies potential issues to explore with key stakeholders.

  • 5. Support

    City representative undertakes presentation to local government, including city Mayor / Office of the Mayor.
    City representative gains interest and or support from City Mayor to engage in the Cities Programme.

  • 6. Submit

    City representative submits Statement of Understanding, confirming potential project and / or a commitment to report on the ten Global Compact principles.