Overall Performance Studies  (OPS) are undertaken every four years to inform the donors before replenishing the GEF. These evaluations provide an independent assessment of the achievements of the GEF up to the time of the study.

1. What are Overall Performance Studies?

These evaluations provide an independent assessment of the achievements of the GEF up to the time of the study.  OPS assess the performance of the GEF throughout phases.

2. What is the purpose of OPS?

To assess the extent to which the GEF is achieving its objectives and to identify potential improvements.

In the case of OPS4, it was based on the GEF objectives as laid down in the GEF Instrument and in reviews by the Assembly, and as developed and adopted by the GEF Council in operational policies and programs for GEF-financed activities.

3. How often do OPS take place?

Overall Performance Studies (OPS) are undertaken every four years to inform the donors before the replenishment. The first overall performance study of the GEF took place in 1994 and assessed the pilot phase.

4. What have been the GEF phases?

5. What is the scope of OPS?

Every OPS has had its own scope. As for OPS4, the scope was defined by cluster and key question, ranging from the full history of the GEF to a snapshot of the situation at a certain moment in time, from a few representative interventions to the full GEF portfolio. Different questions ask for a different scope. The specific approach will be based on scope and methodology as has been developed in evaluations of the GEF Evaluation Office, such as of country portfolios, of performance, and of results and impacts.

6. How are OPS undertaken?

In general, a mixed methods and theory-based approach is followed, including literature and document reviews, desk studies, field visits and verifications, interviews, surveys, portfolio analysis, and stakeholder consultations. Where needed, a Delphi approach and expert panels are included. Case studies and study components and comparison studies will be undertaken.

In collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions and recommendations, OPS4 was based on a wide variety of sources of information, methods of analyses, and meta-evaluation techniques to ensure that the findings would be valid, credible, and legitimate.

7. Who is in charge of OPS?

For the first time, the GEF EO was responsible for undertaking the Fourth Overall Performance Study of the GEF. A total of 56 professionals and 7 consulting firms were involved in the evaluation.

8. What does the process to undertake OPS entail?