Project approval process - Project cycle - 10. Evaluation, learning and project closure

Stage 10 pertains to how lessons learned are evaluated and synethesised towards project closure. There are two levels of evaluations within GCF:

• Project/programme level evaluations
  
  It is the obligation of AEs to manage and submit independent final evaluations for approved GCF projects and programmes. These evaluations are expected to produce evidence of results and impacts relative to projections, informing future decision-making, credibility approaches, and investment processes. These will also serve as a reference for when projects are needed to be upscaled or replicated. GCF’s results management framework sets indicators and monitoring and assessment processes, ensuring that GCF projects/programmes apply the same approach and generate consistent data that can be aggregated and compared across the entire GCF portfolio.
   

• GCF level evaluations
  
  The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) of GCF conducts reviews to help improve the institutional and financial efficiency and effectiveness of GCF for future replenishments.

Together with AEs, national designated authorities/focal points, peer climate funds, and relevant stakeholders, the Secretariat synthesises and codifies lessons learned to promote the expansion and replication of knowledge on transformative climate investments based on global best practices.

Additionally, in order to ensure timely knowledge management from GCF operations, GCF conducts knowledge-gathering missions and reviews to select project sites, fostering a deeper understanding of operating realities and impact stories.

The Secretariat also conducts higher-level reviews such as thematic and country portfolio reviews. This plays a key role in assessing GCF effectiveness in the global climate action. These reviews by the Secretariat can be complemented by the IEU’s evaluations.

In the project closure phase, the AE should confirm that the project activities were executed and completed. This will also entail the submission of a project completion and audit reports and execution of the exit strategy as outlined in the FAA.

Once the documentations are analysed and validated, the Secretariat will confirm the closure of the project and notify the AE and NDA.

Complaints can still be submitted to the IRM even after project closure.