342.     The Conference in November 2005 approved the Independent External Evaluation (IEE) of FAO, to be carried out in the 2006-07 biennium. The final Report⁴⁵ was submitted to the Council and Conference in November 2007 and Resolution 5/2007 defined the process and key milestones in the follow-up to the IEE for 2008.

343.     In 2006 and 2007, the Organization actively engaged at all levels in supporting the work of the IEE team. In general terms, this support was provided through: i) participation of senior staff in the preliminary assessment; ii) interviews and focus groups of staff at all levels and locations; iii) support to the IEE team in missions to field offices and donors; and iv) provision of background information, data and analysis.

344.     During the later phases of the process, the Organization also intensely participated in the review of factual data contained in the Draft IEE Report and in supporting the IEE team with the development of the tentative costs and savings associated with the numerous recommendations.

345.     Internal arrangements for reviewing the draft and final report of the IEE and preparing the Management Response in Principle⁴⁶ were initiated in June 2007 and conducted through September 2007. They included, at a practical level, a team of senior staff members from every headquarters’ department and office, and arrangements for consultations with the decentralized offices.