Evaluation of the Flexible Voluntary Contribution 2022-2025
The Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC), previously known as Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism (FMM), is a pooled funding tool that allows resource partners to respond to development challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. It serves as FAO’s main flexible multi-partner instrument to achieve the results under FAO’s Strategic Framework and offers an effective approach to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The purpose of this evaluation was to provide an independent assessment of the performance and contributions of the FVC in achieving FAO goals. The findings are intended to inform the design, implementation and monitoring of the FVC in its next phase. The evaluation was based on a mixed-methods approach, including a review of 509 documents, 114 interviews, an online survey, five country case studies, a cost analysis, and a gender and inclusion analysis. Because the activities funded through the most recent phase are still ongoing, the evaluation focused on the 2018-2021 portfolio, which included 53 subprogrammes implemented across 93 countries.
The evaluation recommends that FAO determine the future of the FVC through strategic dialogue with resource partners. In addition to this overarching recommendation, the evaluation also proposes four strategic recommendations for FAO, intended to help the Organization navigate the challenging multilateral aid environment and strengthen the FVC:
- improve the FVC’s potential to be a catalytic instrument;
- enhance strategic prioritization in the FVC selection process;
- strengthen resource mobilization and visibility for the FVC; and 4. increase efficiency and continue to improve FVC processes.
The evaluation offers a number of potential actions that FAO could take to operationalize these recommendations.