Project Work
Implementation and Monitoring
LWF projects include, as part of their overall goals, the building of capacity in member churches and local communities. Supporting the whole process of planning and implementation contributes to this effort. Implementation and monitoring helps ensure that projects are being implemented according to plan, and provides a basis for making necessary adjustments.
Developing water supply, Bolivia |
Effective implementation and monitoring begins with careful planning. The distinction between objectives (what you want to achieve) and activities (what is done) is an important guideline for developing an effective action plan for implementation. It is important to clearly identify objectives and related progress indicators that are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
Some basic questions guide the process and help project workers develop their skills in planning and implementation:
- Are the objectives sufficiently detailed and distinctive so that one is able to observe their achievement or gradual process of achievement?
- What method and progress indicators will be used to describe the changes achieved for each planned activity?
- How will the process of project monitoring and reporting be organized from the community level up to the project management level?
Maize meal distribution after drought, Swaziland © LWF/J. Schep |
In project work that is overseen by DMD, narrative reports are required for each six-month period of implementation, focusing on activities, budget experience, methodologies, human resources and critical factors. Stories on the impact of the project on people’s lives are helpful for communication to supporters, and to strengthen the commitment of participants in the project. Financial reports are also required for each six-month period, reporting on receipts and expenses against project budget for the current period and for the project to date.
In the context of monitoring and reporting, the identification and analysis of problems is even more productive than reporting on tasks successfully accomplished. Corrections can be made that keep a project on track and on schedule, and can improve the quality and impact of the project.
DMD staff in Geneva provide essential support for project implementation: accompanying the project holders in the process of achieving the agreed goals; facilitating projects through the timely transfer of financial resources; and overseeing projects by ensuring appropriate control, auditing and accountability.
Click for the DMD Guidelines for Project Implementation and Monitoring. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) 
For further information please contact:
Secretary for Project Coordination and Administration
Vacant
Secretary for Project Implementation and Monitoring
Drs Jaap Schep
E-mail: jks@lutheranworld.org
Administrative Assistant
Ms Marlise Egli
E-mail: meg@lutheranworld.org
Administrative Assistant
Ms Catherine Currat
E-mail: ccu@lutheranworld.org
