Project Details.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP), established in 2012 by the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, is mandated to promote inclusive development and poverty alleviation across the region. With a governance structure led by a 13-member Board of Directors and guided by a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary GB, GBRSP works to strengthen community institutions, enhance opportunities, and build human, social, and economic capital for disadvantaged populations. As its programming expanded across multiple thematic areas, the organization identified the need for a unified Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Strategy to enhance program design, ensure evidence-based decision-making, and institutionalize learning across interventions. 

The MERL Strategy was envisioned as a foundational framework to guide all MERL-related functions—monitoring systems, evaluations, research, knowledge generation, and learning dissemination. The strategy outlines coordinated processes for baseline studies, midline and endline assessments, project evaluations, data quality assurance, performance tracking, and learning capture. It also establishes standards for MERL planning, resource allocation, indicator setting, stakeholder-informed strategies, and the use of Management Information Systems (MIS). Its overarching purpose is to ensure that programmes are designed logically, monitored consistently, evaluated rigorously, and adjusted based on reliable evidence. 

The strategy further strengthens internal accountability, enhances programme efficiency, and promotes continuous improvement by embedding best practices across thematic and geographic areas of GBRSP. HIMAT Consulting was engaged to lead the development of the comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Strategy for GBRSP. 

HIMAT Consulting Pvt. Ltd delivered a full suite of technical services, from evidence review to strategy formulation, including the following: 

1. Development of the MERL Strategy Framework Designed the complete MERL Strategy document, aligning it with GBRSP’s mandate, programme objectives, and governance structure. Ensured integration of MERL guiding principles, results frameworks, indicator protocols, evaluation standards, research priorities, and learning mechanisms. Positioned the strategy to support programme quality, accountability, and performance management across all GBRSP initiatives. 

2. Stakeholder Consultations and Institutional Analysis Conducted detailed consultations with GBRSP management, programme teams, MERL staff, and thematic leads to understand existing systems, gaps, and needs. 

HIMAT Consulting reviewed operational processes, reporting structures, MIS functionality, and evaluation practices to inform the strategy’s design. HIMAT Consulting integrated insights on community-driven approaches, institutional linkages, and capacity-building requirements. 

3. Development of Systems, Tools, and Operational Guidance Proposed standardized monitoring tools, indicator reference sheets, data collection protocols, evaluation guidelines, and learning frameworks. Outlined steps for conducting baselines, midline and endline evaluations, periodic reviews, and third-party assessments. HIMAT Consulting provided guidance for commissioning and integrating research to strengthen programme innovation and evidence generation. 

4. Strengthening Data Management and MIS Integration Recommended improvements to MIS processes to support real-time reporting, data accuracy, and decision-making.