DESCRIPTION The proposed subproject is the first of three under the cluster regional research and development technical assistance (TA) approved on a no-objection basis by the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 27 July 2016. High- and mid-level evaluations and outreach activities for funding under the Subproject seeks to improve ADB strategies, policies, processes, and operations subsequently benefiting its developing member countries (DMCs) in Asia and the Pacific. Subproject 1 will draw from the Board approved 2016- 2018 work program of the Independent Evaluation Department (IED) and, where appropriate, its next rolling program for approval in December 2016. PROJECT RATIONALE AND LINKAGE TO COUNTRY/REGIONAL STRATEGY High- and mid-level evaluations complement project evaluations and give a view to assessing the operations and directions of the ADB. IED's knowledge and country programs give feedback on the development results and/or effectiveness of ADB. This advice is needed for accountability to stakeholders (including Management and Board of Directors) and to strengthen ADB as a learning organization. To keep its strategic relevance and operational utility, IED's evaluation focus is continuously refined to align with the development landscape and to recent or upcoming changes in ADB. With the merger of the Asian Development Fund (ADF) and ordinary capital resources (OCR) in 2017, it will be critical to have an evaluative perspective of the experience in ADB's various business like energy, urban and private sector operations. Likewise, evaluations on possible areas of expansion like support to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises and engagement with State-owned enterprises will provide insights on new business opportunities for ADB. Further, with the enhanced financial capacity, a review of the financing modalities, like policy-based lending, needs to be undertaken. The selection and design of evaluations should also take into account recent global developments like the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (or COP21). Further, evaluations should consider how ADB will engage with middle income countries (MICs) as most of its development member countries will be MICs in the near future. High-level thematic and sector evaluation work will need to build on evaluations of country and project performance. As such, country-level evaluations like Country Assistance Performance Evaluations (CAPEs) and validations of Country Partnership Strategy Final Reviews (CPSFRVs) are as important as knowledge-type evaluations. In the same token, impact evaluation on projects in priority areas enhances lessons for development effectiveness. Taking together the various levels of evaluation work, findings and lessons learned can be inputs to strategies as well as design and implementation of new operations. IMPACT Development effectiveness of ADB operations, policies, strategies, and business processes improved. CONSULTING SERVICES The TA will fund a mix of international and national consultants to support each evaluation team. Consulting service requirements (including positions, terms of reference, deliverables, cost estimates) are indicative at this time. These are to be developed and/or firmed up during preparation of the concept or evaluation approach paper. Lump-sum payments or output-based contracts will be used as appropriate. The need for services from consulting firms (along with applicable selection method and type of technical proposal to be used) will also be considered during the concept and/or evaluation approach paper stage. PROCUREMENT The TA will also fund workshops, training, seminars and conferences held either for preparing a draft report or to support learning and dissemination events. Cost estimates for these events will be prepared during their concept paper stage.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main