The MERG has three key functions: 1) to set international standards and norms that will facilitate coordination and strengthen M&E systems; 2) to review and endorse M&E policies, standards, indicators, and tools to ensure quality, enhance integration, and reduce redundancy; (c) to coordinate the global M&E agenda and convene ad-hoc Technical Working Groups, as needed; and, 3) to share M&E-relevant information.
These functions are unique to the MERG, and the roles and responsibilities of any UNAIDS Regional M&E Working Groups should be clearly delineated from those of the MERG and focused on adaptation of MERG-endorsed M&E policies, standards, indicators, and tools to the regional context; and, M&E information-sharing.
The specific activities of the MERG include, but are not limited to: 1) providing technical review and advice on the processes and products of the M&E activities of UNAIDS Secretariat, Cosponsors, and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; 2) harmonizing M&E approaches of UNAIDS and its partners; 3) identifying M&E indicator and other information gaps and outlining an agenda to address them; 4) identifying priority evaluation studies, research, and other evaluation-related activities and outline an agenda to address them; 5) advising on the dissemination of best practices and lessons learned in M&E; 6) critically assessing the quality and usefulness of selected reports of assessments, evaluations, and qualitative and quantitative research of relevance to M&E efforts; 7) assisting in mobilizing technical resources (consultants / institutions) for undertaking the activities envisaged in the UNAIDS Secretariat M&E Division Work Plan, which should include a work plan related to the MERG activities
The MERG provides assessments and advice to the UNAIDS Secretariat through its Executive Director, Cosponsors, and other multi- and bi-lateral agencies on the technical and managerial aspects of M&E at all levels of the system. The MERG also provides a forum for broader discussion of all aspects of M&E and related theory, methods, and dissemination of results. This includes establishing and assessing competencies in M&E; and reviewing M&E outputs of the UNAIDS Secretariat and Cosponsors.
The MERG may provide additional support to UNAIDS, as needed, including provision of guidance to global M&E technical resource networks supported by the UNAIDS Secretariat, Cosponsors and partners and assisting in the establishment, review and implementation of training modules specific to M&E needs of UNAIDS and its partners.