Systems impact assessment

This learning brief shares key lessons from the Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) programme which aimed to help refugees and their host communities in Rwanda and Jordan to access affordable sources of renewable energy by engaging private sector actors in displacement contexts and by strengthening local markets.

The lessons are derived from a systems impact assessment conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. It drew upon secondary sources, as well as primary data collected through remote key informant interviews.

Key lessons from the assessment:

• Systems change work should be ambitious but realistic in its goals. It's essential to clarify that while a project aligns with larger systems change objectives, it contributes to them rather than achieving them independently.
• Global systems change work requires a different approach to design and budgeting, especially for long-term initiatives like policy and institutional reform. Planning for longer timeframes is crucial.
• Pursue global systems change objectives as part of a comprehensive, coherent strategy that goes beyond individual projects. This approach integrates and reinforces organisational goals.
• Avoid 'exit' strategies for global systems change initiatives and plan for continuation after programme funding ends. 
• Systems maps provide a visual understanding of complex systems, helping identify key factors, actors and interactions. They aid in planning, implementation, and monitoring of systems change work.
• Strategic collaborations, partnerships and alliances are essential for systems change. Leverage the strengths and networks of partners to build collective momentum.
• Invest in capacity development for systems thinking within implementing organisations and among partners. Socialising systems thinking is crucial for success.
• Collaborate on data collection to conserve resources, standardise measurements, and create a shared knowledge base. It reduces duplication and survey fatigue.
• Consider joint ex-post evaluations that pool resources and support longitudinal assessment for more realistic analysis of global systems change efforts.