MERL in the Time of COVID-19 Four Case Studies

Abstract

Accord Network organizations are facing many new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has required rapid adaptation in many areas, including in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL). In this paper, four case studies of Christ-centered NGOs are presented to provide a glimpse into how different organizations are adapting their MERL approaches and utilizing their internal MERL resources in new ways. The authors then reflect on these case studies and compare the approaches taken with emerging best practices from the broader international relief and development sector. In addition, the authors share guidance on how Christ-centered organizations should adapt MERL approaches according to good principles in a broader effort to discern God’s leading in the midst of challenging external circumstances, internal organizational constraints and opportunities, and an unknown future.