Work planning, monitoring and reviewing for impactful EITI implementation

Step 1: Organise and prepare

Developing a results-oriented work plan that reflects the views of key stakeholders requires time and careful preparation. However, this investment can yield significant benefits by focusing resources on activities that have the greatest impact. To organise and prepare the work planning process, the MSG can consider the following steps:

1. Assign responsibility. Form an ad-hoc working group or task an existing MSG committee to lead the work plan development process. This group should have balanced representation from all constituencies and include members of the national secretariat. Its responsibilities typically include leading consultations, drafting documents and facilitating MSG discussions and endorsement of the work plan.
2. Engage external expertise. Where needed and proportionate, the MSG may involve independent consultants to support the work planning process or annual progress review. The EITI International Secretariat can recommend consultants with relevant skills and experience. The resources allocated to external support should be proportionate to other implementation priorities.
3. Establish realistic timeframes. Developing an inclusive and effective work plan can take several months, often requiring multiple consultations and workshops. The MSG should allocate sufficient time and resources for each stage of the process and ensure that the timeline aligns with budget and funding cycles.

EITI implementation should address national priorities and governance challenges. Identifying priority issues begins with reviewing existing disclosures and gaps relative to the EITI Standard, followed by broad and inclusive stakeholder consultations. Key steps include:

1. Review current practices. Assess existing disclosures to identify gaps, weaknesses and areas for improvement. The Transparency template can be a valuable tool for mapping disclosures, supporting both work plan development and the preparation for annual reporting and Validation.¹ Additionally, recommendations from previous Validations and EITI reporting provide insights into disclosure weaknesses or implementation gaps. To further enhance planning, the MSG may consider:
   • Conducting systematic disclosure mapping to identify existing gaps and opportunities for additional systematic disclosures.²
   • Undertaking feasibility studies to explore new areas for disclosure.³ 
   • Carrying out thematic scoping studies to inform specific priorities.
2. Review national priorities. The EITI Standard requires work plans to address national priorities, such as corruption, gender equity, energy transition, revenue collection, artisanal and small-scale mining (where applicable) or other key extractive sector governance issues. To identify relevant priorities, the MSG can draw on the following sources:
   • Government plans and policies: National and subnational development plans; extractive sector policies and strategies; public debates about extractive sector issues; and analysis and research conducted by government, media, NGOs, companies or other institutions.
   • Existing reform efforts: Initiatives aimed at improving extractive sector governance, including operational or financial links to EITI implementation.
   • International commitments: Agreements with international development banks, institutions or other multi-stakeholder initiatives.
   • Independent reports and studies: Research produced by civil society, industry or international development actors such as the World Bank or IMF.
   • Strategic frameworks: Emerging and existing national strategic policy frameworks on topics such as energy transition and transition minerals (e.g. Nationally Determined Contributions; Green/Critical/Strategic/Transition Minerals Strategy);⁴ gender equity (e.g. National Gender Mainstreaming Strategy); revenue collection (e.g. National Domestic Resource Mobilisation Strategy);⁵ and anti-corruption (e.g. National Anti-Corruption Strategy).⁶
   • Corruption cases in the extractive sector: Where relevant, review publicly known corruption cases of nationally significance. These should inform the MSG’s discussions, priority setting and planned actions, and be reflected in the work plan narrative.

3. Prioritise recommendations. EITI reporting and the Validation processes offer recommendations and corrective actions that should guide implementation. The MSG must regularly review these and demonstrate progress in addressing them. Since tackling all recommendations in a single year can be challenging, the MSG should develop a multi-year plan to address them, focusing on achievable actions within the annual cycle and prioritising EITI Requirements and corrective actions that align with national priorities.
4. Engage key stakeholders. Stakeholder consultations are critical to ensuring the legitimacy, inclusivity and impact of EITI work plans. While the MSG is the primary forum for consultation, it may not represent all relevant stakeholders. To strengthen the process:
   • Each MSG constituency should establish channels for consulting external representatives.
   • Broader engagement should include groups significantly impacted by the sector, such as women’s rights organisations or marginalised communities. To ensure that a diverse range of stakeholders are considered, the MSG could draw on recommendations from Validations or EITI Reports, feedback from dissemination activities and relevant literature. The latter could include studies on the social impacts of the extractive industries in the country, gender analyses or human rights reports that address structural inequality or discrimination against relevant stakeholder groups.
   • The MSG should also engage stakeholders who support EITI implementation, including those involved in the systematic disclosure and use of extractives data. Consulting a wide range of stakeholders, such as development partners, helps avoid duplication of effort and enhances collaboration.
5. Identify appropriate consultation mechanisms. Stakeholder consultations can take various forms, including regional and community-level workshops or targeted consultations with relevant ministries, organisations, networks or coalitions. To align with the EITI Standard, these consultations should be thoroughly documented (Requirement 1.5(b)(iv)). 
   
   To maximise the effectiveness of consultations, the MSG should consider the following aspects:
   • Online or offline: Use online tools to reach stakeholders who cannot attend in person and explore mobile or social media platforms to engage more remote groups.
   • Real-time dialogue or open mailbox: Combine workshops with open periods for submitting feedback via mail, email or online surveys to help increase participation.
   • Timeframes: Provide stakeholders with sufficient notice and time to submit meaningful input (e.g. a two-week comment period).
   • Co-creation: Consult stakeholders on priorities for EITI implementation and how they would like to access and use EITI data and information.
   • Feedback: Communicate how stakeholder input will be incorporated into the EITI work plan, sharing results through dedicated sessions or monitoring updates (see Step 5). 

There is no single best format for consultations, but combining approaches can maximise engagement. Platforms should remain open for ongoing input during implementation to further strengthen participation and transparency.

6. Outline national priorities and work plan objectives. The EITI Standard requires that work plans include clear and realistic objectives that align with national priorities and the EITI Principles.⁷ While the primary focus should remain on addressing national priorities, aligning some activities with the EITI’s global priorities can enhance the overall impact and visibility of initiatives.⁸

   The process of defining objectives should build on a mapping of disclosures (Step 2.1), a review of national priorities (Step 2.2) and stakeholder consultations (Step 2.4). The MSG may also focus objectives on ensuring systematic disclosure of EITI information, addressing recommendations from Validation and EITI reporting, or overcoming constraints or obstacles to EITI implementation. These objectives will help prioritise the allocation of resources.

   Work plan objectives should be clear, concise and specific. They should reflect what EITI implementation can realistically achieve within the timeframe of the work plan. Typically, work plan objectives are less ambitious than the broader national priorities with which they are associated. Limiting the number of objectives (five or less) simplifies activity planning and increases the likelihood of achieving tangible results. Consider including a brief narrative to connect objectives to broader priorities or stakeholder needs. Objectives may also link to specific outcomes prioritised by stakeholders.

   The MSG should recognise the “attribution gap”. This can be done by identifying and documenting factors beyond the control of the MSG that influence whether objectives are achieved. Through this process, the MSG can determine which stakeholders it needs to engage with to help achieve desired outcomes.

7. Link work plan activities to EITI global priorities. While optional, linking work plan activities to the EITI’s global priorities can offer several benefits:
   • Demonstrate broader relevance: Highlight how national efforts align with global priorities.
   • Link to key themes in the EITI Standard. The EITI’s global priorities reflect the most relevant aspects of the EITI Standard in the current strategic context.
   • Attract funding: Draw interest from international partners focused on specific regional or global priorities.
   • Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration: Facilitate learning and cooperation with other countries addressing similar challenges within or across regions. This could help the MSG maintain a clear focus on national priorities while strategically aligning with the EITI’s global priorities and leveraging support from the International Secretariat.

Requirement 1.5 requires the work plan to include “measurable and time-bound activities to achieve the agreed objectives and recommendations from Validations and reporting”. The work plan must also justify which EITI Requirements are prioritised and describe how activities contribute to fulfilling each requirement. The MSG can consider the following steps:

1. Identify activities to achieve work plan objectives. In some cases, the activities required to achieve work plan objectives may be straightforward, such as preparing an EITI Report. However, identifying appropriate activities can often require strategic discussions or consultation with stakeholders. The MSG may consider whether it is useful to channel strategic discussions through existing MSG working groups or new working groups where useful and proportionate.
2. Identify activities required by the EITI Standard. Beyond activities tied to specific work plan objectives, the MSG could incorporate activities to meet requirements of the EITI Standard, such as:
   • Strengthening systematic disclosures and technical aspects of disclosures, such as comprehensiveness and data reliability (Requirements 4.1 and 4.9);
   • Addressing new or cross-cutting themes, such as anti-corruption, energy transition and domestic resource mobilisation;
   • Strengthening contract transparency (Requirement 2.4) and beneficial ownership disclosure (Requirement 2.5), with specific milestones and deadlines for disclosure;
   • Developing plans to communicate and disseminate EITI data with attention to subnational data and accessibility for women, minorities and marginalised groups (Requirements 7.1 and 7.2). See Step 5 below.
3. Ensure activities are measurable and time bound. Each activity in the work plan should meet SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).⁹ Clear timeframes should consider deadlines for EITI Reports and Validation, as well as administrative requirements, such as procurement processes and funding arrangements. Work plans should estimate costs for each activity and identify funding sources. 
   
   Assign responsibilities for each activity to relevant stakeholders, including those outside the MSG if necessary (e.g. for activities related to beneficial ownership disclosure). Regularly assess the feasibility (financial and capacity) and impact (i.e. timing and relevance) of activities, revising them as needed to address emerging challenges. This ensures the work plan remains dynamic and relevant.
4. Set appropriate targets for activities. Define SMART indicators to assess the progress and outcomes of activities. These targets should ensure inclusivity and, where applicable, gender responsiveness.¹⁰ 
   
   The MSG can use tools such as the results model, also called a logical framework approach, to link activities, work plan objectives and national priorities. This involves considering the sequence and causal relationships between inputs and activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts. The MSG may refer to the resource Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of EITI implementation, developed by GIZ, for further guidance. 

Figure 1. Example of a results model

5. Draft a narrative to present the work plan. Once objectives and activities are defined, the national secretariat typically prepares a draft work plan narrative, which is then reviewed and refined by an MSG subcommittee or working group. The narrative should clearly outline national priorities, objectives, activities, timelines and targets (outputs and outcomes), and be presented in a format that is accessible and understandable for all stakeholders. In line with Requirement 1.5, the narrative should include:
   • A description of who was involved in the consultative and review processes outlined in Step 1, including how stakeholder views and priorities were considered.
   • A list of sources reviewed to identify national priorities, including links to sources.
   • An overview of funding sources and technical assistance that are required for the timely implementation of the work plan. This should include funding for specific activities as described in Step 3, as well as general funding for MSG operations and EITI implementation.
   • An implementation timetable that is aligned with EITI Board deadlines (Section 1 of Part 2 of the 2023 EITI Standard) and considers administrative requirements such as procurement processes and funding.

The work plan is a dynamic document that should be reviewed and updated annually, informed by an annual review of progress. Undertaking an annual progress review ensures that the work plan remains relevant, reflects lessons learned, addresses new challenges and incorporates feedback and findings from implementation, stakeholder consultations and Validation. 

1. Disseminate the work plan to maximise accessibility and feedback. The MSG should ensure that the work plan is publicly accessible, as required by the EITI Standard. In addition to publishing the work plan on the national EITI website, the MSG may wish to disseminate it via other relevant ministry and agency websites, or through the media. Sharing it with stakeholders involved in the consultation process is also essential. Effective dissemination should consider:
   • Translation and accessibility: Translate the work plan into languages relevant for key stakeholders and consider making it available in online formats as well as print for audiences with limited internet access and/or website literacy.
   • Visual representation: Use tables, charts or infographics to make the work plan easier to understand. Formats such as spreadsheets, Gantt charts or progress matrices may make the work plan easier to monitor and revise.
   • Feedback channels: Provide mechanisms for stakeholders to provide feedback or during implementation, such as surveys or online platforms.

2. Establish a schedule for regular reviews. The work plan must be reviewed and updated annually (Requirement 1.5(b)). Many MSGs align updates with national budget cycles. More frequent reviews can improve flexibility and responsiveness. For example, the MSG could revisit the work plan during quarterly or semi-annual meetings to assess progress and incorporate lessons learned. Reviews are an opportunity to reflect on recommendations from Validation and EITI Reports. By reviewing the work plan after the publication of such reports, the MSG will ensure it addresses recommendations from Validation and aligns with emerging priorities.
3. Implement a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework. The MSG may implement a MEL framework to effectively track progress, adapt activities and demonstrate the EITI’s impact. A well-designed MEL framework will help MSGs ensure that activities are aligned with measurable outputs and outcomes (see the Logical Framework Approach or Results Model in Step 3.4). It will strengthen the ability of the MSG to monitor results and build credibility with national and international partners.

4. Review implementation. The MSG and national secretariat should allocate sufficient time to review and reflect on the implementation of the work plan, including input from stakeholders outside the MSG. Stakeholder feedback should be well-documented to inform future planning. 

This reflection can address questions such as: 

• What results were achieved, and what were not? Why?
• How effective were the assumptions about how activities would achieve objectives and contribute to national priorities?
• Were the work plan objectives relevant and useful? Should they be modified?
• What should be done differently now and in the next plan?
• Were gender and inclusivity adequately addressed?
• Which activities should continue next year?
• Were there any unexpected positive outcomes?
• How did activities improve extractive sector governance?

Using the Outcomes and impacts template can help structure reflections and prepare for Validation.¹¹

5. Ensure the annual progress review informs subsequent work planning. The outcomes of the review process should directly influence future work plans. Documenting reviews as part of the annual EITI disclosure cycle (see image below) ensures continuity between work plans. The MSG may consider:
   • Publishing public statements or documents summarising the review process.
   • Sharing logical frameworks (logframe) or spreadsheets developed during MEL processes.
   • Requesting support from the EITI International Secretariat to assist the review and planning processes. 

By systematically integrating lessons learned into future planning, MSGs can strengthen the EITI implementation process, ensuring that work plans remain responsive, inclusive and impactful.

Documenting outcomes and impacts is a critical step in ensuring transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in EITI implementation. This step enables MSGs report on progress, gather feedback and apply lessons learned to shape future work plans.

The MSG is required to undertake an annual progress review to document progress on work plan activities, corrective actions and recommendations, and must present these findings in a clear, accessible format (Requirement 1.5(b)).

Annual progress review

The annual progress review must include the following elements:

1. Progress and challenges in achieving work plan objectives. The MSG should document how it has advanced its work plan objectives and challenges during implementation. This process should include reflections on lessons learned, including insights from Validation, to inform prioritisation of objectives and activities in the next work plan. 
   
   The MSG is encouraged to evaluate whether activities contributed to improved governance of the extractive sector (Requirement 1.5(d)). This may include showcasing concrete examples, narratives and success stories that illustrate how transparency efforts have positively influenced governance, communities and financial outcomes.
2. An overview of activities and outcomes. The MSG should provide a summary of progress on work plan activities, including the status of corrective actions and recommendations from Validation and reporting. The report should document the outcomes achieved from the activities undertaken and assess the effectiveness of the strategies that were used. Furthermore, it should outline areas requiring improvement and opportunities to strengthen EITI implementation.
3. A description of feedback mechanisms. The annual review should detail the mechanisms that were used to solicit, collect and document stakeholder feedback on EITI implementation. This should include an overview of stakeholder views and how they were incorporated into the review process.
4. Documentation on gender considerations. The annual review should explain how the MSG integrated gender considerations and inclusiveness into work plan activities and implementation. This should include efforts to promote women’s representation and participation in the MSG (Requirement 1.4). It should also include documentation on how outreach and dissemination activities were adapted to address the needs of different genders and marginalised groups (Requirement 7.1).¹² 
5. A financial report. The MSG should produce an annual overview of actual expenses compared to the work plan budget to assess over- or under-financing and spending. This analysis helps the MSG understand financial gaps, reallocate resources effectively and improve financial planning for future work plans.
6. An overview of corruption cases. Where relevant, the multi-stakeholder group is encouraged to provide a narrative of whether it has considered publicly known corruption cases in the sector that are of national relevance for the year in review, and to document its discussion, response and recommendations (Requirement 1.5(e)).  

Dissemination and accessibility

The MSG should ensure that its annual progress review is publicly available. This may involve publishing reports or statements that summarise progress, challenges, financial performance and stakeholder feedback. Making this information accessible reinforces the MSG’s accountability, fosters trust and encourages stakeholder engagement.

• EITI (2024). “2023 Validation model templates”. Retrieved from https://eiti.org/documents/validation-templates-2023-eiti-standard.
• EITI (2021). Guidance Note: Establishment and governance of multi-stakeholder groups (Requirement 1.4). Retrieved from https://eiti.org/guidance-notes/establishment-and-governance-multi-stakeholder-groups.
• EITI (2016). Guidance Note: Recommendations from EITI reporting (Requirements 7.3, 7.4 and 1.5). Retrieved from https://eiti.org/document/guidance-note-eiti-requirement-73-74-15.
• GIZ (2017). Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of EITI Implementation – Guideline. Retrieved from https://eiti.org/document/monitoring-evaluation-me-of-eiti-implementation-guideline.