Abstract
USAID/Moldova contracted Social Impact (SI) to conduct a Whole-of-Project Evaluation (WOPE) of its Accountability in Moldova (AIM) project, the purpose of which was to achieve ?more effective and accountable democratic governance.? Designed to cover the period 2015-2020, AIM covers roughly 20 activities (both closed and ongoing) working toward greater effectiveness and accountability in Moldova?s political processes, civil society, media, rule of law, and local governance. This evaluation employed a mixed-methods design consisting of document and literature reviews, key informant interview (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). The Evaluation Team (ET) collected data in Chisinau and 12 other locations in the north, center and south of Moldova, conducting 89 KIIs and 14 FGDs. The ET found that AIM?s activities have ?moved the needle? toward more effective and accountable governance in Moldova in the strengthening of civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens? capacity and tools to engage in government decision-making, improvements to automation and transparency within the judiciary, and the professionalization of local governments and improved abilities to respond to their constituencies. That said, several systemic factors, including the migration of citizens out of the country, ongoing corruption, and political ?flux? in the nation?s governance have impeded progress in key areas, including the sustainability of independent media, accountability of the judiciary, and financial viability of local governments. In terms of AIM?s design, the project?s theory of change and core objectives are sound, but its indicators must incorporate more comprehensive and longitudinal measures of governing institutions? abilities to serve Moldova?s citizens, as well as citizens? perceptions of how their government is performing.