The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) plays a key role in making sure that the GEF’s work is independently and objectively assessed. The IEO helps improve how the GEF operates by promoting both accountability-making sure projects deliver what they promise-and learning-helping the GEF and its partners understand what works, what doesn’t, and why. To achieve this, the IEO carries out several important functions:

The GEF IEO was established in July 2003 by the GEF Council. As an autonomous body, the IEO operates independently from GEF’s policymaking, program delivery, and management functions to ensure unbiased assessment and accountability. The IEO conducts high-level, independent evaluations that focus on strategic and cross-cutting themes. These often include broad environmental focus areas or integrated efforts aimed at achieving global environmental benefits-such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land and water management.

One of the IEO’s key responsibilities is producing the Annual Performance Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness and results of GEF-funded activities across all sectors. The Office also leads institutional evaluations, including reviews of GEF’s governance structures, operational policies, and strategic direction.

Every four years, the IEO produces the Comprehensive Evaluation of the GEF, a major assessment that synthesizes findings from various evaluations to inform future planning and decision-making.

In addition to its evaluation work, the IEO actively engages with professional networks and global partners. It collaborates with other environmental and development organizations to improve evaluation methodologies, establish international standards, and deliver specialized training. A significant focus is placed on evaluations at the intersection of environmental protection and socioeconomic development, ensuring that new and innovative approaches are continually explored and adopted.