Summary of FY2017 MOFA’s ODA Evaluation
Evaluation of JICA Volunteer Program (Brief Summary)
Full text available here.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/evaluation/FY2017/pdfs/jica.pdf 
| Evaluators (Evaluation Team) |
Chief Evaluator | Ryokichi HIRONO Professor Emeritus, Seikei University |
| Advisor | Yoko FUJIKAKE Professor, Graduate School of Urban Innovation at Yokohama National University |
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| Consultant | International Development Center of Japan Inc. | |
| Target Period | 2002 to 2017 (implementation period for this evaluation study) | |
| Period of the Evaluation Study | June 2017 – February 2018 | |
| Field Survey Countries | Nicaragua, Brazil | |
Background, Objectives, and Scope of the Evaluation
Embodying Japan’s “visible assistance,” the JICA Volunteer Program has generated results and is highly regarded both within Japan and overseas. The objective of this evaluation was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the JICA Volunteer Program, and based on the results, to make recommendations for policy-making by the Government of Japan regarding the future of the JICA Volunteer Program. Additionally, lessons are drawn as a reference for effective and efficient implementation of the program. Furthermore, the study will ensure accountability to the people of Japan by making these evaluation results widely available to the public. Brief Summary of the Evaluation Results
Overview of the Evaluation Results
1 Evaluation from Development Viewpoints
(1) Relevance of Policies (Evaluation = A: Highly Satisfactory)
The JICA Volunteer Program has a highly satisfactory level of consistency with Development Cooperation Charter and other relevant policies. It was also confirmed to have a satisfactory level of consistency with the development needs of the recipient countries and highly satisfactory level of consistency with the needs of volunteer applicants and relevant Japanese organizations. Furthermore, it has a highly satisfactory level of consistency with global issues, and a comparative advantage not seen in similar programs in other countries and organizations. The program received high marks for most of the evaluation items.
(2) Effectiveness of Results (Evaluation = B: Satisfactory)
A review of volunteer dispatching during the evaluation period found that results are steadily produced, with a highly satisfactory level of effectiveness. Although individual cases vary widely, individual volunteer activity outcomes are judged to be for the most part, satisfactory. It is difficult to set quantitative indicators for the overall benefits of the JICA Volunteer Program. However, these are also judged to be for the most part, satisfactory.
(3) Appropriateness of Processes (Evaluation = A: Highly Satisfactory)
The methods used in the JICA Volunteer Program are regularly reviewed. Revisions are implemented and improvements are made as needed. Monitoring of individual volunteer activities/outcomes is also conducted. Through this, many improvements to the JICA Volunteer Program have been made. Since it is likely that improvements are being made continuously, the appropriateness of program implementation and improved processes can be evaluated as highly satisfactory. In terms of program management, information is shared and responsible officials for activities are clearly identified. Partnerships with Japanese organizations are also proactively promoted. Thus, the appropriateness of the program implementation framework, as well as cooperation and coordination with relevant agencies is highly satisfactory. Furthermore, in light of the specific nature of the program, in that it consists of voluntary participation by Japanese citizens, the appropriateness of the disclosure and transmission of information, which is conducted proactively, can also be evaluated as highly satisfactory.
2 Evaluation from Diplomatic Viewpoints
Due to the clear positioning in Japan’s diplomacy and the role of volunteers as “grassroots diplomats,” the diplomatic importance of the program is very high. The diplomatic impact (in terms of bilateral relations) is also very high, as the program is highly regarded by the dispatch destination countries, with official commendations having been awarded. Additionally, as seen from the outpouring of large donations from these countries after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the diplomatic impact (in terms of Japan’s position in the international community) is very large.
Recommendations
1 Recommendations on program design and management
(1) The program should continue to be implemented in the future, upon changing the “volunteer” title, which evokes the image of a “free labor force,” as well as correcting the division between “youth” and “senior” participants. Additionally, in light of their role as “grassroots diplomats,” necessary knowledge and communication skills must be imparted on volunteers.
(2) The position of the program should be clarified in country assistance policies and rolling plans in the longer term. New occupational categories should be set and group dispatches should be increased. Partnerships with universities, private companies, and local governments should also be expanded.
(3) Due to the difficulty into setting quantitative indicators, it is necessary to further assess clear needs, expand the scope of needs hearings, develop systems for archiving and sharing information with predecessor volunteers, strengthen public relations, and develop/disseminate techniques for quantitative monitoring and evaluation.
2 Recommendations specific to the Nikkei Communities Volunteer Program
Efforts should be made to strengthen training on the principles of Nikkei community support, expand the volunteer application requirements to include Nikkei (emigrants of Japanese descent), strengthen participation in various activities in the dispatch destination countries, expand support in Nikkei communities, as well improve name recognition for Volunteers for Nikkei Communities among the people of Japan.
3 Recommendations on treatment, respect, life planning, and support systems by stakeholders
While also making the stable employment of JICA Volunteer Coordinators a reality, the support for JICA volunteers after their return to Japan should be expanded in terms of the respect extended to them, their treatment after their period of dispatch ends, and in clear life planning.
4 Recommendations on support systems by stakeholders apart from MOFA and JICA
The Global Compact framework is an initiative that encourages companies to demonstrate responsible and innovative leadership to achieve sustainable growth. Using this concept, companies must make proactive efforts in their hiring activities; other stakeholders should also expand their support systems.