Why is DARA needed?
How does DARA work?
Where does DARA work?
What is DARA's experience?
How is DARA funded?

Why is DARA needed?
DARA contributes to global efforts of alleviating human suffering and reducing poverty by promoting a culture of evaluation and learning in the fields of humanitarian action and international development. DARA was established to assess impact, add value and make specific recommendations for changes in policies and practices. At the core of DARA’s efforts is its belief that positive change can take place in the world if we see, learn and do the right thing in the right way.

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How does DARA work?
DARA starts from the principle that all evaluations should add value, have a clear impact and promote change. We use the lessons learnt from our evaluations to identify gaps in the system that require further action, and develop appropriate, self-initiated projects to answer this need. For example, to improve humanitarian action and address the issue of donor accountability, DARA has developed the Humanitarian Response Index, and to improve we have developed the Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative. DARA works with highly skilled professionals who have held senior positions in post-conflict and emergency situations and who have significant experience in the development and humanitarian sectors. The organisation serves a broad range of commissioners from both the public and private sectors, including international organisations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, and non-governmental organisations.

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Where does DARA work?
DARA is based in Madrid and in Washington D.C., but works in developing countries, conflict areas, and wherever action is needed. In all, DARA has carried out evaluations in more than 40 countries across five continents for a variety of organisations including UN agencies, the International Red Cross Movement, the European Commission, governments and non-governmental organisations.

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What is DARA's experience?
Since its inception, DARA has acquired extensive experience in the evaluation of development and humanitarian action projects. This has enabled us to work for the United Nations, the European Commission, the Spanish Agency for International Co-operation, and several non-governmental organisations. Perhaps the most significant of DARA’s evaluations and studies was our participation in the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition in 2006. DARA was the only Spanish organisation to be involved in this process. Our creation of the Humanitarian Response Index, whose methodology included conducting more than 2,000 surveys in the field and in headquarters, is another important initiative. Through the Index, DARA has contributed to raising awareness of the Principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship in very diverse fields. DARA is a full member of ALNAP (Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action) and works with highly skilled professionals.

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How is DARA funded?
DARA is a non-profit organization which receives funding from a variety of sources such as Evaluation and Technical Assistance services provided to external organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), etc.; grants from bilateral and multilateral agencies including the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), and  the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and private funding from individuals and foundations (AVINA Foundation, Agility, Concordia 21). The income from its work means that DARA can move towards becoming economically sustainable, as well as financing other activities that would not themselves be profitable, such as research projects, and the publication, circulation and translation of reports, guides and manuals related to the evaluation of development and humanitarian aid.

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