Since the release of the PEFA 2016 framework on February 1, 2016 the PEFA Secretariat has been developing and upgrading a range of guidance materials to support users and other stakeholders in the application of the framework. The guidance materials are being progressively published on the PEFA website as they are completed and we invite users to visit the PEFA website regularly to see the most recent list of the upgraded guidance.

The following guidance materials have already been published online:

  • General frequently asked questions (FAQ) that address the most common issues raised by users in planning, managing and implementing PEFA assessments in the transition to PEFA 2016 framework. This set of FAQ will be regularly updated to reflect new questions or issues as they emerge.
  • PEFA assessment cycle overview: 10 steps for planning, implementing and using PEFA. The guidance explains the basic phases and steps in a standard PEFA assessment process and provides a chronological checklist of what to do and when to do it. It is aimed at all users who are involved, or expecting to be involved, in a PEFA assessment.
  • Guidance on reporting performance changes in PEFA 2016 from previous assessments that applied PEFA 2005 or PEFA 2011 provides details on how to monitor performance changes from previous assessments that have applied earlier versions of PEFA methodology and is only relevant where users want to make a direct comparison with indicators used in a previous assessment. It does not apply to new, baseline assessments using PEFA 2016, and is not relevant when countries decide that they do not want a direct comparison with a previous assessment, even where one exists.
  • Guidance on aligning PEFA testing version assessments with PEFA 2016. This guidance provides details on how testing version assessments can be aligned with PEFA 2016. The guidance includes options for aligning the testing version with PEFA 2016 (which will vary depending on whether or not the reports have been finalized) and provides an estimate of the additional resources required.
  • Template and guidance for the preparation of a PEFA assessment Concept Note or Terms of Reference (CN/TOR). This guidance provides an outline of the key areas a CN/TOR would need to address for a well-prepared and implemented assessment process, noting that the content should be adapted to the needs of the government or assessment sponsors as necessary.