Evaluations

Islamic Relief Worldwide is pleased to publish its project evaluation reports online in order to communicate the impact of its programmes to the public, and to share learning. We hope that doing so will contribute towards our goal of being more transparent and contributing to learning across the humanitarian and development sector.

Some caution should be exercised in citing from these reports, as they pro vide a snapshot covering specific issues rather than necessarily a full picture, but we hope our donors and the wider public will find them useful nonetheless. The reports will be added periodically, and so this section of our website will develop as we progress further.

Disclaimer: The content of these reports reflects the views, interpretations or opinions of the authors or consultants responsible for them. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Islamic Relief Worldwide, our funders, supporters or partners.

evaluations

2023

Final Evaluation – Global Hunger Prevention & Response Programme.

“The opinions expressed are those of the evaluation team, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Islamic Relief. Responsibility for the opinions expressed in this report rests solely with the authors. Publication of this” document does not imply endorsement by Islamic Relief of the opinions expressed.”

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2022

Final Evaluation Islamic Relief Worldwide Yemen Response and Recovery Programme 2019 - 2022

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Support to Agriculture Based Livelihood in Turkey - Final Evaluation

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Final evaluation for the “Emergency health care service provision for Syrian refugees in Jordan”, 2021

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Desk review and mapping of IRW’s WASH programme effectiveness and sustainability (2017-2021)Islamic Relief Worldwide

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2021

Islamic Relief’s Global Covid-19 Response & Recovery Programme 2020/21

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2020

evaluations

Endline Evaluation Alternative Orphans & Widows Family Livelihood (ALO) Project

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evaluations

Real-Time Evaluation (RTE) of Sulawesi Indonesia earthquake and tsunami

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evaluations

End Line Evaluation Report of Home Based Education for Women in Afghanistan (HBEWA)mi

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2019

Evaluation of Rural Integrated Development in Somaliland

The project evaluated is Rural Integrated Development in Somaliland implemented in the Dacarbudhuq and Abdaal districts. The project aim was to reduce rural poverty, contribute to Somalia/Somaliland’s national development plans and sustainable development goals. The target beneficiaries were 6955 households, most of whom were deemed vulnerable when the project commenced.

The overall purpose of this final evaluation is “to document and inform the stakeholders (donors, partners and beneficiaries) of the project’s relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, the potential impact in relation to project outcomes and the lessons learned, disaggregated by age and gender.”

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2017

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Evaluation of Phases 1 and 2 of the East Africa Crisis Appeal, Somalia, 2017

This document is the evaluation report for Phases 1 and 2 of the ‘East Africa Crisis Appeal, Somalia, 2017’, commissioned by IRW.

The purpose of evaluating this DEC funded project is to conduct “a systematic and impartial examination of humanitarian action intended to draw lessons to improve policy and practice and enhance accountability.” (ALNAP EHA Guide, 2005).

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Independent Evaluation of Nepal Earthquake Response

The devastating earthquakes of April-May 2015 in Nepal triggered a massive humanitarian response under the leadership of the Government of Nepal (GoN). Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) mobilised fast and launched relief operations within 24 hours of the disaster, with funding from its partners and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC, UK). After the relief phase (first six months), IRW launched an 18-month recovery and reconstruction programme with funding from the DEC in one district, namely Rasuwa. The response during this phase focused on three outcomes, namely:

  1. Increased access to disaster resilient permanent housing;
  2. Increased access of affected households to safe water and proper sanitation;
  3. Improved access to livelihoods opportunities for vulnerable women.
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As the project came to an end in April 2017, IRW commissioned this independent evaluation to assess overall performance of the project with reference to the outcomes and outputs, as well as draw lessons for future programme. The evaluation used the internationally accepted (OECD/ DAC) evaluation criteria for evaluating humanitarian action, and examined the quality of interventions, as well as aspects of accountability as per Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS).

2016

Sustainable Initiatives for Relief & Transformation – Impact Assessment & Evaluation, Pakistan, 2016

This report documents the findings from the evaluation of the Sustainable Initiatives for Relief & Transformation (SIRAT) project. IRP implemented this project in two areas of Pakistan; namely Baluchistan and Sindh. Both are amongst the most deprived and calamity hit provinces of the country. The SIRAT project aimed to build the resilience of the targeted communities through social mobilisation. This project also focused on the provision of diversified portfolio of disaster resilient livelihoods, access to clean water, and in community development and advocacy.

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new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director Of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Board of Directors
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 20 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.