The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has a central role in ensuring the independent evaluation function within the GEF. The Office pursues the goals of improved accountability and learning through the following functions:

The IEO was established by the Council Decision in July 2003. The Office is independent from the policy-making, the delivery, and management of assistance in the GEF. The IEO Director is accountable directly to the GEF Council for the work of the Office and reports directly to the Council.

The Office is responsible for undertaking independent evaluations that involve a set of projects and programs from more than one GEF Agency. These evaluations are typically at the strategic level, on focal areas, or on cross-cutting themes. Institutional evaluations, such as assessing the resource allocation mechanism, or governance, are also undertaken.

Within the GEF, IEO facilitates cooperation on evaluation issues with professional evaluation networks, with respect to adopting evaluation guidelines and processes consistent with international good practices. The Office also collaborates with the broader global environment community to remain on the cutting-edge of emerging and innovative methodologies.