In response to the increasing need for robust knowledge management strategies to navigate the growing volume of evaluative data on UNDP performance, the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) developed a programme performance rating system (hereafter 'rating system') for Independent Country Programme Evaluations (ICPEs). This system provides a structured approach to assessing the contribution of UNDP country programmes, enhancing the consistency, comparability, and synthesis of evaluation findings.

The rating system enables evaluation findings to be quantified and analyzed across internationally recognized evaluation criteria, supporting structured comparisons and deeper insights. Similar systems are widely used by multilateral development banks and international financial institutions (IFIs) in corporate evaluations. Within UNDP, rating systems have previously been applied selectively in global thematic evaluations and, at the country level, in decentralized Global Environment Facility evaluations.

First developed in 2021 and fully rolled out in 2022, the rating system is now an integral part of all ICPEs. Over the years, IEO has continuously refined the system based on evaluation findings and stakeholder feedback, enhancing its consistency and analytical depth.