A well-prepared budget and secured funding ensures that all assessment activities are adequately resourced and that financial planning supports timely and effective implementation.
Purpose of the Assessment Budget
A clear and realistic budget is essential for:
Ensuring all assessment activities are feasible and properly resourced
Facilitating timely procurement and contracting
Supporting transparent financial management and reporting
Enabling effective coordination with partners and donors
Key Elements of an Assessment Budget
A typical assessment budget should include:
Personnel costs: Salaries, per diems, and allowances for staff, enumerators, trainers, and consultants
Training costs: Venue, materials, trainers’ fees, and participant expenses
Data collection costs: Transport, accommodation, equipment (e.g., tablets), and supplies
Contractual services: Payments to partner organizations, third-party service providers, and translators
Data processing and analysis: Software, data entry, and analyst fees
Reporting and dissemination: Printing, translation, and communication costs
Contingency: Allowance for unforeseen expenses
Budgeting Process
When preparing an assessment budget:
Review the assessment timeline and workplan to identify all activities requiring funding
Consult with technical and finance colleagues to ensure cost estimates are realistic
Coordinate with partners to clarify cost-sharing arrangements
Build in flexibility for potential changes in scope or timing
Resources
The CFSVA Guideline includes detailed guidance on budgeting for large-scale assessments
Budget template for a simple, smaller assessment
Example of a budget for a comprehensive, large-scale assessment (coming soon)
For more information, please contact the Assessments and Targeting Unit in HQ VAM at global.assessmentandtargeting@wfp.org.