About the Course
This course equips development professionals, project managers, and organizational leaders with
the knowledge and skills to design and implement robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning
systems. Participants will develop the ability to track project progress, assess outcomes and
impact, and use evidence to improve program quality and accountability.
The course emphasizes learning as an integral part of the MEL cycle, enabling organizations to
adapt, improve, and demonstrate results to stakeholders and funders.
Target Participants
-
● MEL officers and managers
-
● Programme and project managers in the development sector
-
● NGO and civil society organisation staff
-
● Government programme officers
-
● Donor and funding agency professionals
-
● Researchers and evaluation consultants
What You Will Learn
-
● Understand the principles and purpose of MEL in project and programme management
-
● Design a comprehensive MEL framework and plan
-
● Develop theories of change and results frameworks
-
● Select appropriate indicators and data collection methods
-
● Implement monitoring systems and tools
-
● Plan and conduct evaluations at different stages
-
● Analyse and interpret monitoring and evaluation data
-
● Use evidence for decision-making and programme adaptation
-
● Produce high-quality MEL reports for stakeholders
-
● Build organisational learning and adaptive management capacity
Course Duration
-
● Face-to-face workshops: 5 days
-
● Virtual Training: 7 days
-
● LMS: Self-paced learning
Course Outline
Foundations of MEL
-
● What is MEL and why it matters
-
● The MEL cycle and its components
-
● Monitoring vs. evaluation vs. learning
-
● MEL in the project and programme management context
-
● Donor and accountability requirements for MEL
Theory of Change and Results Frameworks
-
● Developing a theory of change
-
● Results chains: inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact
-
● Logical framework (LogFrame) overview
-
● Results-based management principles
-
● Linking MEL to programme design
Indicator Development and Data Collection
-
● Selecting SMART indicators
-
● Output, outcome, and impact indicators
-
● Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods
-
● Designing data collection tools: surveys, interviews, and observation guides
-
● Sampling methodologies and data quality assurance
Monitoring Systems and Implementation
-
● Designing a monitoring plan and data flow
-
● Setting up data management systems
-
● Routine data collection and reporting
-
● Data verification and validation processes
-
● Using technology for monitoring: mobile data collection and dashboards
Evaluation Design and Conduct
-
● Types of evaluation: formative, summative, and impact
-
● Evaluation frameworks and methodologies
-
● Participatory and mixed-methods evaluation approaches
-
● Conducting key informant interviews and focus group discussions
-
● Ethical considerations in evaluation
Learning, Reporting, and Adaptive Management
-
● Analysing and interpreting MEL data
-
● Translating findings into actionable recommendations
-
● Writing MEL reports for different audiences
-
● Facilitating learning events and after-action reviews
-
● Building a culture of learning and adaptive management
Training Approach
This course will be delivered through a coaching-first approach that goes beyond traditional
instruction. Whether in our Nairobi classroom, live virtual cohorts, or through our White Label
LMS, participants engage in a safe and nonjudgmental learning environment designed for
meaningful transformation.
We focus on the individual behind the professional title, connecting with the heart before
training the mind. This approach encourages reflection, practical application, and deeper
engagement, ensuring that learning is not only understood but also internalized and applied with
confidence.
Certification
Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course, recognizing their
knowledge and practical competence.
Customized Training Solutions
This course can also be delivered as a tailor-made program, designed to address the specific
needs, priorities, and operational challenges of your organization.
