By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of monitoring and evaluation
• Explain the context of monitoring and evaluation in the public sector
• Develop skills to design results-based M&E frameworks and systems for public sector programs
• Learn to apply essential M&E methodologies and tools
• Describe the policy context of monitoring and evaluation
• Describe and explain the steps to establishing and institutionalizing a monitoring and evaluation system

Fundamentals of Monitoring and Evaluation

• Definition and purpose of monitoring and evaluation
• Differences between monitoring and evaluation
• Importance of M&E in the public sector

Context of Monitoring and Evaluation in the Public Sector

• Role of M&E in public sector management
• Historical evolution and current trends in public sector M&E
• Key stakeholders in public sector M&E
• Challenges and Opportunities in M&E in the public sector
• Ethical and cultural issues in public sector M&E

Results-Based Management (RBM) in the Public sector

• Principles of RBM
• RBM in the context of public sector management
• Overview of the RBM&E cycle
• Comparison of traditional M&E and RBM&E

Overview of M&E Frameworks

• Translating project goals and objectives into M&E frameworks
• Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame)
• Theory of Change
• Results Frameworks
• Incorporating cross-cutting themes into M&E frameworks

Evaluation Design, Methodologies & Methods

• Determining the goals, objectives and questions for monitoring and evaluation
• Programme logic
• Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods
• Evaluation criteria
• Evaluation Methodological Matrix
• Assessing value-for-money
• Data analysis and interpretation of data
• Synthesising findings and reaching conclusions about the findings
• Reporting and dissemination

Policy Context of Monitoring and Evaluation

• Policy frameworks supporting M&E
• Integration of M&E into policy cycles

Institutional and Policy Requirements for M&E

• Legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Institutional roles and responsibilities
• Building a culture of evidence-based decision making

Establishing and Institutionalizing M&E Systems

• Steps to Establish an M&E System
• Integrating M&E into organizational processes
• Building internal capacities for M&E
• Strategies for sustained M&E practices

This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including the following:

• Public sector professionals involved in policy and program implementation
• M&E practitioners and consultants
• Students and researchers interested in public sector management and evaluation

The Monitoring and Evaluation in the Public Sector Training Course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course employs a mix of methodologies including presentations, group exercises, case studies, and much more. Group work is an essential component of the course. The course is designed to be primarily workshop-based, in which participants can work through tasks and problems that mimic their daily activities. Instructors are there to facilitate the group work, addressing real-world concerns. 

At Virgon Africa, we believe in experiential learning. We value active participation in our courses through sharing experiences, ideas and practices.