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

• Explain the principles and good practices of M&E function at different levels in organisations
• Differentiate between monitoring functions and evaluation functions in intervention management
• Explain the centrality of indictors in program design and achievement of results
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct baseline studies
• Develop and implement a MEAL Plan
• Design and manage development interventions using relevant MEAL Frameworks
• Design and conduct MEAL studies guided by robust research methods and approaches
• Demonstrate ability to prepare Terms of Reference for a MEAL activity

Principles and Concepts of Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Differences between Monitoring and Evaluation
• Types and Forms of Evaluation
• OECD/DAC Evaluation Criteria
• Evaluation Methodological Matrix

Project Indicators, Baselines and Targets

• Introduction to indicators
• Indicator development
• Indicator Matrix
• Linking Indicators to MEAL Frameworks
• Conducting a baseline study
• Baseline study report
• Reconstructing baselines
• Performance targets

Logic models in designing MEAL for projects

• Logical Framework Approach
• Theory of Change
• Results Framework

MEAL Plan

• Overview of a MEAL system
• Designing a MEAL Plan
• Outline of a MEAL Plan
• Criteria for assessing quality of a MEAL Plan

Data Management in MEAL

• Data Collection, Analysis and Presentation Techniques
• Writing MEAL Reports
• Disseminating MEAL Results
• Utilization of MEAL Results
• Data quality assurance
• Ethical Issues in MEAL

Terms of Reference (ToR) for MEAL activity

• Designing ToR for MEAL activity
• Content/components of the ToR

Accountability in MEAL

• Transparency and accountability as critical principles in M&E
• Upwards accountability
• Downwards accountability
• Horizontal accountability
• Self-accountability

Learning in MEAL

• M&E for learning and performance improvement
• Designing a Learning Agenda (learning questions, learning activities, learning products)
• Learning and adaptive management
• Knowledge harvesting and management for organizational learning
• Institutionalization of the learning process

This training course is designed for project staff, development practitioners, managers, and decision-makers who are responsible for the planning and management of development interventions. These may include, but not limited to the following;

• Project staff in NGOs and community-based organisations
• Project staff in Local Governments, Ministries, Departments and Authorities (MDAs)
• Project staff and management in consultancies and other private sector businesses
• Programme managers who are interested in developing an understanding of the current issues in M&E, and conceptual skills for managing M&E processes

The MEAL training Course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of methodologies such as role play, case studies, lectures, group work, and much more.

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