Make informed decisions, improve development program effectiveness, and demonstrate impact! This course equips you with the essential tools and frameworks to design, implement, and utilize MEL systems for impactful development projects. Master core MEL principles, strengthen your data analysis skills, and enhance your ability to learn from project experiences. This course is designed for development practitioners in government, NGOs, and other organizations focused on creating positive social change.
Whether you are currently involved in projects or aiming for a project/program management role, this program is your gateway to mastering the intricacies of MEL practices.Â
Why Choose Our MEL Course:
Tailored for Impact: Designed to address the unique needs of professionals working in nonprofit organizations, NGOs, public sector agencies, and community-based organizations.
Practical Application:Â Acquire up-to-date and practical skills to apply monitoring, evaluation, and learning principles in real-world projects.
Self-Paced Flexibility: This course is fully online and self-paced (learn anytime, anywhere on your mobile, tablet or PC). Because of the level of detail, it takes at least 4 weeks to complete. Our self-paced format allows you to balance learning with your busy schedule. Take control of your educational journey and apply what you learn directly to your projects.
- MEL Expertise: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning for Development principles and methodologies.
- Stronger MEL Systems: Develop the skills to design, implement, and refine MEL systems for effective program management.
- Data-Driven Development: Enhance your ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform program decision-making and improve development outcomes.
- Demonstrate Impact: Learn to effectively measure and communicate the impact of development programs to stakeholders and funders.
- Promote Continuous Learning: Foster a culture of learning within your organization by leveraging MEL for ongoing program improvement.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of MEL principles and practical applications for development professionals:
Key Content Areas:
 Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Fundamentals:
- The MEL Landscape: Explore the core principles and purposes of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) in the development sector.
- The M&E Lifecycle: Understand the cyclical nature of M&E, encompassing planning, implementation, analysis, reporting, and utilization of data for program improvement.
- Introduction to Key M&E Frameworks: Gain an understanding of prominent MEL frameworks (e.g., Results Based Management, Results Chain, Logical Framework, Theory of Change) used for development program design and evaluation.Â
Designing M&E Systems for Development Programs
- Developing a Context-Specific M&E Plan: Craft a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan that aligns with your program’s objectives, target audience, and the development context.
- Formulating SMART Indicators: Develop clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators to track program progress and effectiveness.
- Data Collection Strategies: Select appropriate data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, etc.) tailored to your program and target population.
- Data Management for Development Projects: Establish robust data collection tools and data management strategies to ensure data quality and accessibility for analysis.
 Implementing M&E Systems & Collecting Data
- Putting Your Plan into Action: Implement your M&E plan through effective data collection procedures, ensuring data accuracy and ethical considerations.
- Data Quality Assurance: Develop and implement quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of collected data.
- Monitoring Program Performance: Utilize data visualization tools to effectively present monitoring data and track program progress towards achieving objectives.
Evaluating Program Impact & Promoting Learning
- Evaluation Methodologies for Development Programs: Explore various evaluation methodologies to assess program impact and effectiveness.
- Data Analysis, Interpretation & Presentation: Learn basic data analysis techniques to extract insights from M&E data and identify areas for program improvement, and best practices for presenting data/findings.
- Promoting a Culture of Learning: Foster a learning environment within your program, using M&E findings to inform program adaptations and future iterations.
Reporting M&E Results & Ensuring Accountability
- Developing Clear and Compelling Reports: Learn to craft clear, concise, and compelling reports that effectively communicate program progress, results, and lessons learned to stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Communication & Engagement: Develop effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders and ensure M&E findings are utilized for program improvement and future planning.
- Ensuring Transparency & Accountability: Demonstrate program impact and accountability to donors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
Course Outline:
- The course is organized into modules, lessons and topics (scroll down to see full outline).
- Contents include notes, videos, quizzes, social-learning powered discussions, real-time polls, and assignments.
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals working in the development sector, including:
- Development Program/Project Managers
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists
- Program Officers
- Policy Analysts
- Researchers
- NGO and Civil Society Professionals
- And anyone seeking to strengthen their MEL skills for impactful development work.
This MEL course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and utilize M&E systems for effective development programming, fostering continuous learning and lasting positive change.
You will have access to pre-recorded lectures and readings covering each module’s material. These can be accessed anytime and can be paused, rewound, or reviewed as needed.
The learning takes place via our eLearning Platform (RizikiLMS). You will need an internet enabled device [PC/laptop/mobile] to access the materials and learn.
Yes. Contact us to discuss and agree on a workable payment plan.
To earn a certificate you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete [100%] of the self-study materials via RizikiLMS, and
- Attempt and pass all in-lesson/topic quizzes [with a 70% average pass mark].
Once the above criteria is met/fulfilled, an executive PDF certificate will be posted on your dashboard for downloading. A hard copy certificate can be provided at an extra fee.
Certification
Earn a credible credential shareable on LinkedIn and e-verifiable from anywhere, anytime. Our courses and programs are accredited by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Your Learning Path
discover the modules and milestones
Module 1: Foundations of Project Management
Learn and understand the fundamental principles of project management: key definitions, 3Ps, theory of constraints, PM knowledge areas, project cycle management, development projects, cross-cutting issues, desired competencies of a project manager, etc.
MONTH 1Module 2: Project Initiation & Design
Master the art of project initiation, from conducting needs assessments, identifying and analyzing risks, undertaking problem analysis, objectives analysis, strategy analysis, stakeholder analysis, developing a clear project logical framework to conducting a baseline survey. Explore design thinking techniques to ensure projects are tailored to the needs of the community.
MONTH 2Module 3: Project Planning
Learn the art of meticulous project planning, including how to develop a project plan [project management plan]. Learn how to develop the plans needed to guide the implementation phase including scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resource, communication, procurement, stakeholder, change, M&E, and sustainability management plans.
MONTH 3Module 4: Project Financing
Understand the principles of fundraising and proposal writing. Identify and explain various sources of funds for financing development projects. Explain various fundraising techniques [online and offline] and select the most feasible ones for your organization/project. Plan for and write (step-by-step) a compelling project proposal and submit it for review.
MONTH 4Module 5: Project Implementation
Transform plans into action with effective project execution. Dive into managing resources, monitoring progress, and navigating unexpected challenges. Explore adaptive management strategies for dynamic environments.
MONTH 5Module 6: Project Closure
Discover the critical steps to close a project successfully, including evaluating outcomes, capturing lessons learned, closing accounts, and transitioning project ownership. Explore strategies to ensure sustainability beyond project completion.
MONTH 6Testimonials
what our students are saying...
Meet your instructors
learn from qualified and experienced industry professionals
Johnstone Gichoria
Lead Instructor
MSc, Project Management. HoD, Business & Development Management, RizikiSkills.
Dr. Michael Jairos
Instructor
PhD, Economics. Lecturer, School of Economics, University of Nairobi. CEO, KIDA, County Government of Kirinyaga.
William Muriithi
Instructor
MSc, Project Management. Secretary General, Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM).
Eliud Njogu
Instructor
MSc, Public Policy & Management. Director, Support & Administration, Strathmore University Business School.
CPA Kennedy Njue
Instructor
CPAK,. MSc, Finance. Finance Manager, Smart Regional Consultants.
Julius Limbitu
Instructor
MA, Community Development. Lecturer, Daystar University. CEO, Evaluation Society of Kenya.
Alex Ngala
Instructor
MSc, Agriculture & Rural Development. M&E Officer, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevolkerung (DSW).
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