Make informed decisions, improve development program effectiveness, and demonstrate impact!
This course addresses the unique needs of professionals working (and getting started) in nonprofit organizations, NGOs, public sector agencies, and community-based organizations by equipping them with the essential tools and frameworks to design, implement, and utilize MEL systems for impactful development projects. Master core MEL principles and enhance your ability to learn from project experiences.
- 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.
- Course content is relatable, practical and applicable in the African context
- Download practical tools and templates for use in real-world NGO environment
- Test your understanding with end-of-lesson quizzes and instructor-marked assignments
- Lifetime access (+ FREE future updates)
- Learn from anywhere, anytime on mobile, tablet or PC
- No enrollment requirements
- Accredited, shareable & e-verifiable certificate
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.
Johnstone Gichoria has over 10 years of experience in the NGO and development sector. He’s currently serving as the Country Director at Camara Education Kenya, providing strategic direction, team leadership, project and operations management, fundraising & partnerships, and financial oversight, among other key duties. He previously worked for Strathmore University Business School (Program Manager, Financial Journalism Program in Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies & Ford Foundation), Squid Kenya (Regional Project Manager, iMlango Project supported by UKAID), and Worldwide Fund for Nature (Education for Sustainable Development project), among others. He has also taught at local universities, consulted for various NGOs, and served in County Government.
Johnstone is an iLead Fellow and holds a Master of Science in Project Management. He is passionate about developing others and enjoys learning and unlearning.
The course is organized into modules, lessons and topics (scroll down to see full course outline).
Contents include notes, videos, quizzes, social-learning powered discussions, real-time polls, and assignments.
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.
Get Started Get Started
Learn from anywhere, anytime on PC or Mobile
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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limited slots available for the upcoming intake