Open data projects are fundamentally different from traditional development initiatives. Their success is not just about releasing data; it's about whether that data is actually used to create social and economic value, inform policy, and hold institutions accountable. This shift in focus from output to outcome presents a unique and complex challenge for M&E professionals. This training course is designed to empower participants to master specialized methodologies for monitoring open data projects. By learning how to track data downloads, analyze user behavior, and measure the behavioral changes that result from data use, they will ensure that open data initiatives are not just an exercise in transparency but a genuine force for impact.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for designing and implementing M&E frameworks that are fit for the digital age. Participants will gain skills in everything from designing data quality protocols and using web analytics to tracking the policy shifts and citizen actions that result from data use. The course is a strategic investment for any organization committed to building a robust evidence base for its work, ensuring their projects are a force for positive change in a world that needs it most.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Data Journalists
• Civic Tech Developers
• Public Policy Analysts
• Researchers
• Civil Society Leaders
• Government Officials
• Consultants
• Strategic Planners
• Grant Managers

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of open data and its relevance to M&E.
• Master the process of designing an M&E framework for an open data project.
• Learn how to select and measure key indicators of data use and impact.
• Develop a data collection and analysis plan for open data.
• Integrate ethical considerations and safety protocols.
• Build a more participatory and inclusive approach to monitoring.
• Communicate findings to different audiences while managing risk.
• Ensure ethical considerations and safety protocols in data collection.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptive management.
• Apply M&E techniques to a wide range of sectors.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Open Data M&E

• The limitations of traditional M&E
• Defining open data and its purpose
• The business case for an open data approach
• An overview of the M&E workflow
• The difference between an output and a data use outcome

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for Open Data

• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Understanding the context and its impact on the project
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The importance of a clear and testable hypothesis
• An overview of the data-to-dashboard workflow

Module 3: Designing an Open Data Framework

• The importance of a clear and focused framework
• The role of a "digital" framework
• Integrating a gender and social inclusion analysis
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Case studies on effective framework design

Module 4: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• The difference between an output, an outcome, and an impact
• The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Practical labs on a basic performance measurement tool
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 5: Data Collection and Security

• The importance of a clear and secure data collection protocol
• The use of a simple survey and an interview
• The role of a data management system (e.g., Salesforce, SAP)
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Protocols for handling sensitive and confidential data

Module 6: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• The importance of a clear data analysis plan
• Using simple statistical analysis for quantitative data
• The role of qualitative data analysis methods
• Interpreting findings from an open data perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

Module 7: The Art of Storytelling with Data

• The difference between a simple visual and a data story
• The importance of a clear and compelling narrative
• Using dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights
• The role of a "data story map"
• Practical labs on building a data story

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Safety

• The importance of a "do no harm" approach
• Ensuring the safety and privacy of participants
• The role of informed consent in a crisis
• The importance of a community-led ethical review process
• Protocols for handling sensitive and potentially harmful data

Module 9: M&E for a Diverse Audience

• The importance of knowing your audience
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Designing reports and dashboards for non-technical audiences
• The importance of accessibility and inclusivity
• Case studies on communicating with different audiences

Module 10: Mainstreaming M&E

• How to integrate M&E into the project cycle
• The importance of a phased implementation strategy
• The role of M&E in the project cycle
• Building a culture of adaptive management
• Case studies on successful integration

Module 11: M&E for a Diverse Sector

• M&E for a technology project
• M&E for a social enterprise
• M&E for a humanitarian project
• M&E for a climate action project
• M&E for a governance project

Module 12: The Role of the M&E Professional

• Shifting from a technician to a facilitator
• The skills required for an M&E professional
• Managing power dynamics and group conflicts
• The importance of a non-judgmental and empathetic approach
• The ethical responsibilities of the M&E professional

Module 13: CBM and Open Data

• The potential of community-based monitoring with a focus on open data
• Training community members as monitors
• The importance of a participatory approach
• The role of a feedback mechanism for continuous learning
• The long-term benefits of a community-led system

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of a real-world project
• Participants work in teams to design an M&E framework
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting a set of data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on framework design

Module 15: The Future of M&E

• The role of AI and machine learning in automated analysis
• The potential of blockchain for data integrity
• The use of new data sources (e.g., satellite imagery)
• The rise of complexity-aware M&E
• The long-term implications for the sector

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.