In the complex and often dangerous environments of fragility, conflict, and stabilization, traditional M&E methods are not only ineffective but can also put people at risk. This training course is designed to empower M&E and humanitarian professionals with a specialized set of skills to operate in these challenging contexts. By adopting a conflict-sensitive and adaptive approach, participants will learn how to design monitoring systems that are flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing dynamics, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also "do no harm" and contribute to long-term stability.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for navigating the unique challenges of M&E in high-risk environments. Participants will gain skills in everything from conducting remote monitoring and third-party verification to managing sensitive data and ensuring the safety of their teams. The course is a strategic investment for organizations committed to accountability and learning in the most difficult contexts, ensuring that their work is a force for positive change and peacebuilding.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Peacebuilding Practitioners
• Program and Project Managers
• Researchers
• Government Officials
• Civil Society Leaders
• Consultants
• Security and Risk Managers
• Public Health Practitioners

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of M&E in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
• Master the process of designing a conflict-sensitive M&E framework.
• Learn how to select and measure key indicators in a dynamic environment.
• Develop a data collection and analysis plan for rapidly changing contexts.
• Integrate remote and third-party monitoring into an M&E system.
• 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 contexts.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to M&E in FCS Settings

• The difference between development and humanitarian M&E
• Defining Fragility, Conflict, and Stabilization (FCS)
• The importance of a conflict-sensitive approach
• An overview of the M&E workflow in an FCS context
• Key challenges in monitoring a stabilization program

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for FCS

• Understanding the context and its impact on M&E
• The role of a program's theory of change in a conflict
• The importance of a "Do No Harm" principle
• The difference between a real-time evaluation and a traditional evaluation
• The importance of a clear and focused scope

Module 3: Conflict-Sensitive M&E Design

• The importance of a clear and focused framework
• The role of a conflict analysis in M&E design
• Integrating a gender and protection analysis
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The use of a simple and sustainable system

Module 4: Remote Monitoring Techniques

• The importance of a remote monitoring strategy
• The use of mobile data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox)
• The role of a third-party monitoring in inaccessible areas
• The use of phone interviews and remote focus group discussions
• Best practices for ensuring data accuracy and reliability

Module 5: Third-Party Verification

• The importance of a third-party verification strategy
• The role of a third-party monitor in a high-risk environment
• Best practices for designing a verification checklist
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Case studies on effective third-party monitoring

Module 6: Data Collection and Security

• The importance of a clear and secure data collection protocol
• The role of an encrypted mobile data collection app
• The use of a simple and secure database
• The importance of a data backup and recovery plan
• Protocols for handling sensitive and potentially harmful data

Module 7: 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 a conflict-sensitive perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

Module 8: 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 9: Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

• The core principles of AAP
• The role of a community feedback mechanism
• The importance of a complaints and response system
• The role of a beneficiary satisfaction survey
• Best practices for closing the feedback loop

Module 10: Mainstreaming M&E for FCS

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

Module 11: M&E for a Diverse FCS Sector

• M&E for WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) projects
• M&E for peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• M&E for protection and gender-based violence (GBV)
• M&E for livelihoods and food security
• M&E for governance and stabilization

Module 12: CBM and FCS M&E

• The potential of community-based monitoring
• 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 13: The Role of the M&E Professional

• Shifting from a technician to a facilitator
• The skills required for an FCS 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 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 FCS data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on framework design

Module 15: The Future of FCS 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.