Monitoring & Evaluation Of Social Protection Programs (advanced) Training Course

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of social development, rigorous Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is paramount for ensuring accountability, demonstrating impact, and continually improving the effectiveness of Social Protection Programs. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip M&E specialists, program managers, researchers, and policymakers with advanced methods for impact assessment and real-time monitoring of complex social protection interventions. Participants will gain a robust understanding of experimental and quasi-experimental designs, advanced statistical techniques, qualitative impact evaluation, process monitoring, and data utilization strategies, enabling them to generate credible evidence and drive data-informed decision-making. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, real-world case studies, and practical exercises pertinent to the dynamic social development landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, and across the African continent, empowering you to conduct high-quality M&E.

This social protection impact evaluation course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya and across Africa striving to move beyond basic M&E, enhance their analytical capabilities, and provide robust evidence of program effectiveness and value for money. Mastering advanced econometric techniques for evaluation, implementing real-time monitoring dashboards, and understanding mixed-methods approaches to social protection M&E are indispensable for identifying what works, for whom, and why, optimizing resource allocation, and advocating for sustainable policy reforms. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in evidence-based social protection and advanced program evaluation, positioning your organization at the forefront of demonstrating tangible social impact and driving transformative human development across the region.

Target Audience

• M&E Specialists & Practitioners
• Social Protection Program Managers
• Data Analysts & Researchers
• Government Officials (Planning, Treasury, Social Affairs)
• UN Agency & NGO M&E Staff
• Academia & Students (Economics, Public Policy, Statistics)
• Consultants in Development Evaluation

Course Objectives

• Understand advanced M&E frameworks and their application to complex social protection programs.
• Master the principles and methodologies of rigorous impact evaluation (experimental & quasi-experimental).
• Learn advanced statistical techniques for analyzing social protection data and estimating causal effects.
• Develop proficiency in designing and implementing robust real-time monitoring systems.
• Explore qualitative methods for understanding the "how" and "why" of program impact.
• Understand data quality assurance, management, and ethical considerations in advanced M&E.
• Apply practical tools and software for social protection data analysis and visualization.
• Learn to effectively communicate complex M&E findings to diverse audiences.
• Identify challenges in M&E for social protection in fragile and humanitarian contexts.
• Develop strategies for fostering a culture of learning and adaptive management from M&E findings.
• Explore the use of big data and emerging technologies in social protection M&E.
• Drive enhanced accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making in social protection.
• Position yourself as an expert in advanced M&E for social protection and development.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Advanced M&E Frameworks for Social Protection

• Beyond basic M&E: results frameworks, logical frameworks, and theories of change for complex programs
• Distinguishing between process, outcome, and impact evaluation
• The role of M&E in adaptive management and learning-by-doing
• Linking M&E to social protection program cycles and policy reforms
• Case studies of advanced M&E practices in social protection from diverse contexts

Module 2: Experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation

• Principles of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in social protection
• Designing and implementing RCTs: ethical considerations, randomization methods
• Practical challenges and limitations of RCTs in real-world settings
• Sample size calculations and power analysis for RCTs
• Interpreting and communicating RCT findings for policy

Module 3: Quasi-Experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation

• Introduction to quasi-experimental methods when randomization isn't feasible
• Difference-in-Differences (DiD): assumptions and application
• Propensity Score Matching (PSM): methodology and limitations
• Regression Discontinuity Designs (RDD): principles and requirements
• Instrumental Variables (IV) and other advanced methods (conceptual overview)

Module 4: Advanced Data Collection, Management & Analytics

• Designing advanced survey instruments for impact evaluation
• Leveraging administrative data for M&E: opportunities and challenges
• Data quality assurance, cleaning, and validation techniques
• Introduction to statistical software for advanced analysis (e.g., Stata, R, Python basics)
• Advanced data visualization for complex M&E findings

Module 5: Real-Time Monitoring and Digital Solutions

• Principles of real-time monitoring (RTM) and its role in adaptive social protection
• Designing RTM frameworks and key indicators
• Leveraging digital tools: mobile data collection, dashboards, GIS mapping
• Early warning systems and anomaly detection in RTM data
• Using RTM data for rapid feedback and course correction

Module 6: Qualitative Impact Evaluation & Mixed Methods

• The importance of qualitative methods in understanding "how" and "why" impact occurs
• Qualitative data collection techniques (e.g., FGDs, KIIs, case studies)
• Qualitative data analysis methods (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis)
• Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed-methods approaches)
• Ethical considerations in qualitative research with vulnerable populations

Module 7: Utilization, Reporting, and Institutionalizing M&E

• Strategies for effectively communicating M&E findings to policymakers and stakeholders
• Designing compelling M&E reports, policy briefs, and presentations
• Fostering a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making within organizations
• Institutionalizing M&E systems within government and implementing agencies
• Building M&E capacity and quality assurance in social protection programs

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.