In the unpredictable and rapidly evolving world of humanitarian crises, traditional, slow-moving monitoring systems are often insufficient for delivering timely and effective aid. This training course is designed to empower M&E and humanitarian professionals with the specialized techniques needed for real-time humanitarian response monitoring. By shifting the focus from post-project evaluation to continuous, adaptive learning, participants will learn how to gather rapid, reliable data on the ground, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively, needs are met efficiently, and accountability is maintained to affected populations in the most challenging of circumstances.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for designing and implementing M&E frameworks that are uniquely suited to emergency and fragile contexts. Participants will gain skills in everything from remote data collection and satellite imagery analysis to the establishment of community feedback mechanisms and the ethical handling of sensitive data. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the speed, relevance, and overall impact of their humanitarian interventions, ensuring their work is a force for positive change in a world that needs it most.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Program and Project Managers
• Disaster Response Planners
• Information Management Officers
• Researchers
• Public Health Practitioners
• Government Officials
• Civil Society Leaders
• Consultants

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of humanitarian M&E.
• Master the process of designing a monitoring framework for emergencies.
• Learn how to select and measure key indicators in a crisis.
• Develop a data collection and analysis plan for rapidly changing contexts.
• Integrate remote monitoring and third-party monitoring into a system.
• Build a more participatory and inclusive approach to monitoring.
• Communicate findings to different audiences in real-time.
• Ensure ethical considerations and safety protocols in data collection.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptive management.
• Apply monitoring techniques to a wide range of humanitarian sectors.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Humanitarian M&E

• The Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC)
• The difference between monitoring and evaluation in a crisis
• Core humanitarian standards (CHS) and their relevance
• An overview of the M&E workflow in an emergency
• Key challenges in monitoring a humanitarian response

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for Emergencies

• Understanding the context and its impact on M&E
• The importance of a rapid needs assessment
• The role of a program's theory of change in a crisis
• The importance of a clear and focused scope
• The difference between a real-time evaluation and a regular evaluation

Module 3: Remote Monitoring Techniques

• The importance of a remote monitoring strategy
• Using mobile data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK)
• The role of 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 4: Geospatial Tools for M&E

• The use of GIS for mapping and visualization
• The role of satellite imagery for damage assessments
• Using drones for rapid post-disaster assessments
• Integrating geospatial data with other M&E data sources
• Practical labs on using GIS for humanitarian M&E

Module 5: Real-Time Data Collection

• The importance of a "live dashboard"
• The use of SMS-based surveys for rapid data collection
• The role of social media monitoring and sentiment analysis
• The importance of a clear and accessible feedback loop
• Case studies on real-time data collection

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 a humanitarian perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

Module 7: 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 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 for Emergencies

• How to integrate M&E into the emergency response plan
• 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 Humanitarian Sector

• M&E for WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) projects
• M&E for cash transfer programs
• M&E for protection and gender-based violence (GBV)
• M&E for health and nutrition programs
• M&E for food security and livelihoods

Module 12: CBM and Humanitarian 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 a humanitarian 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 humanitarian response
• Participants work in teams to design a monitoring framework
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting a set of humanitarian data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on framework design

Module 15: The Future of Humanitarian 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., IoT sensors)
• 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.