In the complex world of development and social change, understanding and measuring impact requires more than just a top-down approach. This training course is designed to empower M&E and project professionals to move beyond rigid, linear frameworks by embracing Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis (PIPA). By fostering a collaborative and inclusive process, participants will learn how to co-create a shared understanding of how change happens, ensuring their programs are more relevant, effective, and truly reflective of the communities they serve.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for applying the PIPA methodology throughout the program lifecycle. Participants will gain skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops, mapping intricate causal pathways, and identifying key assumptions that drive success. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the transparency and credibility of their M&E efforts, building stronger relationships with stakeholders and transforming their M&E function into a powerful tool for shared learning and accountability.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Program and Project Managers
• Development Practitioners
• Researchers
• Community Facilitators
• Strategic Planners
• Grant Managers
• Consultants
• Social Innovators
• Government Officials

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles and philosophy of the PIPA methodology.
• Master the techniques for facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops.
• Learn how to co-create and visualize a program's impact pathway.
• Identify and test the critical assumptions underlying a theory of change.
• Develop a framework for using PIPA as a continuous learning tool.
• Integrate PIPA insights into a traditional M&E system.
• Build a more inclusive and collaborative approach to M&E.
• Communicate complex impact narratives in a clear and compelling way.
• Enhance the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of programs.
• Apply the PIPA methodology to a wide range of development contexts.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to PIPA

• The limitations of traditional linear M&E frameworks
• Defining Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis (PIPA)
• The core principles of participation and co-creation
• The role of PIPA in a complex adaptive systems approach
• An overview of the PIPA process and its key stages

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for PIPA

• Understanding the difference between a pathway, a logic model, and a theory of change
• The importance of a clear and testable theory of change
• Identifying key stakeholders and their roles in the process
• The concept of a "change narrative"
• The power of visualization in understanding complex change

Module 3: Pre-Workshop Preparation

• Setting the objectives for a PIPA workshop
• Identifying and inviting the right stakeholders
• Designing a workshop agenda and selecting the right venue
• Preparing the necessary materials and resources
• Overcoming logistical challenges in different contexts

Module 4: Facilitating a PIPA Workshop (Part 1)

• The art and science of group facilitation
• Techniques for building trust and rapport
• Guiding participants in defining their vision of success
• Using creative methods to elicit diverse perspectives
• Managing group dynamics and potential conflicts

Module 5: Facilitating a PIPA Workshop (Part 2)

• Guiding participants in mapping the pathway to success
• Identifying key activities, outputs, and outcomes
• Using "causal links" to connect different elements
• The role of the facilitator in capturing the pathway visually
• Group exercises in pathway mapping

Module 6: Identifying Key Assumptions and Risks

• The importance of surfacing underlying assumptions
• Techniques for questioning assumptions
• Identifying potential risks that could derail the pathway
• The difference between an assumption and a risk
• Strategies for managing and monitoring assumptions

Module 7: PIPA and M&E Frameworks

• Integrating the PIPA pathway into a traditional M&E plan
• Selecting indicators that align with the pathway
• Designing data collection methods to test assumptions
• The role of PIPA in developing a "learning agenda"
• Using the PIPA pathway for real-time monitoring

Module 8: Visualizing the PIPA Pathway

• Best practices for creating a clear and compelling visual
• Using different software and tools (e.g., Miro, Mural, Vensim)
• The importance of making the visual accessible to all stakeholders
• Using the visual as a communication and learning tool
• Group exercises in digital pathway visualization

Module 9: PIPA for Continuous Learning

• The role of PIPA as a living document
• How to revisit and update the pathway over time
• Using the pathway to facilitate regular reflection meetings
• The importance of documenting lessons learned
• Creating a culture of continuous learning

Module 10: PIPA in Practice: A Case Study

• A deep dive into a real-world PIPA application
• Analyzing the workshop process and the resulting pathway
• Identifying the M&E and program management applications
• Group discussion on lessons learned and best practices
• Applying the case study concepts to personal work

Module 11: PIPA in Different Contexts

• Adapting PIPA for a humanitarian relief program
• The use of PIPA in a governance or policy context
• Applying the methodology to environmental programs
• PIPA for a social enterprise or business model
• The versatility of the approach across sectors

Module 12: Communicating Impact with PIPA

• Using the PIPA pathway to tell a compelling story
• Communicating complex change to different audiences
• Reporting to donors and partners on progress
• The role of a PIPA visual in stakeholder engagement
• Creating a summary report based on the pathway

Module 13: Advanced Facilitation Techniques

• Strategies for managing large and diverse groups
• Facilitating with remote or online teams
• The use of icebreakers and energizers
• Advanced listening and questioning skills
• The role of the facilitator as a neutral guide

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of a multi-stakeholder workshop
• Participants work in teams to facilitate a mock PIPA session
• Troubleshooting common challenges in real-time
• Developing a concise pathway and a set of key assumptions
• Peer review and feedback sessions on facilitation skills

Module 15: The Future of Participatory M&E

• The role of technology in enhancing PIPA
• The convergence of PIPA with other methodologies
• The rise of complexity-aware M&E
• The long-term implications for program design and funding
• Anticipating the next wave of participatory approaches

Module 16: Building Your PIPA Roadmap

• Creating a customized plan for a PIPA application
• Identifying key stakeholders and securing buy-in
• Developing a phased implementation strategy
• Measuring the ROI and business impact of the investment
• Final Q&A and course wrap-up

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.