Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) represent a groundbreaking approach to financing social programs, where returns to investors are tied directly to the achievement of pre-defined, measurable outcomes. This unique "pay-for-success" model creates an unprecedented demand for robust, transparent, and high-stakes M&E. This training course is designed to empower M&E professionals to master the specialized techniques required for Social Impact Bonds. By learning how to design and manage rigorous M&E systems, participants will ensure that the outcomes are not only achieved but are verified with the credibility and independence required to trigger payment and build investor confidence.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for navigating the unique ecosystem of a Social Impact Bond. Participants will gain skills in everything from negotiating performance metrics and validating data from multiple service providers to conducting a counterfactual analysis and communicating results to a diverse group of stakeholders, including government, investors, and service delivery organizations. The course is a strategic investment for those seeking to work at the cutting edge of impact finance, ensuring their work is a force for positive change in a world that needs it most.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Program and Project Managers
• Financial Analysts
• Social Entrepreneurs
• Government Officials
• Civil Society Leaders
• Consultants
• Strategic Planners
• Grant Managers
• Researchers

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of Social Impact Bonds.
• Master the process of designing an M&E framework for a SIB.
• Learn how to select and measure key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Develop a framework for integrating M&E into a multi-stakeholder environment.
• 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.
• Enhance the long-term credibility and effectiveness of projects.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Social Impact Bonds

• The limitations of traditional funding models
• Defining Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) and their purpose
• The business case for a robust M&E system
• An overview of the SIB workflow
• The difference between a simple payment and a payment-by-results

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for SIBs

• 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 a Results-Based Framework

• The importance of a clear and focused framework
• The role of a "results-based" 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 challenge of measuring social change
• 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

Module 5: Data Collection and Management

• The importance of a clear data collection plan
• 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: Third-Party Verification

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

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 results-based perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

Module 8: 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 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 public health project
• M&E for a financial inclusion project
• M&E for a climate action project
• M&E for a governance project
• M&E for a social protection 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 M&E

• The potential of community-based monitoring with a focus on results
• 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.