Introduction

In the complex and dynamic landscape of humanitarian action and international development, Program Quality and Accountability Frameworks are indispensable tools for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) seeking to maximize their impact, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure ethical and effective use of resources. These frameworks provide a systematic approach to defining, measuring, and improving the quality of programs while simultaneously ensuring that organizations are answerable to beneficiaries, donors, and the wider public. By embedding clear standards, robust monitoring mechanisms, and responsive feedback loops, NGOs can move beyond simply delivering services to truly demonstrating their effectiveness, relevance, and value for money. Without comprehensive Program Quality and Accountability Frameworks, NGOs risk fragmented efforts, inconsistent results, and a diminishing ability to secure vital support and achieve their transformative missions. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Program Quality and Accountability Frameworks.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower program managers, M&E specialists, quality assurance officers, and all NGO personnel involved in project design, implementation, and oversight with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to develop and apply robust Program Quality and Accountability Frameworks. Participants will gain a deep understanding of international quality standards, explore various accountability mechanisms, learn about designing effective monitoring and evaluation systems, and acquire skills in data collection, analysis, and transparent reporting. The course will delve into topics such as accountability to affected populations (AAP), feedback and complaints mechanisms, safeguarding, gender and inclusion in quality standards, risk management, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By mastering the principles and practical application of Program Quality and Accountability Frameworks, participants will be prepared to enhance their organization's credibility, optimize program performance, and ensure that their interventions truly meet the needs and uphold the dignity of the communities they serve.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialists
• Quality Assurance Officers
• Project Officers and Field Staff
• Grant and Compliance Managers
• Senior Management and Executive Directors
• Community Engagement and Liaison Officers
• Safeguarding Focal Points
• Internal Auditors and Risk Managers
• Consultants working with NGOs on quality and accountability.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of program quality and accountability in the NGO sector.
• Learn about key international standards and frameworks for quality and accountability (e.g., CHS, Sphere).
• Acquire skills in designing and integrating quality assurance mechanisms into program cycles.
• Comprehend techniques for establishing robust accountability to affected populations (AAP).
• Explore strategies for developing and managing effective feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and risk management within quality frameworks.
• Gain insights into designing transparent monitoring and evaluation systems for accountability.
• Develop a practical understanding of fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Program Quality and Accountability

• Defining program quality: what it means in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Understanding accountability: different dimensions and to whom organizations are accountable.
• The humanitarian-development-peace nexus and its implications for quality and accountability.
• Benefits of strong quality and accountability frameworks: trust, effectiveness, resource mobilization.
• The link between program quality, ethical conduct, and organizational reputation.

Module 2: Key International Standards and Frameworks

• Overview of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).
• Exploring the Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response.
• Other relevant standards and initiatives (e.g., ALNAP, Do No Harm principles).
• Applying rights-based and gender-transformative approaches in quality frameworks.
• Harmonizing different standards within an organizational context.

Module 3: Integrating Quality into the Project Cycle Management

• Quality considerations at each stage of the project cycle: design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation.
• Developing quality benchmarks and indicators for program activities and outcomes.
• Tools for quality assurance in project proposals and logical frameworks.
• Roles and responsibilities for quality management within project teams.
• Lessons learned from common quality failures in program implementation.

Module 4: Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

• Principles of AAP: participation, information sharing, feedback, and complaints.
• Importance of listening to and responding to the voices of beneficiaries.
• Strategies for inclusive participation of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Building trust and respectful relationships with communities.
• Challenges and solutions in implementing effective AAP mechanisms.

Module 5: Feedback and Complaints Mechanisms (FCMs)

• Designing accessible, safe, and confidential feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Different types of FCMs: hotlines, suggestion boxes, community meetings, digital platforms.
• Procedures for receiving, logging, escalating, and responding to feedback and complaints.
• Ensuring follow-up and closing the feedback loop with communities.
• Handling sensitive complaints (e.g., related to sexual exploitation and abuse).

Module 6: Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Understanding safeguarding principles: protecting beneficiaries and staff from harm.
• Developing and implementing child safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) policies.
• Integrating safeguarding into recruitment, training, and program delivery.
• Conducting risk assessments related to program activities and potential harm.
• Incident reporting and response protocols for safeguarding breaches.

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting for Accountability

• Designing MEAL systems that measure both quality and accountability.
• Developing accountability indicators: e.g., number of complaints resolved, participation rates.
• Data collection methods for accountability: surveys, focus groups, community scorecards.
• Transparent reporting to donors, beneficiaries, and internal stakeholders.
• Utilizing MEAL data for evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Module 8: Fostering a Culture of Quality, Learning, and Improvement

• The role of leadership in championing quality and accountability.
• Building staff capacity and awareness on quality standards and ethical conduct.
• Establishing internal learning processes: reflection sessions, peer reviews.
• Using evaluation findings and lessons learned for adaptive management.
• Continuous improvement cycles: regularly reviewing and updating quality and accountability practices.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.