In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, a project's reach often extends into areas that are difficult to access due to security risks, logistical barriers, or travel restrictions. This training course is designed to empower M&E and project professionals with the specialized skills needed to conduct effective and credible remote evaluations. By moving beyond traditional, in-person methods, participants will learn how to design and implement rigorous evaluations from afar, ensuring that accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making continue to drive impact even in the most challenging of circumstances.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for navigating the unique challenges of evaluating at a distance. Participants will gain skills in everything from leveraging mobile data collection tools and satellite imagery to designing virtual focus groups and ensuring the safety and privacy of all involved. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the speed, cost-effectiveness, and overall reach of their evaluations, 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
• Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Strategic Planners
• Grant Managers
• Consultants
• Government Officials
• Public Health Practitioners
• Disaster Response Planners

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of remote evaluation.
• Master the process of designing a comprehensive remote evaluation framework.
• Learn how to select and use a variety of remote data collection tools.
• Develop a framework for integrating remote monitoring into an evaluation system.
• Build a more participatory and inclusive approach to remote evaluation.
• 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 remote evaluation techniques to a wide range of sectors.
• Enhance the long-term credibility and effectiveness of projects.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Remote Evaluation

• The limitations of traditional, in-person evaluations
• Defining remote evaluation and its purpose
• The business case for a remote evaluation strategy
• An overview of the remote evaluation workflow
• Key challenges in conducting an evaluation from a distance

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for Remote M&E

• Understanding the context and its impact on the evaluation
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The importance of a clear and focused scope
• The difference between a real-time evaluation and a traditional evaluation
• The importance of a clear and testable hypothesis

Module 3: Remote Data Collection Tools

• An introduction to mobile data collection apps (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK)
• The use of phone interviews and remote focus group discussions
• The role of an online survey platform
• The importance of a clear and consistent data collection protocol
• Best practices for ensuring data accuracy and reliability

Module 4: Geospatial Tools for Remote M&E

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

Module 5: 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 6: Data Collection and Security

• The importance of a clear and secure data collection protocol
• The role of an encrypted mobile data collection app
• The use of a simple and secure database
• The importance of a data backup and recovery plan
• Protocols for handling sensitive and potentially harmful data

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 remote perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

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 remote setting
• 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 Remote Evaluation

• How to integrate remote evaluation into the project cycle
• The importance of a phased implementation strategy
• The role of a remote evaluation framework in a project's life
• Building a culture of adaptive management
• Case studies on successful integration

Module 11: M&E for a Diverse Remote Sector

• M&E for WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) projects
• M&E for peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• M&E for protection and gender-based violence (GBV)
• M&E for livelihoods and food security
• M&E for governance and stabilization

Module 12: CBM and Remote 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 remote 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 project
• Participants work in teams to design a remote evaluation framework
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting a set of remote data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on framework design

Module 15: The Future of Remote 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.