Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Development Professionals
MEL4DP is a five-month long extensive certificate course designed to enhance MEL knowledge, skills, and perspectives of early and mid-career development professionals located in or working for the global south. This course will be extremely beneficial for professionals seeking to build skills in evidence-based policymaking and program development, set up MEL systems within organizations, or mark a career transition to monitoring and evaluation.
New batch starting on 16th November, 2024
Weekend Batch, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm IST
Reach out to us at: +91 93112 91788
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Course Structure
Course Details
As the eight-year countdown to achieving the 2030 SDGs begins, there has been a strong impetus toward improving developmental outcomes and strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems at organizational and national levels. Despite the depth of MEL expertise and extent of practice within the Global South, there have been very few practitioner-driven, knowledge exchange spaces which can facilitate perspective building and enhance the knowledge and skills of early and mid-career development professionals located in the global south. With this in mind, Sambodhi is offering an online certificate course: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Development Professionals (MEL4DP).
- Provide conceptual clarity on MEL through a practitioner’s lens.
- Equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to plan, conduct, and manage effective M&E of programs to facilitate continuous learning and program improvement.
- Contextualize the application of existing MEL frameworks and approaches by drawing from case studies and examples from the global south.
- Build critical perspectives on various aspects of MEL practice and theory,
- Foster cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary dialogues by using examples from different sectors and theories that have emerged from different disciplines.
- Create a space for peer-learning, collective thinking, and networking for early-career development professionals.
- Practitioners’ lens: developed and facilitated by MEL practitioners & experts, for practitioners.
- Multi-sectoral perspective: uses case studies & real-world examples from different sectors
- Real-world examples: application-based interactive learning through classroom activities
- Context specific: builds critical perspective for the global south
- Merit-cum-means scholarship: scholarships and discounts offer available
- Mixed method approach: uses hands on tools and approaches from quantitative and qualitative perspective.
- Weekend learning for working professionals: tailored for early and mid career professionals with weekend classes
- Differentiate between Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, and gain a nuanced understanding of MEL vocabulary, contextualize MEL in Program Cycles, and define pathways of change using Theory of Change approaches,
- Gain an understanding of different monitoring typologies, use publicly available datasets for monitoring, and construct interactive monitoring dashboards,
- Define and utilize different evaluation approaches, frameworks, and designs and Keep pace with contemporary trends in evaluations,
- Practically implement an evaluation by developing an understanding of Evaluation Cycles, Implementation, Designs, Methods, and Tools, and
- Harvest learnings from evaluations, and utilize them for continuous program improvement.
Modular learning outcomes:
Module 1: Introduction to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning | 1 Week |
Module 2: Overview of MEL Frameworks | 1 Week |
Module 3: Public Datasets | 1 Week |
Module 4: Contexts of Monitoring and Evaluation | 1 Week |
Module 5: Evaluation Approaches and Frameworks | 1 Week |
Module 6: Quantitative Evaluation Design | 2 Weeks |
Module 7: Doing Evaluation: Data Collection, Methods, Sampling, and Analytics and Data Collection Ethics | 4 Weeks |
Module 8: Learning and Utilization of Evaluation | 2 Weeks |
Course Fee
800 USD
Partial scholarships will be available to some candidates
Discounts on course fee in case of institutional sponsorships & participants from grassroot organizations
New batch starting on 16th November, 2024
Weekend Batch, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm IST
Total Seats: 50
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Testimonials
Abhinav PandeyAssociate Sector Lead- HCL Foundation
This training course is beyond my expectations. These tools and methodology & principles have opened my eyes to how to be effective and ethical! Honestly speaking I wanted to be a Researcher but, due to a lack of knowledge and guidance it was difficult for me (I was thinking) but, after attending the course I really found the path that how I have to initiate. Thanks, Sambodhi, and their amazing teacher/ trainer(s). Looking forward to putting all those learning things into my professional and personal practices. Thanks again!
Hashir P.VCentre for Research in Schemes and Policies
MEL4DP Program has immensely helped me in getting clarity on MEL through a clear practical lens. The course taught me various aspects of MEL practice and theory and dashboard making by drawing examples from different case studies. I strongly recommend this course to beginner and mid-level professionals interested in monitoring and evaluation. A big thank you to Sambodhi and my mentors for providing me with a scholarship to pursue this course.
AbhaSenior Research Manager- Sambodhi
I have been a development practitioner for six years. I, however, felt the need to understand the “change” that was coming from the immense work we all were doing. I switched my career to M&E in sambodhi. We were offered a course that was so deep yet easy to understand the gist, which was bliss to a professional like me from the field. Right from the history of monitoring and evaluation to all the techniques and technicalities, this course is a complete package for any professional wanting to get into the domain of M&E. This course also offers some learning while doing which is great and easy to cope with regular office work.
Peter MazediMinistry of Agriculture and Food security South Sudan
It was my pleasure to be enrolled in this course. This is the first professional training conducted on M&E after my graduation in Economics. I was assigned to the unit of M&E but was interested in getting professional training to perform my duty well. I was just Googling for M&E materials, then I came across your brochure. I was skeptical because I thought the call for application was a scam, but later on I applied. Now I am really happy with my decision because I have gained concepts and practical skills in M&E which I am using for my professional growth.
Petronella MagadzireSocial scientist
I highly recommend the MEL4DP course as it provides a great learning experience. The case studies and group sessions also allow one to view MEL issues from various points of view and facilitate networking.
Ugyen Samdrup LhamoProgram, Bhutan Center for Media & Democracy, Civil Society Organisations
The diverse experts from the field and the hands-on activity in this course makes this a comprehensive course perfect for aspiring professionals to learn more about MEL and use it to strengthen evidence-based decision making for their programmes/projects. The SAMBODHI team also ensures a conducive learning environment through continuous support provided to all participants.
Victor KakogbeInformation Management/Reporting, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria
The MEL4DP is a comprehensive course that exceeded all my expectations as far as MEL is concerned. Its unique selling point is that it offers practical, hands-on skills development on the subject from experienced professionals, which is a pleasant deviation from the theory-based teaching obtained from conventional educational institutions. The content of the course is so rich and condensed such that if stretched will require over a year to cover. As an Information Management and Reporting Officer with Caritas Nigeria, working in partnership with UNHCR to provide Protection Services to Cameroonian Refugees, the course significantly strengthened my professional capacities. In late December 2023, I applied the acquired knowledge during a multi-functional team assessment of a displaced population, where the MEL skills proved immediately relevant and invaluable. I have only just begun to scratch the surface of the knowledge acquired. The course experience was intense, challenging, and exhilarating—balancing demanding schedules with the excitement of learning alongside professionals from diverse cultures, regions, and continents. The shared perspectives and experiences were transformative, providing nuanced insights that have already begun to reshape my approach to monitoring, evaluation, and learning in humanitarian work.
Manik SharanResearch Associate, KSG India
As an individual interested in society’s betterment through social welfare measures & sustainable development interventions, and an aspiring development practitioner attempting to take cognizance of the impact of such interventions, I could not have asked for a better introduction to the world of M&E than the one provided by MEL4DP Program. I was impressed by the logical design of the program which delineated the overarching framework through clear and precise modules, allowing sessions to flow sequentially and seamlessly from one topic to another, in a time bound manner. Another highlight included the Program, through its facilitators, adopting a judicious mix of theoretical underpinnings and technical learnings which ensured a comprehensive coverage of the field of M&E. Deeply appreciative of Sambodhi for curating a course which is tailored to suit the needs and schedules of both beginner and mid-level professionals, making us better development practitioners.
Sudipta Ranjan RamM&E Specialist, CBM India Trust, Bangalore
I would like to thank Sambodhi for designing the training course so meaningful and critical for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning which is contributing a lot in my career. As a development professional, this program has provided new insights into methodologies that were previously underutilized. Each module is thoughtfully prepared and relevant, specifically modules like monitoring for programs, evaluation approaches and frameworks, quantitative data collection and analysis along with the storytelling and visualization components being particularly impactful. I would like to use these concepts in my organization which can add value and skill to what I am doing currently. Being an M&E Specialist in the organization, I can provide bigger support to the organization producing quality data and information for quality program delivery and informed decision-making. The course was not only interesting but also led by incredibly skilled and knowledgeable instructors who created an environment that encouraged critical thinking and analysis. This training has significantly enhanced my professional capabilities and will undoubtedly add tremendous value to my current role and future endeavours in development work.
Dr Hastings Olole BaridakaraMedical Doctor, International Medical Corps(IMC) Nigeria
The MEL4DP program at Sambodhi was a transformative five-month journey that comprehensively enhanced my understanding of MEL concepts. The course masterfully blended theoretical knowledge with real-world case studies, creating an engaging and highly relevant learning experience. Expert facilitators provided invaluable guidance, fostering an interactive and collaborative learning environment. Through engaging discussions and expert-led sessions, I developed critical skills in data collection, interpretation, and analytical thinking. The interactive classroom environment, enriched by real-world case studies and discussions with experienced professionals, provided profound insights into MEL practices across development sectors. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained from this program will greatly benefit my future endeavours in the development sector. It has been an invaluable investment in my professional growth, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Anand PathanjaliPartnerships and Campaigns Manager, Power for All
This course was definitely an eye-opener into the MEL landscape. I have been working in the sector for the last 11 years in the environment and clean energy NGO space. I wanted to upskill myself in the MEL space but wanted something more comprehensive and something that I can commit myself to. The course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various MEL concepts and different schools of thought. Through interactive sessions, I gained valuable insights by engaging with peers and instructors, learning from real-world examples and case studies that enriched my understanding of MEL methodologies. It also motivated me to take more MEL roles in the role I am currently in and gained confidence to look out for jobs that are more MEL oriented
Certificate Course:
Upon completion of course modules and capstone, students will be awarded a course completion certificate
Course Facilitators
Tathagata Dasgupta
Expertise: Rural Development, Health, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation
Tathagata, a Senior Consultant at Sambodhi Capacity and Learning Institute, has 28 years of expertise in development research and monitoring, leading over 200 large-scale projects across health, nutrition, and rural development. He was also a visiting Faculty in North Point University (India Counterpart)
Vikas Choudhry
Expertise: Epidemiology, health systems, sexual and reproductive health of youth
Vikas is a social epidemiologist with over 10 years of expertise in strengthening health systems and youth-focused reproductive health, promoting sexual and reproductive health, and the rights of young people.
Shikha Rana
Expertise: Maternal health, social norms, women’s empowerment, nutrition, WASH, social impact studies, and coalition building.
Shikha is a social impact researcher with over eight years of expertise in maternal health, social norms, women’s empowerment, nutrition, and WASH. She excels in data-driven decision-making and coalition building in global development
Pooja Pandey
Expertise: Education, Child rights, inclusion, policy engagement, capacity building, and advocacy.
Pooja is a researcher cum practitioner with six years of experience in education, child rights and governance. Her expertise includes mixed-methods research, policy engagement, capacity building, and advocacy on education policy issues
Anuradha Katyal
Expertise: Health systems, impact evaluation, primary care, urban health, health service delivery, and knowledge management.
Anuradha is a public health professional and quantitative researcher with over 14 years’ expertise in health systems research, health financing, impact evaluation, primary care, and urban health. She holds advanced degrees in healthcare management and data science and is passionate about leveraging national surveys for policy impact.