Monitoring and Evaluation Course for Development Professionals
Advance your career with our Monitoring and Evaluation Course, a five-month online certificate program. Designed for professionals in India and the Global South, this is one of the best monitoring and evaluation courses for building practical skills in evidence-based program development and policy. It’s the perfect project management course complement for those aiming to lead robust MEL systems and drive meaningful impact.
New batch starting on January 17, 2026
Weekend Batch, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm IST
Reach out to us at: +91 9289201141
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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:
Course Outline
The program comprises of eight comprehensive modules, emphasizing on a blend of theory and practical application, ensuring that learners are equipped to effectively leverage data for program improvement and decision-making in the development sector. Each module is designed to enhance skills, foster critical thinking, and promote effective communication of evaluation findings, preparing participants to drive impactful change within their organizations.
Duration: 1 Week
Introduction: The first module introduces participants to the essential concepts of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) in development programs. It highlights the evolution of evaluation, the significance of the Global South perspective, and the role of data in shaping policies and program design. This module sets the stage for understanding MEL’s impact on decision-making and program effectiveness.
Topics:
- Distinguishing MEL Concepts
- Data’s Role in MEL and Policy
- Evolution of MEL in the Global South
Duration: 1 Week
Introduction: This module provides an in-depth overview of key Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks, including Logical Frameworks, Results-Based Management, and Theory of Change. Participants will explore how MEL fits within the project cycle and gain a solid understanding of core MEL terminology. Through practical examples and group work, this module equips learners to critically apply these frameworks to address developmental challenges and enhance program evaluation.
Topics:
- Introduction to Monitoring Frameworks
- Key MEL Terms and Types
- Frameworks in Development Practice
Duration: 1 Week
Introduction: This module introduces participants to the use of public datasets for program monitoring and evaluation, focusing on the role of administrative and public intent data. Participants will explore how these datasets, combined with dashboards, can be leveraged for tracking program outcomes, monitoring key indicators, and conducting impact evaluations. With practical examples and hands-on activities, the module equips participants with the skills to develop real-time monitoring systems and create data-driven reports using public datasets.
Topics:
- Public Datasets for Monitoring
- Concurrent Monitoring Plans
- Building Monitoring Dashboards
Duration: 1 Week
Introduction: This module delves into the complex socio-cultural and power dynamics that influence Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices. It explores how stakeholder groups are shaped by these contexts and the importance of incorporating gender, equity, and intersectionality perspectives into evaluation cycles. Participants will learn to design gender-responsive evaluations, develop inclusive frameworks, and apply equity-driven approaches, ensuring that M&E practices are both contextually relevant and socially conscious.
Topics:
- Power and Socio-Cultural Influences on M&E
- Gender, Equity, and Intersectionality in M&E
- Engendering an Inclusive Evaluation Cycle
Duration: 1 Week
Introduction: This module provides a comprehensive overview of various evaluation approaches and frameworks, enabling participants to understand their application in different contexts. Emphasizing the development of evaluation questions, participants will learn to differentiate between methods, approaches, designs, and frameworks. The module also explores key evaluation criteria, including the OECD-DAC framework, while comparing its strengths and limitations with other evaluation approaches such as Theory-Based, Participatory, and Realist Evaluation. Through this module, learners will gain insights into how to select the most appropriate evaluation approach based on specific program needs and objectives.
Topics:
- Crafting Evaluation Questions
- Methods vs. Approaches in Evaluation
- OECD-DAC Criteria and Comparisons
Duration: 2 Weeks
Introduction: This module focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and apply various research designs in evaluation contexts. Participants will explore the necessity of different research designs, including causal (experimental and quasi-experimental), descriptive (cross-sectional and longitudinal), and non-experimental approaches. The module also emphasizes practical applications through group work, fostering collaboration and critical thinking in the design and execution of research studies. Additionally, an introduction to qualitative research will provide a comprehensive understanding of how qualitative methods and thematic analysis complement quantitative evaluation efforts
Topics:
- Understanding Evaluation Designs
- Causal and Descriptive Research Designs
- Introduction to Qualitative Methods
Duration: 4 Weeks
Introduction: This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the critical components of evaluation practice. Participants will learn about various research designs, data collection methods, and the principles of effective questionnaire design. Emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the module covers sampling techniques and descriptive statistics, alongside the ethical considerations necessary for responsible data collection. Through group exercises and practical applications, learners will gain hands-on experience in using statistical software like SPSS and STATA, enhancing their analytical skills for data-driven decision-making.
Topics:
- Designing Effective Questionnaires
- Sampling Techniques and Statistics
- Data Ethics and Software Tools (SPSS, STATA)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Introduction: This module serves as a capstone for the course, emphasizing the critical role of learning in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practices. Participants will explore how evaluation insights can drive program improvement and inform actionable recommendations. The module also covers effective reporting and communication strategies to ensure evaluation findings reach relevant stakeholders, including project participants. Through this module, learners will develop the skills necessary to optimize learning and facilitate the dissemination of evaluation results, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within their organizations.
Topics:
- Actionable Recommendations from Evaluations
- M&E for Program Improvement
- Effective Reporting and Communication
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 January 17, 2026
Weekend Batch, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm IST
Total Seats: 50
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Certificate Course:
Upon completion of course modules and capstone, students will be awarded a course completion certificate
