Developing an Evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR) Training Course
INTRODUCTION
In any evaluation process, the Terms of Reference (TOR) is a critical document that outlines the purpose, scope, and methodology for an evaluation. It ensures clarity and alignment between stakeholders, evaluators, and the commissioning entity regarding what needs to be evaluated, why, and how. Developing a well-structured TOR is essential to guarantee the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of evaluations in projects, programs, or organizations.
This course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop comprehensive and robust TORs for evaluations. Participants will learn the key components of a TOR, the strategic thinking behind its formulation, and how to tailor TORs to different types of evaluations. This training will provide a practical, step-by-step guide on how to craft a TOR that clearly defines the evaluation’s objectives, scope, methodology, timelines, and resources, ensuring that the evaluation meets the expectations of all stakeholders.
Duration
5 days
TARGET AUDIENCE
This is a general training is targeting variety of programme staff, management team members and thematic staff, Project Management Officials, government officials, programme managers; policy makers and programme implementers.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand the Role of the TOR in the Evaluation Process: Recognize how a well-designed TOR facilitates clear communication and effective evaluations.
- Learn the Key Components of a TOR: Identify and understand each element that constitutes a TOR, including purpose, scope, methodology, deliverables, and timelines.
- Develop Clear Evaluation Objectives: Learn how to define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) evaluation objectives that align with stakeholder needs.
- Tailor TORs to Different Evaluation Types: Understand how to adjust the TOR to suit different types of evaluations (formative, summative, impact, process, etc.).
- Select Appropriate Evaluation Methodologies: Gain insights into choosing the right methods and approaches that are relevant to the evaluation context.
- Engage Stakeholders in the TOR Development: Learn how to involve stakeholders in drafting the TOR to ensure that the evaluation meets their expectations and needs.
- Ensure Feasibility and Realism in TORs: Understand how to ensure that the TOR is realistic and achievable within available resources, time, and scope.
- Develop a TOR that Aligns with Ethical Standards: Learn to incorporate ethical considerations, including confidentiality, consent, and impartiality in the evaluation process.
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Evaluation and the Role of TOR
- Overview of the evaluation process (types, purpose, and importance)
- The role of the TOR in the evaluation cycle
- Key stakeholders in an evaluation and their roles
- TOR as a tool for clear communication between stakeholders and evaluators
- Case studies of successful and unsuccessful TORs in evaluations
Module 2: Key Components of a TOR
- Defining the Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation
- Establishing the Evaluation Scope
- Identifying Evaluation Criteria (e.g., relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, impact)
- Selecting the Evaluation Methodology and Approaches
- Defining Deliverables, Timelines, and Reporting Structure
- Budget and Resource Allocation in the TOR
Module 3: Developing SMART Evaluation Objectives
- Importance of clear and specific objectives in the TOR
- Writing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives
- Linking objectives to organizational or project goals
- How to ensure stakeholder alignment with the evaluation objectives
Module 4: Tailoring TORs to Different Types of Evaluations
- Understanding different evaluation types (formative, summative, impact, process, developmental)
- Tailoring TORs based on the type of evaluation
- Defining scope and methodology according to evaluation type
- Examples of TORs for various types of evaluations
Module 5: Evaluation Methodologies and Data Collection Approaches
- Overview of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods
- How to select the appropriate evaluation methodology based on the TOR
- Defining data collection tools (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, etc.)
- Ensuring data reliability and validity
- Ethical considerations in methodology and data collection
Module 6: Engaging Stakeholders in the Development of the TOR
- Importance of stakeholder involvement in the TOR process
- Tools and techniques for stakeholder engagement
- Managing conflicting stakeholder interests and expectations
- Establishing clear lines of communication in TOR development
Module 7: Budgeting and Resource Planning for Evaluations
- Estimating costs and resources for evaluation activities
- Linking evaluation scope and methodology to budget constraints
- Planning for human and financial resources in the TOR
- Managing unexpected costs and changes during the evaluation process
Module 8: Ensuring Feasibility and Ethical Standards in the TOR
- Assessing the feasibility of evaluation objectives, scope, and timeline
- Addressing ethical considerations in evaluations (confidentiality, consent, impartiality)
- Setting realistic expectations for stakeholders
- Dealing with challenges in the evaluation process and how to reflect this in the TOR
Module 9: Finalizing and Reviewing the TOR
- Steps for drafting a TOR
- Peer review and stakeholder feedback on the TOR
- Incorporating feedback and revising the TOR
- Quality control measures for the TOR before launching the evaluation
CERTIFICATION
- Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate
TRAINING VENUE
- Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.
AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION
- Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request
TERMS OF PAYMENT
- Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com
