Course Details

DFID/FCDO M&E Approaches Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for applying DFID/FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Approaches. Recognizing that the FCDO, as a leading global development donor, has specific and evolving requirements for demonstrating results, value for money, and adaptive learning, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of FCDO's M&E policies, key frameworks, and preferred methodologies. Participants will gain deep insights into developing robust M&E plans, designing plausible theories of change, utilizing robust indicators, navigating evaluation expectations, and implementing adaptive management practices, all crucial for successful proposal development, effective project implementation, and compliant reporting for FCDO-funded initiatives.

This course is specifically tailored for organizations and individuals working with or aspiring to work with FCDO funding. It bridges the gap between general M&E principles and the nuanced demands of the UK's leading development department, empowering participants to design, manage, and implement M&E activities that not only meet donor requirements but also contribute to the effectiveness and impact of UK aid.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs funded by DFID/FCDO, or those seeking to bid on FCDO opportunities, including:

• M&E Specialists and Coordinators working on FCDO projects.
• Program Managers and Team Leaders for FCDO awards.
• Proposal Development Teams seeking FCDO funding.
• Implementing Partner Staff (NGOs, contractors, local organizations).
• FCDO Programme Managers and Advisers.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand FCDO's core M&E principles, policies, and expectations.
• Develop a robust Theory of Change aligned with FCDO's requirements.
• Design and utilize performance indicators effectively for FCDO reporting.
• Implement strategies for ensuring data quality and managing evaluations as per FCDO guidelines.
• Integrate learning and adaptive management throughout the FCDO program cycle.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of FCDO M&E Policy and Context

• Understand FCDO's strategic objectives and their implications for M&E.
• Discuss FCDO's commitment to results, value for money (VfM), and transparency.
• Explore key FCDO M&E guiding documents (e.g., Smart Rules, Evaluation Policy, guidance notes).
• Examine the role of M&E in the FCDO program cycle from business case to review.
• Learn about FCDO's expectations for adaptive programming and learning.

Module 2: Developing a Robust Theory of Change (ToC) for FCDO

• Understand FCDO's strong emphasis on Theory of Change (ToC) for program design and M&E.
• Discuss the essential components of a plausible and testable ToC.
• Explore methods for co-developing ToCs with stakeholders to ensure relevance.
• Examine how ToC informs indicator selection, data collection, and evaluation questions.
• Learn about refining and adapting the ToC throughout the program lifecycle.

Module 3: FCDO Performance Indicators and Reporting

• Understand FCDO's requirements for performance indicators (e.g., baselines, targets, disaggregation).
• Discuss the distinction between input, output, outcome, and impact indicators in FCDO context.
• Explore strategies for developing clear and measurable indicators for diverse FCDO programs.
• Examine FCDO's expectations for reporting on results and progress (e.g., annual reviews, project completion reviews).
• Learn about using FCDO's internal reporting systems and templates.

Module 4: Value for Money (VfM) in FCDO M&E

• Define Value for Money (VfM) and its four Es (Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Equity) as per FCDO.
• Understand how VfM is integrated into FCDO's program cycle and M&E.
• Discuss methods for collecting data and indicators to assess VfM.
• Explore challenges in measuring VfM for different types of interventions.
• Learn about communicating VfM insights in FCDO reports and reviews.

Module 5: Data Quality Assurance and Management for FCDO

• Understand FCDO's expectations for data quality (e.g., validity, reliability, timeliness, precision, integrity).
• Discuss strategies for implementing data quality assurance processes throughout the M&E system.
• Explore methods for documenting data collection, management, and analysis procedures.
• Examine the role of data audits and spot checks in FCDO-funded programs.
• Learn about managing data security, privacy, and sharing protocols.

Module 6: Managing FCDO Evaluations

• Understand FCDO's Evaluation Policy and Guidelines.
• Discuss different types of evaluations (e.g., process, outcome, impact, thematic) and their application in FCDO context.
• Explore the process of commissioning, managing, and utilizing external evaluations for FCDO programs.
• Examine FCDO's standards for evaluator independence and ethical conduct.
• Learn about ensuring quality and utility of evaluation findings for FCDO and partners.

Module 7: Learning and Adaptive Management for FCDO Programs

• Understand FCDO's emphasis on learning and adaptive programming.
• Discuss strategies for designing and implementing learning loops and feedback mechanisms.
• Explore the role of learning questions and regular reflection sessions in program adaptation.
• Examine how M&E findings inform iterative adjustments to program design and implementation.
• Learn about documenting and sharing lessons learned internally and with FCDO.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Cross-Cutting Issues in FCDO M&E

• Understand FCDO's strong commitment to ethical standards in all M&E activities.
• Discuss specific ethical considerations (e.g., safeguarding, informed consent, data privacy, Do No Harm).
• Explore how to integrate gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate change considerations into M&E.
• Examine FCDO's expectations for accountability to affected populations (AAP) in M&E.
• Learn about addressing power dynamics and ensuring M&E is culturally sensitive and conflict-aware.

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