Course Details

Evidence-Based Decision Making for NGOs Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for fostering and implementing Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) within Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Recognizing that effective resource allocation, program design, and advocacy depend on robust evidence rather than assumptions or anecdote, this program equips participants with a systematic approach to identifying, generating, synthesizing, and utilizing evidence. Participants will gain deep insights into data literacy, M&E integration, knowledge management, and ethical considerations, all crucial for maximizing impact, enhancing accountability, and strengthening the credibility of NGO interventions. This course is ideal for NGO leaders, program managers, M&E specialists, advocacy officers, and anyone committed to driving positive social change through informed action.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals working in NGOs and civil society organizations who are committed to improving their organization's effectiveness through data and evidence, including:

• NGO Leaders and Senior Management.
• Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists.
• Advocacy and Communications Officers.
• Fundraisers and Grant Managers.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the core principles and benefits of Evidence-Based Decision Making for NGOs.
• Identify and access various sources of relevant evidence.
• Critically appraise the quality and applicability of different types of evidence.
• Integrate evidence-based approaches into program design, implementation, and advocacy.
• Foster an organizational culture that values and utilizes evidence for improved impact.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) for NGOs

• Define Evidence-Based Decision Making and its relevance to the NGO sector.
• Explore the rationale for EBDM (e.g., accountability, efficiency, impact, resource scarcity).
• Understand the core components of EBDM: evidence, expertise, context, and values.
• Discuss the benefits of embedding EBDM into NGO operations and strategy.
• Examine common barriers to EBDM in NGOs and strategies to overcome them.

Module 2: Types and Sources of Evidence

• Differentiate between various types of evidence (e.g., routine program data, evaluation findings, research studies, stakeholder perspectives, contextual information).
• Explore primary sources of evidence (e.g., M&E data, needs assessments, internal reports).
• Discuss secondary sources of evidence (e.g., academic literature, policy briefs, government statistics, meta-analyses).
• Examine the importance of triangulating evidence from multiple sources.
• Learn about accessing reliable databases and knowledge platforms relevant to the NGO sector.

Module 3: Critical Appraisal of Evidence

• Understand the principles of critically appraising different types of evidence.
• Discuss methods for assessing the quality and rigor of research and evaluation studies.
• Explore how to evaluate the relevance and applicability of external evidence to specific NGO contexts.
• Examine the importance of considering bias, limitations, and methodological strengths.
• Learn about practical checklists and frameworks for evidence appraisal.

Module 4: Integrating Evidence into Program Design and Planning

• Understand how to use evidence to inform problem identification and needs assessment.
• Discuss applying evidence to develop or refine program theories of change and logical frameworks.
• Explore techniques for selecting evidence-informed interventions and strategies.
• Examine how to integrate evidence of "what works" into proposal writing and funding applications.
• Learn about using evidence to set realistic and impactful program objectives.

Module 5: Evidence-Based Program Implementation and Monitoring

• Understand how evidence informs adaptive management and course correction during program implementation.
• Discuss the role of routine monitoring data in providing real-time evidence for operational decisions.
• Explore strategies for collecting and utilizing feedback from beneficiaries as a form of evidence.
• Examine methods for identifying and responding to unexpected outcomes based on evidence.
• Learn about fostering a culture of continuous learning and evidence use within project teams.

Module 6: Evidence for Advocacy and Communications

• Understand how strong evidence strengthens NGO advocacy efforts and policy influence.
• Discuss techniques for translating complex evidence into compelling messages for policymakers and the public.
• Explore strategies for using data visualizations and storytelling to communicate impact effectively.
• Examine ethical considerations in using evidence for advocacy (e.g., avoiding misrepresentation, protecting privacy).
• Learn about building evidence-based narratives for fundraising and public engagement.

Module 7: Building Organizational Capacity for EBDM

• Discuss the components of an evidence-informed organizational culture.
• Explore strategies for strengthening staff data literacy and analytical skills.
• Examine the role of leadership in championing and modeling EBDM.
• Learn about establishing internal systems and processes for knowledge management and evidence sharing.
• Understand the importance of continuous professional development in EBDM.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Challenges in EBDM

• Understand the ethical responsibilities associated with collecting and using evidence.
• Discuss issues of data privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.
• Explore how to address power imbalances in evidence generation and utilization.
• Examine the challenges of conflicting evidence and navigating political considerations.
• Learn about fostering transparent and inclusive EBDM practices within NGOs.

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