Course Details

Leading an M&E Unit in NGOs Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for effectively Leading a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Unit within Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Recognizing that a strong M&E function is crucial for organizational learning, accountability, and demonstrating impact to funders and beneficiaries, this program equips participants with the strategic vision, management competencies, and technical oversight needed to build and sustain a high-performing M&E team. Participants will gain deep insights into M&E strategy development, team leadership, data governance, knowledge management, and influencing organizational culture, all crucial for elevating the M&E function to a strategic partner in achieving mission-driven results. This course is ideal for current and aspiring M&E managers, heads of M&E, and senior program staff responsible for M&E oversight in NGOs.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are currently leading or aspiring to lead M&E functions within NGOs, including:

• Heads of M&E / M&E Managers.
• Senior M&E Specialists.
• Program Directors with significant M&E oversight.
• Organizational Development Leaders focused on evidence use.
• Chief of Party / Project Managers in large-scale projects with dedicated M&E teams.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Develop a strategic vision and work plan for an M&E unit in an NGO.
• Effectively lead and manage an M&E team, fostering growth and performance.
• Establish robust M&E systems and data governance frameworks.
• Champion the utilization of evidence for organizational learning and decision-making.
• Influence organizational culture to value and invest in M&E.

MODULES

Module 1: Strategic Leadership for M&E in NGOs

• Understand the strategic role of M&E beyond mere compliance in an NGO context.
• Discuss developing a vision and mission statement for the M&E unit.
• Explore how to align the M&E strategy with the overall organizational strategy and mission.
• Examine the importance of M&E as a core function for accountability, learning, and advocacy.
• Learn about positioning the M&E unit as a strategic partner to program, leadership, and fundraising teams.

Module 2: Building and Managing High-Performing M&E Teams

• Understand best practices in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining M&E talent.
• Discuss effective team leadership and motivation techniques for M&E professionals.
• Explore strategies for performance management, coaching, and professional development of M&E staff.
• Examine how to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the M&E unit and across the organization.
• Learn about managing remote or decentralized M&E teams.

Module 3: Designing and Implementing Robust M&E Systems

• Understand the components of a comprehensive organizational M&E system.
• Discuss developing M&E policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Explore strategies for standardizing indicators, data collection tools, and reporting formats across programs.
• Examine the selection and implementation of M&E software and platforms (e.g., databases, dashboards).
• Learn about designing and managing data flow processes from collection to reporting.

Module 4: Data Governance and Quality Assurance

• Understand the principles of data governance for M&E in an NGO context.
• Discuss establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for data management.
• Explore strategies for ensuring data quality (accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability) across all M&E activities.
• Examine data security, privacy, and confidentiality protocols, especially for sensitive data.
• Learn about complying with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, national laws).

Module 5: Budgeting and Resourcing the M&E Function

• Understand how to develop a comprehensive budget for the M&E unit and its activities.
• Discuss strategies for advocating for and securing adequate resources for M&E.
• Explore methods for cost-effectively utilizing M&E technologies and external consultants.
• Examine different funding models for M&E (e.g., core funding, project-specific allocations).
• Learn about managing M&E resources efficiently and demonstrating return on investment.

Module 6: Championing Evidence Utilization and Learning

• Understand the importance of shifting from data collection to data utilization and learning.
• Discuss strategies for fostering a culture of inquiry and evidence-informed decision-making throughout the NGO.
• Explore how to design learning agendas and facilitate reflection sessions.
• Examine effective methods for packaging and communicating M&E findings to diverse audiences.
• Learn about building feedback loops that translate evidence into programmatic and strategic adjustments.

Module 7: Managing External M&E Engagements

• Understand best practices for engaging with external evaluators and consultants.
• Discuss developing clear Terms of Reference (ToRs) for external M&E assignments.
• Explore strategies for contract management and quality assurance of external M&E deliverables.
• Examine how to effectively communicate internal M&E findings to donors and partners.
• Learn about managing donor M&E requirements and reporting.

Module 8: Advocacy and Influence for the M&E Function

• Understand how to advocate for the value and importance of M&E within the NGO and to external stakeholders.
• Discuss strategies for building strong relationships with program teams, senior leadership, and finance.
• Explore techniques for influencing organizational culture to be more data-driven and learning-oriented.
• Examine how to address resistance to M&E and navigate organizational politics.
• Learn about continuous professional development and staying abreast of M&E trends and innovations.

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