Course Details

M&E for European Union-Funded Projects Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for designing and implementing robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) for European Union (EU)-Funded Projects. Recognizing that EU grants are subject to specific and rigorous requirements for accountability, results reporting, and value for money, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of the EU's M&E policy frameworks, key performance indicators, reporting standards, and logical framework approach. Participants will gain deep insights into developing EU-compliant M&E plans, tracking progress against common indicators, navigating audit expectations, and demonstrating impact, all crucial for successful project implementation, effective reporting, and securing future funding from the European Union.

This course is specifically tailored for organizations and individuals working with or aspiring to work with EU funding mechanisms. It bridges the gap between general M&E principles and the unique demands of the EU, empowering participants to design, manage, and implement M&E activities that not only meet donor requirements but also contribute to the effectiveness and visibility of EU-funded initiatives.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating projects funded by the European Union, including:

• Project Managers and Coordinators of EU-funded initiatives.
• M&E Specialists working on EU grants.
• Grant and Partnership Officers in organizations receiving EU funds.
• Finance and Compliance Officers overseeing EU projects.
• Proposal Development Teams targeting EU funding.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the EU's M&E policy framework and key requirements for funded projects.
• Develop a robust and EU-compliant M&E plan based on the Logical Framework Approach.
• Design and utilize EU-specific indicators for tracking project progress and results.
• Ensure data quality and prepare for EU audits.
• Effectively report on project performance to the European Union and other stakeholders.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the EU's M&E Policy and Context

• Define the EU's approach to M&E in its external cooperation and development policies.
• Explore the EU's Results Framework and its emphasis on impact, outcomes, outputs, and inputs.
• Understand key EU M&E guiding documents and principles (e.g., Evaluation Guidelines, PRAG).
• Discuss the importance of M&E for accountability, learning, and communication within EU projects.
• Examine the role of M&E in the EU project cycle from identification to evaluation.

Module 2: The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) for EU Projects

• Understand the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) as a core planning and M&E tool for EU projects.
• Discuss the structure and components of an EU LogFrame (Intervention Logic, objectively verifiable indicators, sources of verification, assumptions).
• Explore how to develop a coherent and measurable Intervention Logic.
• Examine common pitfalls in LogFrame development and how to avoid them.
• Learn about using the LogFrame as a primary tool for M&E planning and reporting.

Module 3: Designing EU-Specific Indicators

• Understand the characteristics of SMART indicators as required by the EU.
• Discuss different types of indicators (input, output, outcome, impact) and their application in EU contexts.
• Explore the use of EU Common Indicators where applicable.
• Examine the importance of gender, environmental, and human rights disaggregation for indicators.
• Learn about developing baselines and targets for EU project indicators.

Module 4: M&E Planning and System Development for EU Grants

• Understand how to develop a comprehensive M&E Plan for an EU-funded project.
• Discuss integrating the LogFrame indicators into the M&E Plan.
• Explore strategies for establishing clear roles and responsibilities for M&E within the project team.
• Examine the selection of appropriate data collection methods and tools.
• Learn about setting up a basic M&E system to track project progress.

Module 5: Data Collection, Quality Assurance, and Verification for EU Projects

• Understand the importance of high-quality data for EU reporting and audits.
• Discuss various data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, focus groups, administrative data) suitable for EU contexts.
• Explore strategies for ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
• Examine the concept of Sources of Verification (SOV) and how to document them for EU reporting.
• Learn about preparing for EU financial and operational audits related to M&E data.

Module 6: Monitoring and Progress Reporting to the EU

• Understand the structure and requirements of EU progress reports (e.g., Interim Reports, Final Reports).
• Discuss how to systematically collect and aggregate data for reporting against indicators.
• Explore methods for presenting quantitative and qualitative data in reports.
• Examine how to effectively communicate achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to the EU.
• Learn about utilizing EU online reporting platforms (e.g., OPSYS).

Module 7: Evaluation Requirements and Learning in EU Projects

• Understand the EU's evaluation guidelines and when external evaluations are required.
• Discuss the importance of learning from M&E findings for adaptive management.
• Explore strategies for conducting mid-term and final evaluations of EU projects.
• Examine how to ensure evaluation quality and utility for both the EU and the implementing organization.
• Learn about disseminating evaluation findings and feeding them back into project design.

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

• Understand the ethical principles guiding M&E in EU external actions (e.g., Do No Harm, privacy, informed consent).
• Discuss how to integrate gender equality and human rights perspectives into M&E.
• Explore the importance of environmental sustainability and climate change considerations in M&E for EU projects.
• Examine the role of accountability to affected populations in EU-funded initiatives.
• Learn about ensuring M&E contributes to the EU's values and policy objectives.

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