Course Details

Remote M&E for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for designing and implementing effective Remote Monitoring & Evaluation (RM&E) in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas (FCAAs). Recognizing that traditional M&E methods are often impractical or unsafe in these complex environments, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of innovative tools, ethical considerations, and adaptive approaches to data collection and verification from a distance. Participants will gain deep insights into leveraging digital technologies, third-party monitoring, remote sensing, and context-sensitive methodologies, all crucial for ensuring accountability, improving programming, and safeguarding personnel in challenging contexts. This course is ideal for M&E specialists, program managers, humanitarian responders, and decision-makers working in or on FCAAs.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in planning, implementing, and overseeing programs in complex, high-risk, or inaccessible environments, including:

• M&E Specialists and Coordinators working in humanitarian or development sectors.
• Program Managers and Directors overseeing FCAA interventions.
• Humanitarian and Emergency Response Professionals.
• Risk Management and Security Personnel in NGOs and international organizations.
• Funders and Grant Managers supporting programs in FCAAs.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the unique challenges and ethical considerations of M&E in FCAAs.
• Identify and select appropriate remote data collection methods for insecure contexts.
• Design robust RM&E frameworks that account for data verification and security.
• Leverage technology for effective monitoring, analysis, and reporting from a distance.
• Develop strategies for adaptive management based on remote insights in volatile settings.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding M&E in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas (FCAAs)

• Define FCAAs and their unique characteristics impacting M&E (e.g., insecurity, limited access, fluid contexts).
• Explore the challenges of traditional M&E in FCAAs (e.g., safety, bias, data quality).
• Understand the core principles guiding M&E in FCAAs (e.g., Do No Harm, context sensitivity, flexibility).
• Discuss the shift from traditional to remote and adaptive M&E in these settings.
• Examine real-world examples of M&E complexities in specific FCAA contexts.

Module 2: Foundations of Remote Monitoring (RM)

• Define Remote Monitoring (RM) and its purpose in inaccessible environments.
• Understand the benefits of RM for data coverage, frequency, and personnel safety.
• Discuss the continuum of remoteness in M&E and various RM approaches.
• Explore the risks and limitations associated with RM (e.g., data quality, verification challenges).
• Learn about integrating RM into a broader M&E strategy.

Module 3: Remote Data Collection Methods

• Understand the application of mobile data collection tools for RM (e.g., phone surveys, SMS, IVR).
• Discuss the use of third-party monitoring (TPM) and local implementing partners for data collection.
• Explore remote sensing (satellite imagery, drones) for monitoring physical changes and access.
• Examine social media monitoring and open-source intelligence (OSINT) for context analysis.
• Learn about remote qualitative data collection techniques (e.g., remote interviews, virtual FGDs).

Module 4: Data Verification and Quality Assurance in RM

• Understand the critical importance of data verification when collecting remotely.
• Discuss triangulation of data from multiple independent sources.
• Explore strategies for cross-checking information received from remote channels.
• Examine the role of data cleaning and validation specific to RM data.
• Learn about managing potential biases and mis/disinformation in remote data.

Module 5: Leveraging Technology for RM&E Management

• Understand data management platforms and dashboards for real-time remote monitoring.
• Discuss the use of GIS for visualizing spatial data collected remotely.
• Explore communication technologies for maintaining contact with remote teams and sources.
• Examine data security protocols for sensitive information collected remotely.
• Learn about tools for virtual collaboration and remote team management.

Module 6: Ethical Considerations and "Do No Harm" in RM&E

• Understand the paramount importance of "Do No Harm" in M&E in FCAAs.
• Discuss ethical guidelines for data collection in sensitive contexts (e.g., consent, privacy, protection from harm).
• Explore strategies for safeguarding the identity and security of remote data collectors and beneficiaries.
• Examine the risks of unintended consequences of RM&E activities.
• Learn about responsible data management and sharing in high-risk environments.

Module 7: Analysis, Reporting, and Utilization of RM&E Data

• Understand how to analyze complex and sometimes incomplete remote data.
• Discuss techniques for synthesizing quantitative and qualitative RM&E findings.
• Explore methods for communicating RM&E results clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders.
• Examine the use of RM&E data for immediate decision-making and course correction.
• Learn about developing adaptive management recommendations based on remote insights.

Module 8: Building RM&E Capacity and Sustainability

• Discuss strategies for training and supporting remote data collectors and TPM teams.
• Explore challenges in building local RM&E capacity in FCAAs.
• Understand resource allocation and budgeting for RM&E initiatives.
• Examine organizational policies and systems to support RM&E implementation.
• Learn about fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous learning in FCAA programming.

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