Course Details

Strategic Use of M&E for Policy Influence Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for leveraging Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) strategically to achieve policy influence. Recognizing that robust evidence is a powerful tool for advocacy and shaping public discourse, this program equips participants with a systematic approach to designing M&E that generates policy-relevant insights, packaging findings for diverse audiences, and engaging effectively with decision-makers. Participants will gain deep insights into identifying policy windows, translating complex data into compelling narratives, building strategic alliances, and navigating political landscapes, all crucial for maximizing the impact of programs beyond direct interventions and contributing to systemic change.

This course moves beyond the technical aspects of M&E to focus on its instrumental role in influencing policy, enabling participants to transform M&E departments into engines of change. It is ideal for M&E specialists, advocacy officers, program managers, and leaders who seek to ensure their organization's valuable evidence translates into tangible policy shifts and broader societal impact.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in both evidence generation and policy advocacy within NGOs, government, and research institutions, including:

• M&E Specialists and Data Analysts.
• Advocacy and Policy Officers.
• Program Managers and Directors.
• Communication and Knowledge Management Professionals.
• Researchers and Think Tank Staff.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the intersection of M&E, advocacy, and policy influence.
• Design M&E processes that intentionally generate policy-relevant evidence.
• Translate complex M&E findings into compelling, policy-oriented messages.
• Develop strategies for effectively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Navigate ethical considerations and political dynamics in policy advocacy using M&E.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the Policy Landscape and M&E's Role

• Define policy influence and its different forms (e.g., agenda setting, policy formulation, implementation).
• Explore the policy cycle and key entry points for M&E evidence.
• Understand the types of evidence policymakers value and how M&E can provide it.
• Discuss the concept of "policy windows" and timing M&E dissemination.
• Examine real-world examples of M&E evidence shaping policy decisions.

Module 2: Designing M&E for Policy Relevance

• Understand how to formulate policy-oriented evaluation questions.
• Discuss aligning M&E frameworks and indicators with policy priorities and national development plans.
• Explore methods for integrating policy assumptions into program Theories of Change.
• Examine the importance of collecting data on policy implementation processes and context.
• Learn about participatory approaches to M&E that engage policy stakeholders.

Module 3: Generating Robust and Credible Evidence for Policy

• Understand the characteristics of evidence that influences policy (e.g., rigor, relevance, timeliness, legitimacy).
• Discuss selecting appropriate M&E methodologies to generate policy-relevant findings (e.g., impact evaluations, mixed methods, cost-effectiveness).
• Explore techniques for ensuring the quality, reliability, and validity of M&E data.
• Examine the importance of triangulation and corroboration of evidence.
• Learn about communicating methodological rigor in an accessible way.

Module 4: Translating Complex M&E Findings for Policy Audiences

• Understand the art of evidence translation from technical findings to actionable policy insights.
• Discuss tailoring messages and formats for diverse policy audiences (e.g., ministers, civil servants, legislative committees).
• Explore the use of compelling narratives and storytelling informed by M&E data.
• Examine the power of data visualization, infographics, and policy briefs in communicating M&E.
• Learn about condensing complex information while maintaining accuracy and nuance.

Module 5: Strategic Communication and Dissemination

• Understand the importance of a targeted communication and dissemination plan for M&E findings.
• Discuss identifying key policy influencers and decision-makers.
• Explore various dissemination channels (e.g., policy dialogues, workshops, webinars, media outreach, social media).
• Examine strategies for timely release of findings to match policy cycles.
• Learn about proactive engagement versus reactive dissemination.

Module 6: Building Partnerships and Alliances for Policy Influence

• Understand the power of coalitions and strategic alliances in policy advocacy.
• Discuss how to identify and engage with key partners (e.g., civil society organizations, research institutions, academic experts).
• Explore methods for joint advocacy and shared messaging based on M&E evidence.
• Examine the role of "policy champions" and how to cultivate them.
• Learn about facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues around M&E findings.

Module 7: Navigating Political Contexts and Ethical Considerations

• Understand the political nature of policy-making and how M&E interacts with it.
• Discuss strategies for managing resistance to evidence or politically sensitive findings.
• Explore ethical considerations when using M&E data for advocacy (e.g., avoiding misrepresentation, protecting privacy).
• Examine the importance of maintaining independence and credibility as an M&E function.
• Learn about managing expectations and understanding the limits of M&E influence.

Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluating Policy Influence

• Understand how to define and measure the impact of M&E efforts on policy.
• Discuss developing indicators to track policy change (e.g., policy adoption, resource allocation shifts, legislative changes).
• Explore methods for assessing the contribution of specific M&E activities to policy outcomes.
• Examine the challenges of attributing policy change and strategies for assessing contribution.
• Learn about continuous learning and adaptation in M&E for policy influence.

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