Course Details

USAID MEL Guidelines and Frameworks Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for effectively applying USAID's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Guidelines and Frameworks. Recognizing that USAID-funded projects operate under specific, rigorous requirements for demonstrating results, accountability, and continuous adaptation, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of USAID's MEL policies, key processes, and preferred methodologies. Participants will gain deep insights into developing robust MEL Plans, designing performance indicators, navigating data quality standards, and implementing learning approaches that align with USAID's program cycle, all crucial for successful proposal development, effective project implementation, and compliant reporting.

This course is specifically designed for organizations and individuals working with or aspiring to work with USAID. It bridges the gap between general M&E principles and the nuanced demands of USAID, empowering participants to design, manage, and implement MEL activities that meet donor expectations and contribute to impactful development outcomes.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating USAID-funded programs, or those seeking to bid on USAID opportunities, including:

• M&E Specialists and Coordinators working on USAID projects.
• Program Managers and Chiefs of Party for USAID awards.
• Proposal Development Teams seeking USAID funding.
• Implementing Partner Staff (NGOs, contractors, local organizations).
• USAID Mission Staff and Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs/AORs).

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand USAID's foundational MEL policies and principles.
• Develop a comprehensive USAID-compliant MEL Plan.
• Design performance indicators that meet USAID standards (PMP).
• Implement strategies for ensuring data quality in USAID-funded programs.
• Integrate learning approaches throughout the USAID program cycle.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of USAID MEL Policy

• Understand the overarching principles of USAID's Evaluation Policy and Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.
• Discuss USAID's emphasis on accountability, learning, and adaptive management.
• Explore the USAID Program Cycle and the role of MEL at each stage.
• Examine the importance of evidence-based decision-making within USAID programming.
• Learn about key USAID MEL terminology and definitions.

Module 2: Developing a USAID-Compliant MEL Plan

• Understand the purpose and core components of a USAID MEL Plan (AMELP/PMP).
• Discuss aligning the MEL Plan with the Activity Design Document (ADD) and Logical Framework (LogFrame).
• Explore strategies for developing a comprehensive Results Framework for USAID projects.
• Examine how to integrate learning approaches and adaptive management into the MEL Plan.
• Learn about the review and approval process for MEL Plans.

Module 3: Designing Performance Indicators (PMPs) for USAID

• Understand USAID's requirements for Performance Indicators (e.g., SMART criteria, disaggregation).
• Discuss the structure and content of a Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS).
• Explore how to select and define indicators that effectively measure progress and results.
• Examine the difference between output, outcome, and impact indicators in the USAID context.
• Learn about common USAID standard indicators and custom indicator development.

Module 4: Data Collection and Data Quality Standards for USAID

• Understand USAID's Data Quality Standards (e.g., validity, reliability, precision, timeliness, integrity).
• Discuss methodologies for data collection that meet USAID requirements.
• Explore strategies for data cleaning, validation, and verification.
• Examine the role of Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) in USAID-funded programs.
• Learn about documenting data sources, methodologies, and limitations.

Module 5: Baseline and Evaluation Designs for USAID Projects

• Understand USAID's expectations for robust baseline studies.
• Discuss different evaluation types relevant to USAID (e.g., performance evaluations, impact evaluations, mid-term, final).
• Explore the importance of evaluation questions that align with learning and accountability needs.
• Examine USAID's guidelines for evaluator independence and ethical considerations.
• Learn about managing external evaluators and the evaluation process.

Module 6: Learning and Adaptive Management within USAID

• Understand USAID's commitment to Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA).
• Discuss strategies for integrating learning activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Explore methods for facilitating reflection sessions and evidence-based decision-making.
• Examine the role of Learning Agendas in USAID-funded programs.
• Learn about documenting and sharing lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Module 7: USAID Reporting Requirements and Data Use

• Understand the various reporting requirements for USAID awards (e.g., quarterly, annual performance reports).
• Discuss how to translate MEL data into compelling and compliant reports.
• Explore the use of USAID's Development Information Solution (DIS) or similar platforms.
• Examine strategies for effectively communicating results to USAID and other stakeholders.
• Learn about leveraging M&E findings for adaptive management and policy influence within the USAID context.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding in USAID MEL

• Understand USAID's strong emphasis on ethical conduct in all MEL activities.
• Discuss protocols for informed consent, data privacy, and confidentiality, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Explore USAID's Child Safeguarding Policy and its implications for MEL.
• Examine the "Do No Harm" principle in data collection and use.
• Learn about managing ethical dilemmas and ensuring responsible data stewardship in USAID projects.

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