Course Details

Agile-led Theory of Change Workshops Training Course

Introduction
In fast-changing development and humanitarian contexts, traditional Theory of Change (ToC) processes can be too rigid to accommodate shifting priorities, emerging risks, or rapid learning. The Agile-led Theory of Change Workshops Training Course offers a transformative approach that blends agile thinking with participatory design to develop flexible, adaptive ToCs that drive results. This 10-day intensive course trains professionals to run highly engaging, iterative, and collaborative ToC workshops that produce living frameworks aligned with complex realities on the ground.

Participants will learn how to facilitate ToC sessions using agile principles—breaking down outcomes into testable assumptions, conducting regular feedback loops, and fostering stakeholder co-creation. The training emphasizes systems thinking, user-centered design, and adaptive management, empowering M&E staff, project designers, and strategy teams to make their Theories of Change more dynamic, inclusive, and actionable. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to lead ToC workshops that not only generate strategic clarity but also support ongoing learning and innovation.

Duration

10 Days
Target Audience

• M&E officers and strategic planning teams
• Project and program designers
• Donor reporting and results teams
• Facilitators, learning advisors, and MEL consultants
• NGO, INGO, and UN agency staff in adaptive programming

Course Objectives

• Understand the foundations of agile thinking and its application in ToC development
• Facilitate participatory workshops for co-creating and refining Theories of Change
• Break down assumptions and develop adaptive results frameworks
• Integrate agile tools such as sprints, retrospectives, and feedback loops in ToC design
• Apply ToC outputs to guide adaptive programming, monitoring, and learning

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Theory of Change and Agile Principles

• Defining Theory of Change in development work
• Core values and mindset of agile methodology
• Synergies between agile and adaptive ToC approaches
• The case for agile ToC in complex environments
• Examples of agile ToC in practice

Module 2: Systems Thinking and Outcome Mapping

• Mapping complex systems and actors
• Identifying leverage points and root causes
• Visualizing interconnected outcomes
• Outcome harvesting and change pathways
• From linear models to dynamic systems maps

Module 3: Agile Workshop Planning and Facilitation Setup

• Planning agile ToC sessions in phases
• Creating inclusive facilitation plans
• Role of facilitators and scribes
• Preparing materials and digital tools
• Setting workshop goals and timeboxes

Module 4: Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Creation

• Mapping and prioritizing stakeholders
• Conducting empathy interviews and needs assessments
• Ensuring inclusive participation and safe spaces
• Co-developing change narratives
• Managing power dynamics and diverse perspectives

Module 5: Sprint-based ToC Development Process

• Structuring sprints for ToC creation
• Iterative exploration of problem statements
• Brainstorming outcomes and result chains
• Building consensus through fast cycles
• Timeboxing feedback and adjustments

Module 6: Identifying and Validating Assumptions

• Types of assumptions in a Theory of Change
• Testing assumptions with real-world data
• Building testable hypotheses and learning agendas
• Prioritizing critical and high-risk assumptions
• Incorporating evidence and insights

Module 7: Visualizing the Theory of Change

• Mapping pathways to change using diagrams and boards
• Using tools like Miro, Lucidchart, or PowerPoint
• Layering in inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact
• Feedback loops and dynamic visualizations
• Keeping visuals simple, flexible, and editable

Module 8: Integrating ToC into Adaptive MEL Systems

• Aligning ToC with logframes and indicator frameworks
• Embedding ToC in MEL plans and strategies
• Tracking emergent outcomes and change signals
• Using ToC to inform adaptive evaluations
• Linking ToC to data collection and sense-making

Module 9: Facilitating Reflection and Retrospective Sessions

• Using retrospectives to reflect on ToC development
• What worked, what didn’t, and what to adapt
• Documenting lessons and feedback
• Agile retrospectives for learning and improvement
• Iterative updates to ToC over the project cycle

Module 10: Agile Tools and Digital Platforms for Workshops

• Digital whiteboards and agile boards
• Collaboration tools: Miro, Trello, Google Workspace
• Documenting workshop insights efficiently
• Voting, prioritization, and real-time input tools
• Hybrid and remote facilitation best practices

Module 11: Applying Agile ToC for Program Design and Strategy

• Linking agile ToC outputs to program theories
• Informing funding proposals and donor reports
• Enabling adaptive design and pivoting
• Integrating with strategic planning frameworks
• Case examples of agile-based program designs

Module 12: Scaling and Institutionalizing Agile ToC Approaches

• Embedding agile ToC into organizational culture
• Building ToC capacity across teams
• Creating templates and toolkits
• Establishing cycles for ToC review and refresh
• Positioning ToC as a living document for learning

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