Monitoring and Evaluation Certification Programme

In order to measure success and report on results, development workers and public-sector managers create monitoring and evaluation systems. Such systems make it possible to learn from experience and improve programme and project performance. Monitoring and evaluation is therefore an essential function for all organizations, programmes and projects, and consequently international and public-sector organizations have for several years been investing in the creation of such structures. To meet the need for specialist knowledge in this field, the ITCILO is offering an online certification programme that provides all the technical skills and tools required to ensure effective monitoring of projects and programmes, and to manage the various evaluations that are part of the programming cycle. OBJECTIVES This certification attests that participants have achieved the following objectives: • Acquiring the knowledge and skills to effectively design and operate programme/project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems in accordance with international best practices in development cooperation (UN organisations, the ILO, the EU, Multilateral Development Banks, INGOs, etc.). • Understanding the attitudes needed to properly and successfully engage stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation activities. • Demonstrating the ability to collect, process, analyse data to inform the users of the monitoring and evaluation system through monitoring or evaluation reports. CONTENT I. Distance learning modules The online certification programme was delivered through the ITCILO online platform, its e-campus. Participants completed the following eight tutor-guided modules introducing in detail the knowledge, tools and technique required to design and operate programme or project M&E systems. 1. Introduction to the universe of M&E 2. Planning for M&E: system’s purpose, scope and clients 3. Planning for data collection, data analysis and risk management 4. Data processing and analysis 5. Reporting and use of information 6. Human resources and capacity development in the context of M&E 7. Monitoring and evaluation management: budget, contracts and ethics 8. Impact evaluation: a reality check for M&E officers II. Knowledge tests and practical assignments For every module, participants were required to study the content, to respond to a knowledge test and to practise by applying the knowledge, tools and techniques on their own programme/project and on a case study in order to develop their skills. III. Combination of practical case studies and assignments Throughout the programme participants completed a practicum, with the support and guidance of ITCILO experts. The combination of case studies and assignments resulted in participants performing all the main tasks needed to design and operate effectively a programme/project M&E system. ACHIEVEMENT This certificate of achievement is delivered to the participants who have produced the required deliverables by completing the self-guided modules, the knowledge tests, the case studies and the assignments. I. Distance learning modules and knowledge test (25 hours) • Completion of eight tutor-guided online modules • Acquisition of practical knowledge to design and operate an M&E system II. Practical case studies and assignments (30 hours) • Completion of eight practical case studies and eight individual assignments to simulate performing the essential tasks needed to design and operate an M&E system III. Soft-skills, ethics and engagement of stakeholders in M&E (5 hours) • Participation in online learning activities to familiarize with good practices, norms and standards to properly and successfully engage stakeholders in M&E. NUMBER OF HOURS: 60