Evidence-based Policies for Social Protection Analysts

This course provided a panorama of tools and techniques for integrating evidence into social protection policy design. Participants had an opportunity to explore practical application of evidence in policy design embedding the use of theory of change to their policy development cycles. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical examples, the course equipped participants with the skills needed to transform evidence into actionable policies that address specific social protection challenges.

The program followed a structured, step-by-step approach, guiding participants through clear pathways to connect data and evidence with policy recommendations tailored to diverse contexts. From understanding how to analyse both qualitative and quantitative evidence to drafting policies that are responsive to the needs of populations, this course bridged the gap between analysis and implementation. The ultimate goal was to enable participants to make informed decisions and contribute to the creation of comprehensive, sustainable and equitable social protection systems.

OBJECTIVES

This training course offered participants the opportunity to:

• identify and critically assess qualitative and quantitative evidence to inform social protection strategies and reforms;

• apply the Theory of Change framework to design context-specific and results-oriented social protection interventions;

• develop the ability to translate complex data, research findings, and diagnostic insights into actionable and inclusive policy options;

• interpret and use social protection data to support all stages of the policy cycle, from agenda setting to evaluation;

• adapt evidence-based approaches to a variety of national and institutional contexts, acknowledging structural barriers and resource constraints;

• reflect on the political economy of policy adoption and the role of negotiation, feasibility, and stakeholder engagement to promote uptake and use in decision-making processes;

• link technical analysis with strategic planning to influence meaningful and equitable social protection outcomes.

CONTENT

• Introduction to evidence-based policymaking in social protection

• Identifying context-specific social protection challenges

• Theory of Change for social protection policy design

• Policy formulation: from evidence to policy design

• Social protection data analysis techniques

• Data integration frameworks

• Defining short-term results and long-term impacts

• Microsimulation models in policy design

• Fiscal space assessment tools: evaluating financing options for social protection policies

• Evidence uptake and stakeholder engagement

• Policy negotiation: evidence-based decision making

• Negotiation process: mitigating impact of biases through evidence-based solutions

• Social protection policy implementation and monitoring

• Data-driven policy adjustments

• Peer-to-peer presentations of ToCs and strategies for future action plans

ACHIEVEMENT

The course consisted of a number of modules offered online through the eCampus and face-to-face at the ITCILO over a period of one week, assessed through the following activities:

• Quizzes

• Interactive activities

• Individual presentation

• Final assignment

NUMBER OF HOURS: The course Evidence-based policies for social protection analysts consisted of 60 hours of learning.