This training is ideal for practitioners working in programme/project management (Designing, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning) in conflict and post conflict contexts in  Africa. This training is expected to demystify the MERL subject by breaking down some of the key elements and processes into units that are understandable and applicable to the practitioners work.

Course objectives

1. To deepen participants understanding of key concepts and fundamentals in MERL
2. To deepen participants knowledge of developing implementation plans
3. To increase participants understanding of various monitoring tools
4. To deepen participants understanding of Project Indicators
5. To increase participants knowledge of the Log Frame and Results Based Framework
6. To increase participants understanding of developing projects ‘Theory of Change’
7. To increase participants understanding of project evaluations
8. To deepen participants understanding of writing project reports

The Course Content

1. Introduction to key concepts and fundamentals of MERL

In this session, participants will explore and unpack common terminologies used in MERL. These include Monitoring, Evaluation, Reports, Goals, Objectives, Activities, Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, Results/Impact and Stakeholders.

2. Developing Effective implementation Plans

This session will take participants through step by step guide on developing projects implementation plans. There will also include practical sessions on crafting of Project Goals, Objectives and how best to capture activities and sub-activities.

3. Introduction to project Monitoring

In this session, focus will be on the different forms of project monitoring (Process, Results and Contexts). In addition, participants will explore and practise on different monitoring tools such as the Benchmark Calendar, the Deliverable Schedule and the Activity Based Budget. Out of this session, participants will develop implementation and monitoring plans for their projects based on the different tools

4. Understanding the Results Based Framework and the log frame

This session will take participants through the development of a results based framework using the 4 different levels of results i.e. Inputs and Processes, Outputs, Outcomes and Impacts.  The session will also focus on the development of log frames. From this session, participants will develop their projects log frames and results based framework clearly showing the linkages from one level to the next.

5. Developing project’s ‘Theory of Change’      

This session will focus on what a theory of change is, its relevance in the project cycle management and how it is crafted. From the session, participants will be able to develop and articulate their project’s theory of change.

6. Introduction to Project Indicators     

This session will take participants through what indicators are and why they are important in MERL. There will be discussions on the criteria used to develop quality indicators. Participants will practice formulation of indicators across different levels of their projects results.

7. Developing Evaluation Plans, Schedules & TORs    

This session will take participants through what evaluations are and how evaluation plans for projects are developed.   From this session, participants will be in a position to develop evaluation plans and evaluation TORs and schedules for their projects.

8. Reports

This session will explore various forms of reporting and outline the key elements that a good programme/project report should contain. From this session, participants will be able to do reports that show linkages between the various levels of the activities i.e. outputs, outcomes and the impact report.  

Expected Training results       

• Participants will be able to articulate the MERL concepts, their linkages and importance in projects/programmes
• Participants will be able to develop implementation and monitoring plans for their projects/programmes
• Participants will be in a position to develop log frames and results based frameworks for their projects/programmes
• Participants will be able to formulate and articulate theories of change for their projects/programmes
• Participants will be able to develop indicators for the different results levels in their projects/programmes
• Participants will be able to develop evaluation plans for their projects/programmes
• Participants will be able to do reports that capture the goals, objectives and the results achieved at the different levels of their log frames or results framework

Application process

Filled in application forms should be sent to CGPG-Africa through any of the emails below:

1. Trainings (at)cgpg-africa.org
2. africa (at)gmail.com
3. cgpg(at)cgpg-africa.org

Charges US$ 400: This covers online tuition, resource materials and a Certificate of Completion. Payment should be done before the start of the training via direct electronic transfer (kindly ask for our bank details)

Some organizations who have supported staff to our past trainings GIZ-CPS Programme-Kenya, Local Government-Rwanda, African Centre for Governance, Peace & Transitional Studies-Sudan, Network for Religious & Traditional Peacemakers/Finn Church Aid-Kenya Mozambique & Somalia, Christian Aid-Nigeria, Kituo Cha Sheria-Kenya, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-Child Protection & Gender Units, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Saferworld-Somalia,Kenya Youth Foundation, UN Women Tanzania, Jesuit Refugee Service-South Sudan, KhartoumUniversity-Sudan, Geneina University-Sudan, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central Africa Republic (MINUSCA)-CAR, Worldwide Fund For Nature-DRC, University of Kordofan-Sudan, Organization For Rural Development Initiative-South  Sudan, The Organization for Children’s Harmony (TOCH-South Sudan), South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and the Embassy of Canada in Ethiopia.