Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
About This Programme
This programme provides a structured foundation in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning for professionals working in development programmes, humanitarian operations, and institutional settings. Participants learn to build results frameworks, design data collection strategies, and produce evidence-based reports that satisfy donor and institutional requirements.
The course covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation, with practical exercises in indicator development, sampling, survey design, and feedback mechanisms. Accountability and learning modules address how organisations can close the loop between evidence and decision-making.
Graduates will be able to design and manage MEAL systems for medium-scale programmes, conduct evaluations, and advise leadership on evidence-driven programme adjustments.
Programme Syllabus
MEAL Foundations & Terminology
Key definitions, the MEAL cycle, and how monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning interconnect.
Results Frameworks & Indicator Design
Building logframes, developing SMART indicators, and aligning outputs to outcomes and impact.
Data Collection & Analysis Methods
Quantitative and qualitative tools, sampling, surveys, focus groups, and data quality assurance.
Evaluation Design & Execution
Types of evaluations, evaluation questions, terms of reference, and managing evaluation processes.
Accountability Mechanisms & Feedback Loops
Community feedback, complaints mechanisms, transparency standards, and closing the accountability loop.
Learning & Adaptive Management
Capturing lessons, knowledge management systems, and translating evidence into programme adjustments.