Diploma in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
Africa Training Institute is pleased to announce a Diploma in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) . This is both an online and Distance Learning Course, which starts 1st of every month.
Overall Course Overview
Created by NGOs for NGOs, MEAL improves skills across the humanitarian and development sector. This 6-month Diploma equips participants with comprehensive practical knowledge and skills in NGO monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. Building on core MEAL DPro principles, the programme develops the ability to design robust logic models, plan effective MEAL systems, collect and analyse high-quality data, and use findings for adaptive management, stakeholder communication, and organisational learning in African and global development contexts.
Course Objectives
- Design logic models (Theory of Change, Results Frameworks, and Logical Frameworks/logframes) that form the foundation of MEAL systems.
- Plan for MEAL using practical tools including Performance Management Plans, Indicator Performance Tracking Tables, Summary Evaluation Tables, Communication Plans, and Learning Plans.
- Collect MEAL data using well-designed qualitative and quantitative tools, appropriate sampling methods, and recommended data management practices.
- Analyse MEAL data with quantitative (descriptive and inferential) statistics and qualitative methods; interpret and visualise findings.
- Use MEAL data to inform project decisions, communicate with stakeholders, practise adaptive management, and promote organisational learning.
Who should enroll
- Project team members responsible for programme implementation (project managers, programme managers, and other project associates).
- Entry-level MEAL specialists and more experienced MEAL staff seeking a common language and stronger systems for MEAL among colleagues and partners.
- Development and humanitarian professionals working with NGOs, UN agencies, government, and donor-funded projects who need practical MEAL competencies.
- Analyse MEAL data with quantitative (descriptive and inferential) statistics and qualitative methods; interpret and visualise findings.
- There are no formal prerequisites; basic familiarity with project work is helpful but not required.
The Following are the Key Thematic Areas Participants Will Cover:
– Overview of MEAL in projects
– Components of MEAL and the MEAL cycle
– Benefits of a strong MEAL system
– Relationship between MEAL and project management
– Ethical standards and cross-cutting principles of MEAL
– Components of MEAL and the MEAL cycle
– Benefits of a strong MEAL system
– Relationship between MEAL and project management
– Ethical standards and cross-cutting principles of MEAL
– Theory of Change
– Results Frameworks
– Logical Frameworks (logframes)
– Performance Monitoring Plans
– Data flow maps
– Indicator Performance Tracking Tables
– Evaluation Summary Tables
– Evaluation Terms of Reference
– Data flow maps
– Indicator Performance Tracking Tables
– Evaluation Summary Tables
– Evaluation Terms of Reference
– Performance Monitoring Plans
– Data flow maps
– Indicator Performance Tracking Tables
– Evaluation Summary Tables
– Evaluation Terms of Reference
– Data flow maps
– Indicator Performance Tracking Tables
– Evaluation Summary Tables
– Evaluation Terms of Reference
– Communication plans
– Learning plans
– Accountability mechanisms and feedback systems
– Learning plans
– Accountability mechanisms and feedback systems
– Data collection tools (qualitative and quantitative)
– Basic principles of sampling
– Data management, databases, and data entry
– Data quality assurance
– Basic principles of sampling
– Data management, databases, and data entry
– Data quality assurance
– Quantitative data analysis (descriptive and inferential statistics)
– Qualitative data analysis
– Data interpretation
– Qualitative data analysis
– Data interpretation
– Adaptive management
– Data visualisation
– MEAL reporting and communication
– Learning from MEAL data and organisational improvement
– Data visualisation
– MEAL reporting and communication
– Learning from MEAL data and organisational improvement
Assignments
There are four assignments (continuous assessment tests), research paper and one examination to be offered at the end of the course. Assignments account for 40%, research paper counts for 30%, while the Final Exam accounts for 30% of the total mark. Upon completion of the course, you shall be issued with a Diploma Certificate and a course transcript. Examination Certificate and Transcripts will be sent after successful completion of the course.
Mode of Delivery
Online / Distance Learning
Practicum
- - The Entire Duration is 6 Months (24 Weeks)
Training Format
- - All materials are made available through the Africa Training Institute Online Learning Platform.
- - Interactive online modules: video lectures, readings, practical exercises, templates, and quizzes.
- - Self-paced learning with optional live online sessions and peer discussion forums.
- - Africa-focused real-world case studies and hands-on assignments applicable to participants’ current work.
- - Students should commit approximately 5–6 hours per week (or 6–8 hours in some cohorts).
Cost of the Course:
USD 600
Participants
Development Professionals, humanitarian practitioners, MEAL staff, project/programme managers, and related roles.
Application Procedure
- Applicants should fill out a detailed Application form and send it back via e-mail to info@africatraininginstitute.org
General Course Contact
- The Academics Manager,
- Africa Training Institute Studies (ATI)
- E-mail: info@africatraininginstitute.org