NASCEE is inviting applicants to undertake a course on MEL as part of its NGO capacity building initiative.

NASCEE has identified monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) as critical skills for the non- profit sector. As a result, it has embarked on a programme to support its members to develop these MEL skills. As stated above this is aligned to NASCEE’s objective of capacity building.

Monitoring is a continuing process of collecting and analysing data on specified indicators to compare how well a project, programme or policy is being implemented against expected results to inform management and the main stakeholders on progress or lack thereof and recommending corrective measures.

Evaluation is the systematic and objective assessment of an on-going or completed operation, programme or policy, its design, implementation and results. The aim is to determine the relevance and fulfilment of objectives, as well as efficiency, effectiveness, impact (overall goal) and sustainability.

The programme on offer will focus on the following components: developing a Theory of Change (ToC), developing relevant outcomes and indicators linked to the ToC, data collection practices, data analysis and visualisation, report writing, and developing an evaluative thinking approach.

The programme will offer candidates 58 hours of training (hybrid) supported by 16 hours of mentoring over the four month period (approximately 8 hours of training and 2 hours of mentoring per month). The mentoring component supports participants to apply acquired skills and knowledge to their programmes/projects. The programme will include engagement with line managers to ensure buy in and alignment with organisational interests. This will be an estimate of an hour a month during programme roll-out. Implementation is planned for the beginning of October and each training session will be a duration of 4 hours and coaching session an hour.

Ten member organisations will be selected to participate in the programme with up to 2 of their MEL staff members. This programme is comprehensive and provides a great opportunity for your MEL team to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a relevant and practical way. The course will be offered by Data Innovators Group who have extensive experience with MERL services; technical digital data solutions which includes data analytics, visualisation; communication and data management; and capability building which focuses on training and coaching. As this programme is aligned to SAMEA mission, there will be efforts for collaboration.

You are encouraged to take up the opportunity by completing the selection form. The deadline for applications is 29 August. We will review all applications and communicate the outcome by the 1st of September.

If you need further information, please contact Noluthando Mqakelana at noluthando@datainnovators.co or Nadeen Moolla at nadeen.moolla@pearson.com.

We look forward to your participation and improved MEL competencies for improved project impact.