Introduction

OECD DAC Evaluation Standards Training Course is designed for professionals, policymakers, and practitioners seeking mastery in international evaluation standards and best practices. Leveraging evidence-based evaluation, quality assurance, and results-focused frameworks, this course empowers participants to enhance accountability, transparency, and impact measurement in development programs. Participants will gain practical insights into evaluation principles, criteria, and methodologies aligned with global standards, ensuring credible, actionable, and high-quality evaluation outcomes.

This training combines hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops to cultivate expert-level proficiency in OECD DAC standards. Through this program, participants will acquire skills in evaluation design, data quality assessment, ethical considerations, and adaptive learning strategies. By applying these frameworks, organizations can improve policy formulation, project effectiveness, and strategic decision-making across public, private, and non-profit sectors globally.

Programme Curriculum

OECD DAC Evaluation Standards Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

Understand the OECD DAC Evaluation Principles and their global relevance.
Apply quality criteria for evaluations: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
Strengthen evaluation design and methodology for diverse development contexts.
Enhance skills in data collection, verification, and analysis for robust evidence.
Integrate gender, equity, and inclusion (GEI) considerations into evaluation frameworks.
Apply ethical and professional standards in evaluation practice.
Utilize mixed-methods approaches for comprehensive evaluation insights.
Interpret evaluation findings for strategic decision-making and policy improvement.
Build evaluation management and governance capacity.
Develop stakeholder engagement strategies for participatory evaluation.
Implement risk assessment and mitigation in evaluation processes.
Leverage technology and digital tools for efficient evaluation reporting.
Foster a culture of learning and adaptive management in organizations.

Target Audience

M&E professionals in public and private sectors
Development project managers
Policy analysts and advisors
Donor agencies and funding bodies
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) staff
International development consultants
Academic researchers in social sciences and development studies
Government officials in planning and evaluation departments

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to OECD DAC Evaluation Standards

Overview of OECD DAC and global evaluation context
Core evaluation principles and criteria
Historical evolution of evaluation standards
Key terminologies and concepts
Case Study: Evaluation of UNDP Development Programs

Module 2: Evaluation Design and Planning

Developing evaluation frameworks and logical models
Formulating evaluation questions and objectives
Selection of evaluation approaches (formative, summative)
Sampling strategies and data collection planning
Case Study: Planning an Evaluation for Health Sector Reforms

Module 3: Relevance and Effectiveness Assessment

Defining relevance and effectiveness in programs
Establishing measurable indicators
Monitoring progress towards goals
Assessing program alignment with priorities
Case Study: Education Program Impact Assessment in Kenya

Module 4: Efficiency and Resource Utilization

Cost-effectiveness analysis
Resource allocation and optimization
Performance benchmarking
Comparative evaluation of alternative interventions
Case Study: Agricultural Project Resource Utilization Review

Module 5: Impact Evaluation Techniques

Measuring short-term and long-term outcomes
Counterfactual analysis and attribution
Quantitative vs qualitative impact methods
Evaluating unintended consequences
Case Study: NGO Health Intervention Impact Study

Module 6: Sustainability Assessment

Defining sustainability in development projects
Environmental, financial, and social sustainability
Strategies for long-term program continuity
Risk and resilience analysis
Case Study: Sustainable Water and Sanitation Project

Module 7: Data Collection and Verification

Designing surveys and interview guides
Sampling, triangulation, and validation
Data quality assurance and reliability
Ethics in data collection
Case Study: Field Survey Evaluation in Rural Communities

Module 8: Gender, Equity, and Inclusion (GEI)

Integrating GEI in evaluation frameworks
Assessing disparities and barriers
Inclusive evaluation methods
Reporting and recommendations for GEI
Case Study: Women’s Empowerment Program Evaluation

Module 9: Ethical and Professional Standards

Codes of conduct in evaluation
Confidentiality and informed consent
Ethical dilemmas and mitigation strategies
Professional accountability frameworks
Case Study: Ethical Review of Humanitarian Project Evaluation

Module 10: Mixed-Methods Approaches

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods
Comparative analysis of methods
Triangulation and data integration
Case Study: Multi-method Evaluation of Social Protection Programs

Module 11: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Identifying and mapping stakeholders
Participatory evaluation techniques
Effective reporting and dissemination
Feedback loops and learning systems
Case Study: Community Engagement in Health Program Evaluation

Module 12: Evaluation Management and Governance

Planning and managing evaluation processes
Team roles and responsibilities
Governance structures for evaluation
Budgeting and logistical considerations
Case Study: Evaluation Management in a Multilateral Agency

Module 13: Risk Assessment in Evaluation

Identifying potential risks and biases
Mitigation strategies and contingency planning
Risk monitoring frameworks
Reporting risk findings to stakeholders
Case Study: Risk Assessment in Humanitarian Interventions

Module 14: Technology and Digital Tools

Data management and visualization platforms
GIS, dashboards, and AI in evaluation
Real-time monitoring and evaluation systems
Reporting automation and analytics
Case Study: Digital Evaluation of COVID-19 Response Programs

Module 15: Learning, Adaptive Management, and Continuous Improvement

Applying lessons learned for program improvement
Integrating evaluation into organizational learning
Adaptive management strategies
Building a culture of accountability and innovation
Case Study: Adaptive Learning in Education Sector Programs

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Evaluation standards Quality assurance Compliance monitoring Best practice application

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000