Evidence Synthesis & Policy Evaluation Training Course

 Evidence Synthesis & Policy Evaluation Training Course 

Introduction 

Evidence synthesis and policy evaluation are critical competencies for governments, development organizations, research institutions, and policy practitioners seeking to design, implement, and refine effective public policies. Evidence Synthesis & Policy Evaluation Training Course provides participants with advanced skills in systematically collecting, appraising, synthesizing, and translating evidence into actionable policy insights. The course emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, policy effectiveness analysis, impact evaluation, and knowledge translation to strengthen governance, accountability, and development outcomes. Participants will gain exposure to global best practices, rigorous methodologies, and analytical frameworks that enhance policy relevance, efficiency, and sustainability. 

The course integrates quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis techniques with policy evaluation tools used across public sector reforms, social policy, economic development, health, education, and environmental governance. Participants will learn how to assess policy performance, identify implementation gaps, measure outcomes and impacts, and communicate findings to policymakers and stakeholders. By the end of the training, learners will be able to design and conduct robust evidence syntheses and policy evaluations that support transparent, data-driven, and adaptive policymaking processes. 

Course Objectives 

1. Understand core principles of evidence synthesis and policy evaluation.
2. Apply systematic review and evidence mapping techniques.
3. Identify credible data sources for policy analysis and evaluation.
4. Use mixed-methods approaches for policy performance assessment.
5. Design policy evaluation frameworks aligned with strategic objectives.
6. Conduct outcome, impact, and process evaluations.
7. Apply causal inference techniques for policy effectiveness analysis.
8. Assess policy efficiency, equity, and sustainability outcomes.
9. Translate evidence into clear policy recommendations.
10. Strengthen policy learning through adaptive management approaches.
11. Improve stakeholder engagement using evidence-informed dialogue.
12. Communicate evaluation findings through policy briefs and reports.
13. Integrate evidence synthesis into policy formulation and reform cycles.

Organizational Benefits
 

• Improved quality of policy design and decision-making
• Stronger accountability and transparency in public programs
• Enhanced ability to measure policy effectiveness and impact
• Reduced risk of ineffective or poorly targeted interventions
• Better alignment of policies with development goals
• Improved use of data and research across institutions
• Strengthened monitoring and evaluation capacity
• Enhanced credibility with funders and stakeholders
• More effective allocation of public and donor resources
• Institutionalization of evidence-based policymaking practices

Target Audiences
 

• Policy analysts and advisors
• Government planners and public sector managers
• Monitoring and evaluation professionals
• Research and data analysts
• Development practitioners and program managers
• Think tank and academic researchers
• Donor agency staff and partners
• Civil society and advocacy organizations

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Evidence Synthesis
 

• Concepts and principles of evidence-based policymaking
• Types of evidence used in policy analysis
• Role of evidence synthesis in policy cycles
• Strengths and limitations of different evidence sources
• Ethics and transparency in evidence use
• Case Study: Evidence gaps affecting national policy reforms

Module 2: Systematic Reviews and Evidence Mapping
 

• Steps in conducting systematic literature reviews
• Developing review questions and protocols
• Evidence mapping for policy prioritization
• Assessing study quality and risk of bias
• Managing and organizing review findings
• Case Study: Systematic review informing education policy reform

Module 3: Policy Evaluation Frameworks
 

• Designing evaluation questions and indicators
• Logic models and theory of change development
• Linking policy objectives to measurable outcomes
• Selecting appropriate evaluation designs
• Managing evaluation timelines and resources
• Case Study: Evaluation framework for a national social protection policy

Module 4: Quantitative Methods for Policy Evaluation
 

• Experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• Impact evaluation using counterfactual analysis
• Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis
• Use of administrative and survey data
• Interpreting statistical results for policy decisions
• Case Study: Impact evaluation of a cash transfer program

Module 5: Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches
 

• Qualitative data collection for policy evaluation
• Stakeholder interviews and focus group techniques
• Process evaluation and implementation analysis
• Integrating qualitative and quantitative findings
• Managing bias and validity in qualitative research
• Case Study: Mixed-methods evaluation of health policy implementation

Module 6: Evidence Translation and Policy Learning
 

• Translating evidence into policy-relevant insights
• Designing policy briefs and executive summaries
• Communicating uncertainty and limitations
• Supporting policy learning and adaptation
• Engaging policymakers with evaluation findings
• Case Study: Evidence translation influencing regulatory reform

Module 7: Equity, Inclusion, and Ethics in Policy Evaluation
 

• Evaluating equity and distributional impacts
• Gender and inclusion considerations in policy analysis
• Ethical standards in evaluation practice
• Participatory evaluation approaches
• Managing political and institutional sensitivities
• Case Study: Equity-focused evaluation of rural development policy

Module 8: Institutionalizing Evidence-Based Policymaking
 

• Integrating evidence synthesis into policy institutions
• Strengthening data governance and knowledge systems
• Building organizational evaluation capacity
• Managing partnerships with researchers and evaluators
• Sustaining evidence use in decision-making processes
• Case Study: Institutional reform to mainstream evidence use

Training Methodology
 

• Instructor-led presentations and conceptual briefings
• Guided practical exercises and group discussions
• Case study analysis and applied problem-solving
• Hands-on policy evaluation design workshops
• Evidence synthesis simulations and peer review
• Action planning for institutional implementation

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

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 DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.