Training course on Policy Evaluation Methodologies for Social Protection

Training Course on Policy Evaluation Methodologies for Social Protection

Introduction 

In an era of increasing demand for evidence-based policymaking and accountability, rigorous evaluation of social protection programs is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Policy Evaluation Methodologies for Social Protection encompass a range of analytical tools and approaches used to systematically assess whether social protection policies and programs are achieving their intended objectives, what impacts they are generating (both positive and negative, intended and unintended), and at what cost. From formative evaluations that inform program design to summative and impact evaluations that assess overall effectiveness, the choice of methodology significantly influences the credibility and utility of evaluation findings. Training Course on Policy Evaluation Methodologies for Social Protection focuses on evaluation types and purposes, impact evaluation designs (experimental and quasi-experimental), qualitative and mixed methods, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, data collection and management, and disseminating findings for policy uptake, blending rigorous analytical frameworks with practical, hands-on application, global case studies, and interactive evaluation design exercises. Participants will gain the strategic foresight and technical expertise to confidently lead and engage in robust evaluation processes, fostering unparalleled learning, accountability, and evidence-informed decision-making, thereby securing their position as indispensable leaders in strengthening the effectiveness and impact of social protection worldwide.

This comprehensive 5-day program delves into nuanced methodologies for developing robust Theories of Change specific to social protection interventions, mastering sophisticated techniques for applying various impact evaluation designs, including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental methods (such as Difference-in-Differences and Regression Discontinuity), and exploring cutting-edge approaches to integrating qualitative research to understand "how" and "why" programs work, conducting comprehensive cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, and leveraging administrative data and digital tools for efficient monitoring and evaluation. A significant focus will be placed on understanding the interplay of evaluation rigor with ethical considerations (e.g., withholding benefits from control groups), the specific challenges of evaluating social protection in complex or fragile contexts (like those often seen across Africa, including Kenya), and the practical application of evaluation findings to inform policy adjustments and scaling decisions.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze core concepts and strategic responsibilities of policy evaluation methodologies for social protection programs.
2. Master sophisticated techniques for developing a robust Theory of Change for social protection interventions.
3. Develop robust methodologies for designing and implementing impact evaluations, including experimental (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs.
4. Implement effective strategies for utilizing qualitative research methods to deepen understanding of social protection program processes and outcomes.
5. Manage complex considerations for conducting cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of social protection programs.
6. Apply robust strategies for selecting appropriate evaluation methodologies based on program objectives, context, and available resources.
7. Understand the deep integration of ethical principles and human rights considerations throughout the evaluation process.
8. Leverage knowledge of global best practices and lessons learned from social protection evaluations in diverse contexts (including African experiences).
9. Optimize strategies for data collection, management, and analysis for rigorous social protection evaluations.
10. Formulate specialized recommendations for disseminating evaluation findings effectively to influence policy and program design.
11. Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing M&E systems to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
12. Navigate challenging situations such as attribution challenges, data limitations, political sensitivities, and resource constraints in evaluation.
13. Develop a holistic, rigorous, and ethically sound approach to policy evaluation for social protection, fostering continuous learning and program improvement.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals interested in Policy Evaluation Methodologies for Social Protection:

1. Social Protection Program Managers: Overseeing program implementation and needing to demonstrate impact.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists: Designing and conducting evaluations within government or NGOs.
3. Policymakers & National Planners: Requiring evidence to inform policy decisions and resource allocation.
4. Government Statisticians & Data Analysts: Responsible for collecting and analyzing social protection data.
5. Researchers & Academics: Conducting studies on social policy effectiveness and impact.
6. Development Partners & UN Agency Staff: Supporting countries in evaluating social protection interventions.
7. Budget Officials: Assessing the value for money of social protection investments.
8. Civil Society Representatives: Advocating for accountability and evidence-based social programs.

Course Duration: 5 Days

Course Modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of Social Protection Evaluation
• Defining Policy Evaluation: Purpose, types (formative, process, summative, impact), and their roles.
• Importance of Evaluation for Social Protection: Accountability, learning, resource allocation, and policy improvement.
• Theory of Change (ToC): Developing a logical framework for how a program is expected to achieve its outcomes.
• Key Evaluation Questions: Relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, and coherence (OECD/DAC criteria).
• Ethical Considerations in Evaluation: Informed consent, privacy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.
• Module 2: Impact Evaluation Designs: Experimental Approaches (RCTs)
• Introduction to Impact Evaluation: Assessing causal attribution (what happened because of the program).
• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Principles, advantages (high internal validity), and limitations (external validity, ethical concerns).
• Steps in Designing an RCT: Randomization methods, sample size calculation, baseline and endline data collection.
• Managing Ethical Dilemmas in RCTs: Withholding benefits, compensatory mechanisms, and ensuring equitable access.
• Case Studies: Examples of RCTs applied to social protection programs globally (e.g., CCTs in Latin America).
• Module 3: Impact Evaluation Designs: Quasi-Experimental Approaches
• When RCTs are Not Feasible: Introduction to quasi-experimental designs (QEDs).
• Difference-in-Differences (DiD): Comparing changes over time between treatment and comparison groups.
• Regression Discontinuity (RDD): Exploiting eligibility cut-offs for causal inference.
• Propensity Score Matching (PSM): Creating comparable groups based on observable characteristics.
• Strengths and Limitations of QEDs: Balancing rigor with real-world applicability, addressing selection bias.
• Module 4: Qualitative and Mixed Methods for Social Protection Evaluation
• Role of Qualitative Methods: Understanding "how" and "why" impacts occur, exploring unintended consequences.
• Common Qualitative Methods: In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, observation.
• Mixed Methods Approaches: Combining quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive understanding.
• Data Collection and Analysis for Qualitative Data: Thematic analysis, narrative analysis, software tools.
• Integrating Findings: Synthesizing insights from different methodologies for richer policy implications.
• Module 5: Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
• Defining Efficiency in Evaluation: Achieving outcomes with optimal resource use.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): Quantifying and comparing monetized benefits and costs of a program.
• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA): Comparing costs of different programs to achieve a specific non-monetary outcome.
• Practical Steps in Conducting CBA/CEA: Identifying costs, valuing benefits, discounting, sensitivity analysis.
• Utilizing CBA/CEA for Policy Decisions: Informing resource allocation and program scaling.
• Module 6: Data Collection, Management, and Analysis for Evaluation
• Data Sources for Social Protection Evaluation: Administrative data, household surveys, qualitative data.
• Designing Questionnaires and Data Collection Tools: Ensuring data quality and relevance.
• Sampling Strategies: Random sampling, stratified sampling, purposive sampling for different evaluation types.
• Data Cleaning and Management: Ensuring accuracy, consistency, and ethical handling of sensitive data.
• Basic Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and software tools (e.g., Stata, R, Excel for basic analysis).
• Module 7: Utilization of Evaluation Findings and Dissemination
• From Evidence to Policy: The policy uptake pathway.
• Crafting Effective Evaluation Reports: Clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.
• Communicating Findings to Diverse Audiences: Policymakers, beneficiaries, civil society, media.
• Stakeholder Engagement in Evaluation: Ensuring relevance, buy-in, and use of findings.
• Fostering an Evaluation Culture: Promoting learning and evidence-based decision-making within institutions.
• Module 8: Challenges and Innovations in Social Protection Evaluation
• Attribution vs. Contribution: Navigating complex causal pathways in real-world settings.
• Evaluating Adaptive Social Protection: Methodologies for flexible and shock-responsive programs.
• Challenges in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Contexts: Data limitations, access, and ethical complexities.
• Innovations in Evaluation: Big data, machine learning, geospatial analysis for enhanced insights.
• Designing an Evaluation Plan: Participants develop a high-level evaluation plan for a specific social protection program in Kenya, incorporating lessons learned from the course.

 

Training Methodology 

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

 

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

• Participants must be conversant in English.
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