Certificate in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Development Practice at Azim Premji University

About the Programme

The Certificate in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Development Practice is a 2-month, blended programme that fills a common gap, many smaller organisations monitor their projects closely but don't have a systematic way to evaluate them or use the findings to actually learn and improve. The programme covers three things: thinking clearly about M&E frameworks, designing evaluations well, and building evaluation learning into how an organisation works day to day. It goes beyond technical M&E methods to also cover ethics, participatory and community-based approaches, and how to communicate findings to different audiences, including for advocacy.

Eligibility

• At least 24 months of work experience in the social sector. Freelancers are considered case by case, and currently unemployed candidates with qualifying experience may also apply.
• An undergraduate degree.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview.

Curriculum Overview

• Foundations of Programme Monitoring and Evaluation: the purpose, scope, and audience of evaluation, reflexive practice, and frameworks for building M&E into organisational learning, planning, and advocacy.
• Designing and Applying Evaluations: balancing how representative an evaluation is against the resources available, and applying formative and summative evaluations ethically.
• Capstone Project: participants pick a real problem from their own work and develop a full evaluation proposal for it.

Programme Highlights

• Blended format combining in-person sessions with a field practicum, followed by online Saturday sessions of about five hours each.
• Taught in English, with assessment through assignments and class participation.
• Open to practitioners at grassroots organisations with little or no M&E capacity, as well as those at larger organisations, donor agencies, consultants, and government project staff in M&E roles.
• Wheelchair-accessible campus, with a crèche available and childcare needs discussed case by case.

Career Pathways

The University does not provide placement assistance after this programme. It's designed to build practical M&E skills participants bring back to their current roles, rather than to place them in new ones.

Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition fee: INR 25,000. Accommodation fee: INR 7,000, for participants who choose to stay at the University during the in-person module. Financial assistance is considered case by case, refer to the university's dedicated fees and financial aid page for details.