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Theories of Change
This course has been designed for evaluation managers at WFP interested in strengthening their knowledge of theories of change and how to effectively integrate the use of theories of change into their relevant job functions. The training is in line with the norms and standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG), and it’s fully tailored to the evaluation specifics of WFP.
In 2022, United Nations System Staff College and the WFP Office of Evaluation launched a collaboration to co-develop a certification scheme for evaluation, targeting WFP’s evaluation cadre in the form of micro-credentials. To read more please click here. The Theories of Change course as part of this new initiative, aims to enhance the abilities of evaluation managers to describe, construct and review theories of change.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe what theories of change (ToC) are and how they are used within intervention design, implementation, and evaluation;
- Iteratively construct and/or reconstruct a ToC, incorporating relevant theory, research, and/or stakeholder input;
- Review a ToC to check that it is (or remains) relevant and explicitly outlines the expected changes and assumptions along the causal pathways.
The course includes a range of synchronous and asynchronous activities. This approach ensures that participants not only gain solid knowledge and skills but also apply them.
Each module consists of:
- Selected readings, videos and discussion forums where participants consolidate and reflect on learnings through the creation of micro-content (multimodal forum replies, etc.);
- Live thematic sessions with led instructor;
- On the job guided practice where participants can apply the knowledge acquired in the micro-credential.
Instructor-led webinars will be conducted on Zoom. Participants need a computer (or mobile device), a reliable internet connection and either a headset with a microphone to connect to the audio through a computer, or a telephone. We recommend accessing audio through your computer. No special software is required, but participants must be able to access Zoom. UNSSC will send access instructions to registered participants, and we recommend that you download the application and test your setup in advance.
The asynchronous component is designed and structured on UNKampus, one of UNSSC's online learning platforms.
The micro-credential is composed of four thematic modules. The modules are:
- Introduction to theories of change
- Key steps in constructing and reconstructing theories of change
- Visually depicting your theory of change
- Constructing your own theory of change
Evaluation managers at WFP.
The requirements to enter into any of the micro-credentials are the following:
For M&E Officers working on decentralized evaluations
- Completion of WFP Evaluation Foundations Course
- Completion of the WFP Evaluation Learning Programme course on How to Manage a Decentralized Evaluation
- Experience as evaluation manager in at least one evaluation in WFP or another entity
For Evaluation Officers
- Experience as evaluation manager (or experience as research analyst substantively engaging in and supporting the entire evaluation process) in at least one evaluation in WFP or another entity
In addition to the requirements above, some micro-credentials may require ‘pre-requisite’ knowledge. For the micro-credential of Theories of Change, no prior knowledge or skills are needed. However, having had some exposure and level of familiarity using theories of change prior to the course may help participants get the most out of the course, as they will be able to bring their real-world work experience into the learning journey.
This course is offered to WFP staff only.
Free
