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Theory-Based Approaches to Evaluation 2025
This course has been designed for evaluation staff at World Food Programme (WFP) interested in exploring when a theory-based approach to evaluation is most useful and relevant to answer key evaluation questions. The training is in line with the norms and standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and tailored to the context of WFP.
In 2022, United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and the WFP Office of Evaluation launched a certification scheme for evaluation, targeting WFP’s evaluation cadre in the form of micro-credentials. To read more please click HERE. The "Theory-based approaches to evaluation" course is a part of this new initiative and aims to enhance the capability of evaluation managers to use a theory-based approach in their evaluation.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Define a theory-based approach in evaluation
- Develop evaluation questions (or sub-questions in case of CSPEs) and testable hypotheses which are specific to the context and the intervention
- Verify that the evaluation design will allow the testing of hypotheses to assess whether and how an intervention contributed to results
- Review a draft evaluation report to determine if the theory-based evaluation design was used consistently and appropriately.
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 learning through the creation of micro-content (multimodal forum replies, etc.);
- Live instructor-led thematic sessions;
- Mentoring sessions;
- On the job guided practice where participants can apply the knowledge acquired in the micro-credential.
To view the study plan please click HERE.
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 three thematic modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Theory-Based Approaches (TBA) to Evaluation
- Module 2: Quality Assuring A Theory-Based Evaluation Design
- Module 3: Quality Assuring A Theory-Based Evaluation Final Report
Evaluation staff at WFP.
The requirements to register for this micro-credential are the following:
For M&E Officers working on decentralized evaluations
- Completion of the WFP How to Manage a Decentralized Evaluation course
- Experience as evaluation manager in at least one WFP evaluation that is either completed or reached inception phase or a completed evaluation at another entity
For Evaluation Officers and Research Analysts
- Experience as evaluation manager (or experience as research analyst substantively engaging in and supporting the one WFP evaluation that is either completed or reached inception phase) in at least one evaluation in WFP or another entity
Additional requirements
Additional requirements to register for this micro-credential are the following:
- The completion of the micro-credential on Theories of Change. OR
- Basic knowledge about theories of change, including:
- Defining what a theory of change is, its key elements and how they fit together
- Why and when to use a TOC for different evaluation purposes, including testing underlying assumptions and the causal chain between outputs and outcomes
- What is a nested TOC and when it is useful to have one
- How to construct and reconstruct a theory of change for evaluation purposes.
To apply
Applicants should include in their motivation statement:
- The title of the evaluation they will use for their on-the-job practice component and what phase it is in – planned, preparation, inception, reporting and analysis, or dissemination and follow-up.
- Details of previous training or experience with theories of change
This course is offered to WFP staff only.
Applications will be carefully reviewed and only nominated participants will be contacted.
Free
