Managing the Politics of Evaluation - Certificate Online Course

Managing the Politics of Evaluation

This course considers some of the challenges that evaluators and evaluation managers face when striving to have an impartial evaluation of a programme. Although there are certainly political factors stemming from ideological and policy debates that can affect the “success” of an intervention, this course will particularly focus on how the “political” interests of the various partners involved can influence the evaluation process. It will then go on to look at what measures can be taken to address these potential threats and protect the professional integrity of the evaluator and the contract manager.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course the students will:

• Understand why evaluation is essentially a “political” activity
• Understand how different combinations of the “tricky triangle” of (evaluator, commissioner and the evaluand) can affect evaluator independence (and dependence);
• Develop the skills needed to recognise the different types of “political” pressure that can come to the fore before, during and at the end of the evaluation study;
• Understand the benefits and limits of some of the key strategies that have been used to deal with such challenges.

Course Content

• Module 1: Introduction and overview of the course - How is evaluation a “political “activity?
• Module 2: Who is involved in commissioning and conducting an evaluation? Why is this a “tricky triangle”?
• Module 3: Types of “political” pressure that can affect the evaluator’s independence and types that can influence the “independence” of the internal evaluation contract manager.
• Module 4: Strategies for dealing with “political pressures” on the evaluator – and those appropriate for acting as a safeguard to the professional integrity of the internal evaluation contract manager.
• Module 5: Summary, conclusions and course evaluation.

Trainer
Dr. Marlène Laubli Loud, an Evaluation Expert with more than 30-year experience in governmental, international organisations and UN bodies. Her clients include Swiss Federal and Cantonal health authorities, the European Commission, the UN Joint Inspection Unit, the WHO, the UK Department of Employment and the UK Health Promotion Agency.
Marlène has been in both camps during her career - working as an evaluation consultant and as a commissioner, and experienced at first-hand how evaluation can be political.

Methodology
This online self-paced course with a personalised trainer support uses a combination of methods comprised of reading materials, video lectures, and practical exercises to ensure practicality of the knowledge acquired. Case studies are used throughout the course to ensure a hands-on approach and the development of practical skills. Some checklists are provided as a “memo” to help the learner apply the lessons drawn from the course once back in her/his work context.

Who this course is for
Anyone who commissions, manages or carries out a project or programme M&E: evaluation advisors and consultants, internal and external evaluators, evaluation units of NGOs and UN agencies, project managers, policy makers and programme implementers.

Language
English

Course duration
You can study for as long as you need at your own pace. We will provide you with a personalised support throughout your studies.