Empowering Local Solutions: Training Strengthens Monitoring and Evaluation for Lebanese humanitarian aid sector Serving IDPs and Refugees

For the 'Strengthening NGO’s in Lebanon through advanced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning principles’ project funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Nuffic Orange Knowledge Program, the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) – Expert Centre on Emerging Economies provided the first online training module as part of a series of 4 modules on monitoring and evaluation. The training is part of a one-year tailor made training project with a focus on strengthening the knowledge and capacity of SHEILD Association, a network of local NGOs, and other stakeholders to deliver inclusive quality humanitarian aid guided by effective Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems, and support the transition towards sustainable development localization in Lebanon.

SHEILD Association, a prominent Lebanese non-governmental organization (NGO), recently completed a comprehensive two-week training program aimed at strengthening its monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capabilities. The online training, spanning four days in total, delved into fundamentals of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning essential for project management, reporting and internal capacity enhancement. Besides SHEILD Association management, project officers and operational staff, also representatives of the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs participated in the training.

The training commenced with an introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation, providing participants with a foundational understanding of its significance in project management and organizational development. Led by Ms. Gigi Limpens, M&E expert at MSM, attendees were equipped with the necessary tools to set-up MEL systems with a focus on the initiating and planning phase of project and program development.

A significant portion of the training was dedicated to exploring logical models and frameworks, crucial components in designing robust M&E systems. Participants engaged in interactive sessions to grasp the intricacies of constructing logical frameworks tailored to their organizations’ objectives and program’s contexts, more specifically for fragility, conflict and violence sensitive environments. Through practical exercises and case study development, attendees gained valuable insights into applying logical models to streamline project initiation and planning processes. Throughout the next MEL modules four case study teams will continue to work on their project ideas, which have a focus on providing solutions for the needs of IDPs and refugees in Lebanon.

Furthermore, the training placed a strong emphasis on indicator development, a crucial component of M&E that facilitates the measurement of project progress and outcomes. Attendees received guidance on selecting and formulating indicators aligned with project goals, ensuring the accurate and meaningful assessment of project impact.

The training program not only equipped participants with theoretical knowledge but also provided practical tools and methodologies essential for implementing robust M&E practices within their organization. With a strengthened understanding of M&E fundamentals, SHEILD Association and the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs are capacitated to enhance its project management processes and maximize its impact on communities across Lebanon.

As SHEILD Association continues its mission to address pressing socio-economic challenges, the investment in strengthening M&E capacity underscores its commitment to accountability, transparency, and sustainable development. The 4-day module was a great start of a collaboration between MSM and SHEILD Association for the rest of the Nuffic project and beyond.

For more information on SHEILD Association’s and MSMs shared project, please contact the project manager Gigi Limpens.

Orange Knowledge Programme
This project is part of the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) which is funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic. For more information click here.

MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies

This project is part of MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies. The department is an expert centre on local economic development in emerging and developing markets.​ We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.

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