Adaptive Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Approaches in Complex Environments

Course Content: 

There's a rising demand for more adaptive methodologies as traditional monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approaches struggle to answer questions such as: How does our livelihood project strengthen or undermine social cohesion? Are our humanitarian projects contributing to local peacebuilding, as envisioned by the commitment to a more joined-up humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) approach in conflict contexts?

In this course, participants will explore the dynamic intersection of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) with adaptive methodologies. Tailored for individuals navigating complex and uncertain environments, the course is designed to equip them with essential skills for adapting their programs and projects effectively and assessing their contributions to peace and positive social change.

Despite the widely acknowledged importance of adaptation and learning of MEL, practical guidance on implementation remains scarce. We aim to address this gap by offering a nuanced exploration of proven strategies and hands-on experience. Throughout the course, participants will immerse themselves in case studies and critically reflect the effective application and customization of adaptive approaches. Beyond individual learning, the course fosters a community of practitioners, offering a platform for sharing insights, networking, and collectively addressing challenges.

Course Objectives: 

As a participant, you will be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of complexity theory and its implications for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practices, encompassing an understanding of uncertainty, non-linearity, and dynamic interactions within complex systems, as well as the challenges of establishing causality in dynamic environments.
• Acquire valuable insights and approaches for navigating complexity by integrating adaptive approaches alongside traditional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practices.
• Explore adaptive and complexity-informed MEL approaches—such as Theory of Change, Peer Review, and Outcome Harvesting—to capture intangible social changes, and learn how to integrate these with more traditional tools.
• Enhance their capacity to engage with donors and advocate for the integration of adaptive and complexity-aware MEL approaches in project design and evaluation frameworks.

Is this course for you? 

he course is for professionals in development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding, working within complex environments. Specifically:

• Professionals working in or on fragile and conflict-affected contexts with a basic understanding and hands-on experience of MEL, interested in exploring adaptive MEL approaches alongside traditional methods;
• Practitioners involved in guiding the design and implementation of complex programs and projects, keen on delineating and identifying social change.

Is this course a good match for you? If unsure, do not hesitate to contact us.

Tuition fee: 1'700CHF

The course consists of preparatory readings and a 3-day on-site training (Wednesday to Friday). The course schedule is 9h00-12h30 and 14h00-17h30 (may be subject to change). 

Apply here until: 30 April 2026