Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) for National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes
Length Length

6 modules, accessible at any time

Effort Effort

1-4 hours a week

Price Price

FREE

Languages Languages

English

Video Transcripts Video Transcripts

English

Prerequisites Prerequisites

None

Requirements Requirements

An internet connection to access course materials

STRENGTHEN
skills and knowledge for designing and implementing effective MEL systems for NAP processes

STRENGTHEN
IDENTIFY
key concepts, methodologies, and tools related to MEL systems for NAP processes

IDENTIFY
INCREASE AWARENESS
on the crucial role of MEL in supporting NAP processes

INCREASE AWARENESS

Overview

This course is self-paced – you can enroll and complete the course materials at any time.

As countries across the globe face the impacts of climate change, they are advancing national adaptation plan (NAP) processes to reduce vulnerabilities and build climate resilience. But how do countries know if they are adapting? Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems are essential to understand whether NAP processes work, how they work, and for whom they work, while offering insights to improve adaptation actions.

This course was developed by the NAP Global Network, whose secretariat is hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. It is offered through the SDG Academy.

The course will equip climate change adaptation professionals with key methodologies, tools, and practical skills for implementing effective MEL systems for NAP processes. It will also combine expert instruction, engaging materials, and real-world examples to provide a meaningful learning experience.

structure

  • Pre-recorded lectures
  • Readings
  • Activities
  • Quizzes 

This course is for

Government officials (NAP teams) and policymakers

Climate change adaptation practitioners and professionals

MEL specialists for climate change adaptation (both governmental and non-governmental)

Academics and researchers

Questions?

Course logistics and requirements

This course is self-paced – you can enroll immediately and complete the course materials at any time. We encourage students to engage with one another via the discussion forum. Any specific questions can be sent to the SDG Academy team at courses@sdgacademy.org.

Certificates

A free certificate will be provided by IISD upon completion of the course.

syllabus

1

Introduction to MEL for the NAP processes

1.1

What is climate change adaptation?

1.2

What are NAP processes?

1.3

Defining MEL in NAP processes

1.4

Why is MEL important for NAP processes?

Case Study: Senegal

1.5

The role of enabling factors in MEL for NAP processes

1.6

Vertical and horizontal integration in MEL for NAP processes

Case Study: Liberia

1.7

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in MEL systems

2

Getting started with the development of a MEL system

2.1

Introduction

2.2

Understanding the context for the MEL system

2.3

Purposes and objectives of MEL

Case Study: St. Lucia

2.4

Theories of Change

Case Study: Philippines

2.5

Planning and implementing MEL using a phased approach

Case Study: Vietnam

Case Study: Peru

2.6

Linking MEL systems with climate impact, vulnerability and risk assessments

Case Study: Argentina

3

Monitoring

3.1

Introduction

3.2

What is monitoring?

3.3

Data types, sources and data analysis

Case Study: Zambia

3.4

Data collection and management

Case Study: Haiti

Case Study: Kiribati

3.5

Indicators

Case Study: Namibia

3.6

How to use your indicators

Case Study: Rwanda

4

Evaluation

4.1

Introduction

4.2

Types and timings of evaluations

4.3

Steps for evaluation of NAP processes

4.4

Selecting evaluation criteria and principles

Case Study: Finland

4.5

Selecting the evaluation approaches

5

Learning

5.1

Introduction

5.2

Learning in the context of MEL for NAP processes

Case Study: Ghana

5.3

Learning-oriented activities

Case Study: Lesotho

5.4

Reporting & strategic communications

5.5

How to cultivate a learning culture

5.6

Considerations to enhance learning

6

Progress Reporting

6.1

Introduction

6.2

What is progress reporting?

Case Study: Albania

6.3

Objectives for progress reporting

Case Study: Grenada

6.4

Methods for progress reporting

Case Study: Kenya

Case Study: Burkina Faso

6.5

Good practices

Case Study: Fiji

Conclusion