MEAL in Practice | Bangkok, Thailand

Training Date & Location

Bangkok, Thailand
24–26 March 2026 (Tue–Thu), 09:30–17:00

Registration deadline: 10 March 2026

Limited to 15 participants—early registration recommended.

Language: English

Course Overview

This course provides in-depth practical training in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) for humanitarian and development professionals. Over three days, participants work through the complete MEAL cycle—from designing monitoring systems and planning evaluations to building accountability mechanisms and embedding organisational learning.

The training emphasises practical application through discussion, group exercises, and a realistic simulation where participants navigate MEAL challenges under pressure. Participants leave with tools and frameworks ready for immediate use in their own projects.

After This Course You Will Be Able To

• Integrate MEAL into project design from the start
• Develop meaningful indicators appropriate to your context
• Select data collection methods and tools that balance rigour with feasibility
• Plan and design evaluations aligned to project needs
• Build accountability mechanisms, including feedback and complaint systems, that centre affected communities
• Create learning systems that inform adaptive management
• Develop a MEAL framework ready for implementation
• Respond with confidence when monitoring data contradicts expectations

Course Content

Day 1: Monitoring & Evaluation

Morning: Introduction to MEAL & Monitoring

• The what and why of MEAL
• Integrating MEAL into project design
• Understanding monitoring systems
• Indicators: development and selection
• Data collection methods and tools
• Developing a monitoring plan

Afternoon: Evaluation

• Types of evaluation in the project lifecycle
• Planning and designing evaluations
• Defining evaluation questions
• Data collection and sampling approaches
• Reporting evaluation findings

Day 2: Accountability & Learning

Morning: Accountability

• The cycle of accountability
• Understanding stakeholder expectations
• Feedback and complaint mechanisms
• Ensuring transparency and participation

Afternoon: Learning

• Why learning matters in MEAL
• Capturing and sharing lessons learned
• Adaptive management techniques
• Real-time data and decision-making

Day 3: Planning & Application

Morning: MEAL Planning

• The MEAL framework
• Bringing the components together
• Building your MEAL framework

Afternoon: Applying MEAL Under Pressure

• Scenario-based simulation exercise
• Responding to unexpected data
• Stakeholder communication under constraints
• Prioritising with incomplete information
• Course debrief and action planning

Who Should Attend

• M&E Officers and MEAL Managers
• Programme Managers and Coordinators
• Project Officers responsible for reporting
• NGO staff setting up new MEAL systems
• Professionals transitioning into MEAL roles

No prior MEAL experience required, though the course also benefits practitioners seeking to strengthen existing skills.

Trainer

With over 25 years of expertise, Neil Kendrick, founder of ELD Impact, specializes in Professional Writing, Reporting Skills, Proposal Writing, Results-Based Management, and Monitoring & Evaluation. Originally from the UK and now based in Türkiye, Neil has trained and coached humanitarian and development professionals across more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Regularly praised for his ability to demystify complex topics, Neil makes challenging concepts accessible to practitioners at any level—from field staff in rural NGOs to program managers in multilateral organizations.

Certificate

Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion in MEAL in Practice from ELD Impact.

Venue

Kasetsart University area, Bangkok, Thailand (venue details confirmed upon registration)

Detailed venue information and local directions provided to registered participants.

Accommodation & Travel

Accommodation is not included. Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements.

Important: Please confirm your visa eligibility before registering. Due to limited spaces, we encourage registration only from participants who are able to travel freely to Thailand. Refunds are not available for visa-related no-shows.

Check your visa eligibility: www.thaievisa.go.th

Suggested hotels near the venue available on request.

Fee

$900 USD per participant

Fee Includes

• 3 days training with qualified trainer
• Course materials and templates
• Refreshments during sessions
• Certificate of completion

All participants also receive the MEAL self-study course (online, lifetime access).

Fee Does Not Include

• Accommodation
• Meals (lunch not provided)
• Travel and visa costs