Postgraduate Certificate in Humanitarian Evaluation Design

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in humanitarian evaluations and the lead instructor of the Postgraduate Certificate in Humanitarian Evaluation Design. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This program is designed to equip professionals with the skills to design rigorous and impactful evaluations in humanitarian contexts. I've seen firsthand the need for better evaluation practices to ensure that interventions are effective and accountable. HOST: That's fascinating. How do qualitative and quantitative methods play a role in the course, and why is it important to combine both in humanitarian evaluations? GUEST: In complex humanitarian settings, it's crucial to use multiple methods to understand the context and the impact of interventions. Qualitative methods help us explore the 'how' and 'why', while quantitative methods measure the 'what' and 'how much'. Combining both provides a more comprehensive picture of the situation. HOST: I see. Now, who would benefit most from this Postgraduate Certificate, and how can they apply the knowledge and skills they gain to their current roles? GUEST: The program is ideal for evaluation professionals, humanitarian workers, and researchers seeking advanced training. By developing expertise in program theory, data collection, analysis, and reporting, they can strengthen their contributions to effective humanitarian action and improve the design and implementation of interventions. HOST: That's great to hear. Given the growing importance of humanitarian work, what challenges do you see in the field, particularly in the area of evaluation design? GUEST: One major challenge is the need for standardized evaluation practices across different organizations and contexts. Another is ensuring that evaluations are culturally sensitive and ethical, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. HOST: Indeed, those are important considerations. Lastly, how do you see the future of humanitarian evaluation, and what role will this course play in shaping it? GUEST: I believe that humanitarian evaluations will become even more critical as we face increasingly complex global challenges. Our course aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to lead meaningful evaluations and contribute to a more effective humanitarian sector. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and shedding light on this essential Postgraduate Certificate in Humanitarian Evaluation Design. To our listeners, if you're passionate about humanitarian work and want to make a difference through rigorous evaluation practices, this course is for you. Learn more and enroll today at our website!