Postgraduate Certificate in Development Impact Evaluation Techniques

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in development impact evaluation and the lead instructor for the Postgraduate Certificate in Development Impact Evaluation Techniques. Dr. Smith, it's great to have you here. GUEST: Thank you for having me, it's a pleasure to be here. HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your experience in development impact evaluation and what drew you to this field? GUEST: I've been working in international development for over 15 years, and I've always been fascinated by the challenge of understanding whether and how our interventions create positive change. I believe that robust impact evaluation is key to ensuring that development programs are effective and make a lasting difference. HOST: That's a powerful motivation. Now, turning to the course, can you tell us about some of the practical skills that students will acquire in your Postgraduate Certificate? GUEST: Of course. Students will learn a variety of quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques, including impact assessment, counterfactual analysis, and program evaluation. These skills are essential for development practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who want to make evidence-based decisions and contribute to more effective development programs. HOST: In your experience, what are some of the current trends or challenges in development impact evaluation? GUEST: One trend we're seeing is the increasing demand for more nuanced and context-specific evaluation methods. There's also a growing recognition of the importance of mixed methods approaches, which combine both qualitative and quantitative techniques. As for challenges, one key issue is the need for more and better data, particularly in low-resource settings. This is something we address directly in the course, by emphasizing creative and practical approaches to data collection and analysis. HOST: That's really insightful. As the lead instructor, what do you enjoy most about teaching this course and working with students? GUEST: I love seeing students develop their critical thinking and data analysis skills, and I'm always inspired by their passion and commitment to creating positive change in the world. It's a privilege to be part of their learning journey and to support them in making a real impact in their careers and communities. HOST: Dr. Smith, as we look to the future of development impact evaluation, what are your thoughts on its role and potential in shaping international development? GUEST: I believe that impact evaluation will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that development programs are effective, efficient, and equitable. As we face increasingly complex global challenges, from climate change to inequality, it's more important than ever to have robust evidence and rigorous evaluation methods at our disposal. By strengthening our evaluation skills and promoting a culture of learning and adaptation, we can help build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. HOST: Dr. Jane Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the Postgraduate Certificate in Development Impact Evaluation Techniques. It's been an absolute pleasure and a truly enlightening conversation. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure sharing my thoughts with your audience.