Professionals seeking to strengthen their monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) skills can now apply for the IPDET Core Course 2026 in Switzerland. Scheduled to take place from 6–10 July 2026 in Bern, this internationally recognized training programme provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to evaluation principles, methodologies, and practical applications. Designed for emerging evaluators, policymakers, development practitioners, NGO professionals, and public sector leaders, the IPDET Core Course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to commission, manage, conduct, and effectively use evaluations in development programmes and public policy.
Recognized globally for its practical approach and expert-led instruction, the IPDET Core Course 2026 is an excellent professional development opportunity for individuals working in international development, government, multilateral organizations, academia, consulting, and the nonprofit sector.
Background & Job Description
The International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) is one of the world’s leading professional training programmes dedicated to strengthening evaluation capacity across governments, international organizations, development agencies, research institutions, and civil society organizations.
The Core Course on Fundamentals of Evaluation serves as the foundation of the IPDET programme. It introduces participants to essential evaluation concepts, standards, methodologies, and tools while providing practical guidance on designing, managing, and utilizing evaluations that support evidence-based decision-making.
The programme covers the complete evaluation lifecycle—from planning and evaluation design to data collection, analysis, reporting, communication, and the use of evaluation findings. Participants also explore emerging topics such as systems thinking, equity, gender-responsive evaluation, climate considerations, stakeholder engagement, and organizational learning.
The course is particularly valuable for professionals who have little or no previous experience in evaluation but need a solid understanding of how evaluations contribute to programme improvement, accountability, policy development, and organizational learning.
Please note that this article is published solely for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with IPDET or the programme organizers. Interested applicants should always refer to the official IPDET website for application procedures, eligibility requirements, and programme updates.
Tasks
Throughout the Core Course, participants engage in interactive learning activities designed to strengthen both conceptual understanding and practical evaluation skills.
Key learning activities include:
- Understanding monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) concepts.
- Exploring evaluation theories and approaches.
- Developing evaluation questions and evaluation frameworks.
- Designing evaluation methodologies.
- Building and analyzing theories of change.
- Learning qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.
- Applying mixed-methods evaluation approaches.
- Conducting stakeholder analysis.
- Understanding culturally responsive and gender-responsive evaluation.
- Identifying evaluation standards and ethical principles.
- Interpreting evaluation findings and evidence.
- Preparing professional evaluation reports.
- Developing communication strategies for different audiences.
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making through evaluation findings.
- Promoting organizational learning and accountability.
Participants also examine how political, institutional, environmental, and social contexts influence evaluation planning and implementation, allowing them to apply evaluation principles within complex development settings.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The IPDET Core Course does not require participants to possess advanced evaluation qualifications before enrollment. Instead, it is specifically designed for professionals seeking a strong foundation in evaluation.
The programme is recommended for:
- Emerging evaluators.
- Mid-level managers.
- Senior managers.
- Commissioners of evaluations.
- Government officials.
- Policy makers.
- Parliamentarians.
- NGO professionals.
- Development practitioners.
- University researchers.
- Think tank professionals.
- Consultants.
- Private sector professionals involved in programme evaluation.
Participants who successfully complete the programme receive an official IPDET Core Course Participation Certificate, demonstrating their professional development in evaluation fundamentals.
Experience
The Core Course is intended primarily for individuals with limited prior knowledge or practical experience in evaluation.
Ideal participants include professionals working in:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Government ministries and public administration.
- Bilateral and multilateral development organizations.
- International organizations.
- Universities and research institutions.
- Consulting firms.
- Foundations and philanthropic organizations.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL/MEL) units.
Although previous evaluation experience is not mandatory, participants should have an interest in improving programme performance, accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making.
Professionals with responsibilities related to project management, programme implementation, policy development, research, monitoring, or organizational learning will benefit significantly from the course.
Additional Information
The IPDET Core Course consists of six comprehensive learning modules covering every stage of the evaluation process. Participants explore evaluation foundations, contextual considerations, evaluation planning, theories and approaches, data collection methods, analysis techniques, reporting, utilization, and organizational learning.
One of the strengths of the programme is its emphasis on practical application. Rather than focusing solely on theory, participants learn how to design evaluations, develop theories of change, formulate evaluation questions, apply mixed-methods approaches, analyze evidence, and communicate findings effectively to different audiences.
Before registering, prospective participants are encouraged to review the Core Course curriculum, compare the learning objectives with their own professional goals, and complete the self-assessment provided by IPDET to determine whether the course matches their current level of evaluation knowledge.
Applications require candidates to create an account through the IPDET platform and submit their programme application online. Since enrolment is limited and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, interested applicants are encouraged to apply early while seats remain available.
For professionals seeking internationally recognized training in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, the IPDET Core Course 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity to develop practical evaluation competencies while networking with fellow practitioners from around the world.
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