Training on Developing an Evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR)
Master the art of TOR development in evaluations. Gain hands-on skills in scope, methodology, deliverables, budgeting, and evaluator selection.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
5 days
Live instruction
Delivery
Physical + Virtual
Cohort based
Level
Advanced
Working professionals
Certification
NITA reimbursable
For Kenyan cohorts
Language
English
All materials
About this programme
A well-crafted Terms of Reference (TOR) is the backbone of a credible and effective evaluation. This training provides participants with practical skills to design clear, comprehensive, and realistic TORs that guide evaluators, ensure accountability, and produce actionable results. Participants will learn the essential components of TORs, from scope and objectives to methodology, deliverables, and budget considerations, using real-world examples and hands-on exercises.
Duration
5 Days
Who Should Attend
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Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) officers and managers
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Program managers and project coordinators
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Donor agency staff and evaluation commissioners
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Consultants developing or responding to TORs
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Policy and development practitioners
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand the purpose and role of TORs in evaluations.
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Identify the essential components of an evaluation TOR.
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Develop clear evaluation objectives, scope, and key questions.
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Specify methodologies, deliverables, and timelines.
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Prepare realistic budgets and evaluator selection criteria.
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Introduction to Evaluation TORs
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What is a TOR and why it matters
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Role of TORs in guiding evaluations
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Common challenges in TOR development
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Case Study: Weak TOR leading to poor evaluation quality
Module 2: Essential Components of a TOR
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Purpose, background, and rationale
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Objectives and scope of evaluation
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Evaluation criteria and key questions
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Exercise: Drafting objectives and scope for a sample evaluation
Module 3: Methodology, Deliverables & Work Plan
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Defining methodology (qualitative, quantitative, mixed)
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Outlining key deliverables (inception report, draft report, final report)
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Setting realistic timelines and milestones
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Case Study: Misaligned methodology and TOR expectations
Module 4: Budgeting & Resource Planning
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Budget elements in evaluation TORs
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Balancing cost-effectiveness with quality
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Negotiating resources with stakeholders
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Exercise: Drafting a budget framework for an evaluation
Module 5: Selecting Evaluators & Finalizing TORs
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Defining qualifications and experience requirements
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Selection and procurement processes
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Reviewing and validating TOR drafts with stakeholders
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Case Study: Choosing the right evaluator based on TOR clarity
Where the change lands
Organization Impact
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Strengthen accountability and transparency in commissioned evaluations
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Ensure evaluations are relevant, timely, and high-quality
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Improve donor confidence through clear and professional TORs
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Support evidence-based decision-making with actionable evaluation findings
Individual Impact
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Gain confidence in drafting comprehensive evaluation TORs
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Learn to balance evaluation scope, timelines, and budgets
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Improve ability to select and guide evaluators
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Enhance professional skills in M&E and evaluation management
Dates and locations
Upcoming intakes
Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.
| City | Starts | Ends | Delivery | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NakuruNext | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake
Common questions.
Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.
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For corporate teams
Training 10+ professionals?
We deliver Training on Developing an Evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR) in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.