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Advisory Services

What We Do

Evaluations & Research

Independent evaluation grounded in international standards, tailored to your context

We design and lead evaluations that meet the highest methodological standards while remaining responsive to the realities of programming in complex environments. Our evaluation practice is grounded in OECD-DAC criteria, UNEG norms, and EU evaluation guidelines, adapted to access constraints, stakeholder dynamics, and ethical considerations specific to each context.

Our team has conducted evaluations for UN agencies, international NGOs, bilateral donors, and government institutions across MHPSS, GBV, sexual and reproductive health, child protection, food security, education, and livelihoods, at baseline, mid-term, and final stages.

We design mixed-methods evaluations combining quantitative analysis with qualitative depth. Specialist techniques such as Outcome Harvesting, Most Significant Change, and Contribution Analysis help us assess change in complex, non-linear programme contexts.

Service Offer
What we deliver
  • Final, mid-term, and baseline evaluations
  • Theory of Change validation and logframe review
  • Outcome Harvesting and impact assessment
  • Thematic evaluations: MHPSS, GBV, protection, SRH
  • Rapid needs assessments
  • Real-time and learning reviews
  • Evidence synthesis and literature review
  • Post-crisis and resilience-focused evaluation
Methods & Standards
How we work
  • OECD-DAC six evaluation criteria
  • UNEG Norms and Standards
  • IASC MHPSS Guidelines
  • Mixed-methods design
  • ATLAS.ti qualitative coding
  • KoboToolbox / ODK data collection
  • SPSS / Stata statistical analysis

MEAL Systems & Digital

Adaptive monitoring systems that organisations actually use, built for decision-making, not compliance

We build MEAL systems that work in the field, not just on paper. Our approach combines technical expertise in digital platforms with hard-won understanding of how monitoring systems function in complex operating environments, where connectivity is intermittent, staff capacity varies, and donor reporting requirements are demanding.

We are experienced ActivityInfo implementers, skilled Power BI dashboard developers, CommCare service providers, and MIS architects. We have built systems connecting multiple country offices, designed mobile data collection workflows, and created automated reporting solutions that eliminate hours of manual work each reporting cycle.

M&E Dashboard — Q1 2025Live
0
Beneficiaries Reached
↑ +12% vs target
0
Indicator Coverage %
↑ On track
0
Data Quality Score
/ 40 max
Monthly Reach by District
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Sector Split
Q1
MHPSS (42%)
Protection (35%)
Livelihoods (23%)

Illustrative dashboard built with ActivityInfo + Power BI

Service Offer
What we deliver
  • MEAL system design and framework development
  • ActivityInfo database configuration and management
  • CommCare application design and deployment
  • Mobile data collection: KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare
  • Indicator tracking and performance monitoring systems
  • Data quality audits and validation frameworks
  • Automated donor reporting templates
  • Staff training and system handover
Methods & Tools
How we work
  • ActivityInfo
  • Power BI / Excel Power Query
  • KoboToolbox / ODK
  • SPSS / Stata
  • ATLAS.ti qualitative coding
  • CommCare / ONA

Strategy & Risk Management

Evidence-informed strategic planning for organisations navigating uncertain and complex environments

Strategic planning in the MENA region requires approaches that account for volatility, political complexity, and rapidly shifting funding landscapes. We combine thorough situational analysis with participatory facilitation that builds ownership and organisational alignment, while keeping plans adaptable enough for course-correction.

We have facilitated strategic planning for local NGOs, international organisations, and government ministries across a range of contexts, from multi-year institutional strategies to emergency-response contingency frameworks.

Strategy & Risk Management
Service Offer
What we deliver
  • Organisational strategic planning
  • National and sector strategy development
  • Theory of Change development and validation
  • Risk analysis and risk register development
  • Contingency and emergency preparedness planning
  • Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
  • Strategic review and mid-course correction

Organisational Development

Governance, compliance, and institutional frameworks that prepare organisations for expanded partnerships

We strengthen organisations from the inside, developing governance structures, policy frameworks, SOPs, and compliance systems that meet major donor requirements and build the institutional credibility needed to access new funding. Our work aligns with UNICEF, EU, and USAID institutional standards.

Our organisational development work is grounded in realistic assessments of existing capacity. We identify genuine gaps and work with organisations to build systems that function sustainably in their specific context.

Organisational Development
Service Offer
What we deliver
  • Governance and board policy development
  • Finance and procurement manual development
  • HR policy frameworks and SOPs development
  • Safeguarding policies: PSEA, child protection
  • Organisational Capacity Assessments (OCA)
  • HACT framework implementation
  • Compliance gap analysis and remediation plans

Capacity Building & Training

Structured learning that builds genuine, lasting capability

Our capacity building approach goes beyond knowledge transfer. We combine structured training with practical application, on-the-job coaching, and mentoring, ensuring that learning translates into changed practice. Training of Trainers programmes build sustainable internal capacity.

We have trained government staff, NGO programme teams, field officers, and senior management across the region, in groups ranging from small specialist workshops to large-scale multi-organisation programmes. We also deliver dedicated handover training when we build MEAL systems or organisational frameworks, ensuring staff can independently operate and maintain what we create.

Training Areas
What we cover
  • MEL systems and data management
  • GBV prevention and response
  • Child protection and safeguarding
  • Proposal writing and results frameworks
  • MEAL system handover and user training
  • Organisational policy and SOP induction training
  • Training of Trainers (ToT) facilitation

Resource Mobilisation

Evidence-based proposals and fundraising strategy that win institutional funding

We help organisations translate their evidence and expertise into competitive funding proposals. Our proposal development combines technical quality — well-structured results frameworks, clear theories of change, coherent budgets — with compelling narrative that communicates an organisation's value proposition to institutional donors.

Resource Mobilisation
Service Offer
What we deliver
  • Proposal writing and technical development
  • Donor landscape analysis and mapping
  • Fundraising strategy development
  • Results framework and logframe development
  • Concept note development
  • Grant management advisory support

Private Sector Analytics & BI

Development-sector analytical depth applied to private sector intelligence needs

We apply the same rigorous, structured approach we bring to development evaluation work to help private sector organisations make better use of their data. Many businesses collect large volumes of operational, customer, and financial data but lack the analytical infrastructure to turn it into clear decisions.

We design and build business intelligence solutions, including interactive dashboards, KPI tracking systems, and automated reporting pipelines, that surface the right information for the right people at the right time. Whether you need to understand sales performance, monitor operational efficiency, or analyse market trends, we structure your data into tools your team will actually use.

Service Offer
What we deliver
  • BI dashboard design and development
  • KPI framework and performance tracking
  • Predictive analytics and modelling
  • Market research and competitive analysis
  • Customer and operational data analysis
  • Data pipeline and automation development

DI Academy

Online courses in MEAL and evaluation, built from our field work

DI Academy is our online learning platform. It offers practical, self-paced courses in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and in evaluation and research, built from our field work across the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Courses are organized in two learning tracks of four levels each. Every course combines interactive lessons, readings, practice, quizzes and tasks, and ends with a verifiable certificate. Organizations can enroll their teams and combine the training with our advisory services.

Learning Tracks
What you can learn
  • MEAL 1: Foundations (available now)
  • Evaluation Fundamentals (available now)
  • MEAL track: indicators, digital data, dashboards, accountability and learning
  • Evaluation track: Intermediate, Advanced and Master levels
  • Interactive lessons, readings with real examples and quizzes
  • Practical tasks based on your own work
  • A badge for every module and a verifiable certificate for every course
  • Team enrollment for organizations, with DI advisory support

Tell Us About Your Project

Every project starts with a conversation. Share your brief and we'll outline the right approach for your context and objectives.