Impact orientation ensures that resources are used effectively, interventions achieve their intended objectives, and contribute positively to improving the living conditions of local communities. Assessing impact focuses on identifying, describing, and measuring the changes resulting from development cooperation interventions. At the project level, impact orientation means considering the potential effects of initiatives from the very beginning and continuous improvement through systematic monitoring in close collaboration with partners and target groups.
Content
This basic module provides a comprehensive introduction to integrating impact-oriented approaches into project and programme management. The differences compared with conventional planning and monitoring will be highlighted, as will the general challenges involved in measuring so-called 'difficult' indicators. Participants will also be introduced to useful tools and checklists to support their work. Particular attention is given to ensuring that the needs, perspectives, and priorities of target groups are placed at the centre of project design and implementation.
The training aims to equip participants with both the conceptual understanding and practical skills required to design, implement, and assess development projects that generate sustainable and measurable results. Through group work, hands-on exercises, and collective reflection, participants will strengthen their ability to analyse, plan for, and measure the impact of their own projects and programmes. This is complemented by sharing experiences of applying an impact-oriented approach to one’s own project, including the challenges this entails.
Target Group
The seminar is designed for both beginners and participants with prior experience. Those without any background knowledge are kindly asked to watch the introductory video before attending the session.
The target group includes staff of German development and humanitarian NGOs as well as their partner organisations working in the development sector. We kindly ask you to share this invitation with your partner organisations. Tandems consisting of staff from German organisations and their partners are very welcome.
Places are limited and participants who have been successful in getting a place must commit to 16 hours of their time for attending the three (3) online sessions (which are mandatory) as well as for self-study and course work between sessions.
Trainers
Beate Holthusen has worked for more than 25 years as a development consultant, process advisor, trainer, and moderator. Her areas of expertise include planning, monitoring and evaluation, impact orientation, and quality assurance.
Malathi Bharat, Head of Learning & Capability Development, KKF (Karl Kuebel Foundation) is part of the foundation for 25 years as organiser, facilitator, trainer and researcher. Her areas of expertise include safeguarding, child protection, capacity building and innovating development programs including impact.
Location
Online (Zoom)
Format
The workshop consists of three online sessions and will be conducted in English. Participation is limited.
- Part 1: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (CET)
- Part 2: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (CET)
- Part 3: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (CET)
Please note: Participants who have been successful in getting a place must commit to 16 hours of their time for attending the three (3) online sessions (which are mandatory) as well as for self-study and course work.
The VENRO Guidelines for Development Cooperation Project and Program Work
The eight VENRO Guidelines (here is a short video) describe the shared understanding of quality among VENRO member organizations, which are committed to aligning their project and program work in the Global South with these standards. We continuously offer training sessions on individual guidelines to support practical implementation. This training focuses on Guideline No. 8: Achieving Sustainable Positive Impacts.
Costs
Participation in the training is free of charge. Registration is binding.
Registration
Please register here by September 4th, 2026. (Registration opens in the midst of July).
Please note that your registration does not guarantee participation. You will receive confirmation of your admission to the course one to two weeks after registration.
For further inquiries, please contact Almut Huss (a.huss@venro.org).