Making evaluation practical for IOM staff worldwide
The context and the challenge
Commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this project addressed a common gap in large organisations: evaluation is used across IOM programmes, but many staff experience it as technical or only linked to compliance. IOM wanted a shared baseline so colleagues across roles could understand evaluation and use it in day-to-day work.
The course needed to work for a global organisation, with colleagues in many countries and roles. It had to be:
- Clear for non-specialists
- Practical and relevant to daily work
- Accessible and inclusive
- Available in multiple languages
The approach: Designing an online course for a global workforce
MDF developed a self-paced online course built around practical situations rather than theory alone. The course explains what evaluation is, why it matters, and how staff can contribute to evaluation processes effectively.
Course design
The course was structured into seven modules and designed as a step-by-step learning experience. Learners move through:
- Short videos and explanations
- Quizzes to check understanding
- Case-based exercises connected to migration contexts
- Tasks that encourage learners to apply concepts in their own work setting
Accessibility and representation
Because IOM colleagues work in many contexts, accessibility and inclusivity were built in from the start. The course follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and uses diverse avatars, voiceovers from different regions, and examples that reflect different settings. It is available in English, French, and Spanish.
The result is a complete online learning programme designed to support a shared understanding of evaluation across IOM staff worldwide, helping move evaluation from a specialist topic to a practical part of programme work, including planning, learning, and using findings.
Key highlights
- Seven-module online course for IOM staff
- Around 24 hours of self-paced content
- Practical learning design: cases, quizzes, videos, and applied tasks
- Built to WCAG accessibility standards
- Available in English, French, and Spanish
