Data Collection and Survey Design for NGOs Training Course

Course Introduction

Data collection and survey design are foundational skills for NGOs seeking to generate reliable evidence for decision-making, program evaluation, and donor reporting. This course provides a structured approach to designing effective data systems.

The training introduces participants to core principles of survey methodology, ensuring that data collected is accurate, relevant, and aligned with program objectives and research questions.

Participants will learn how to design questionnaires, sampling strategies, and data tools that capture meaningful insights from target populations in development and humanitarian contexts.

The course emphasizes practical application, enabling participants to develop field-ready tools that can be used in real-world NGO and project environments.

It also explores modern data collection technologies, including mobile data systems, digital surveys, and real-time monitoring tools used in development programming.

Ultimately, the training equips participants with the ability to design, implement, and manage high-quality data collection systems that strengthen accountability and impact measurement.

Duration

5 days

Who Should Attend

• Monitoring and evaluation officers
• Research and data analysts in NGOs
• Program managers and coordinators
• Survey designers and field enumerators
• Development project officers
• Public health and social researchers
• Data management specialists
• Donor reporting officers
• Policy and planning officers
• Community development practitioners
• Humanitarian response staff
• Academic researchers in social sciences

Course Objectives

• Develop a strong understanding of data collection principles and survey design methodologies used in NGO and development contexts globally.
• Learn how to design structured questionnaires that capture accurate, relevant, and meaningful program data effectively.
• Strengthen skills in sampling techniques to ensure representativeness and reliability of collected data.
• Build capacity to design both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools for diverse field contexts.
• Enhance ability to apply ethical considerations in data collection, including consent and confidentiality standards.
• Learn how to implement digital data collection tools and mobile-based survey platforms efficiently.
• Strengthen skills in piloting and testing survey instruments before full-scale deployment in the field.
• Develop capacity to manage field data collection processes and ensure data quality and consistency.
• Improve ability to analyze collected data for reporting, evaluation, and decision-making purposes.
• Build competence in aligning data collection systems with donor requirements and organizational goals.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Data Collection in NGOs

• Understanding the role of data collection in NGO monitoring and evaluation systems
• Exploring types of data used in development and humanitarian programming contexts
• Identifying challenges in field data collection and strategies to overcome them
• Linking data collection systems to organizational planning and accountability

Module 2: Principles of Survey Design

• Understanding fundamentals of survey methodology and research design principles
• Designing structured surveys aligned with research and evaluation objectives
• Avoiding bias and errors in questionnaire development and implementation
• Ensuring clarity, simplicity, and relevance in survey question formulation

Module 3: Questionnaire Development

• Structuring questionnaires for qualitative and quantitative data collection needs
• Designing closed-ended and open-ended questions for effective data capture
• Sequencing questions logically to improve respondent engagement and accuracy
• Pre-testing questionnaires to ensure clarity and effectiveness in field use

Module 4: Sampling Techniques

• Understanding probability and non-probability sampling methods in surveys
• Selecting appropriate sample sizes for reliable and valid data results
• Ensuring representativeness of target populations in NGO research studies
• Managing sampling errors and improving data reliability in field conditions

Module 5: Field Data Collection Methods

• Exploring face-to-face, phone, and online survey administration techniques
• Training enumerators for effective and ethical data collection practices
• Managing field logistics and supervision for successful data gathering
• Ensuring respondent engagement and minimizing non-response bias

Module 6: Digital Data Collection Tools

• Using mobile-based survey platforms for efficient data collection processes
• Integrating digital tools for real-time data monitoring and reporting
• Managing data security and privacy in digital data collection systems
• Leveraging technology for improved data accuracy and speed

Module 7: Data Quality Assurance

• Implementing data validation techniques during and after collection processes
• Identifying and correcting errors in survey data sets effectively
• Establishing quality control systems for field data management
• Ensuring consistency and reliability across multiple data sources

Module 8: Ethical Considerations in Data Collection

• Understanding informed consent procedures in research and field surveys
• Ensuring confidentiality and protection of respondent information
• Applying ethical standards in humanitarian and development contexts
• Addressing vulnerabilities and safeguarding participants during data collection

Module 9: Data Management and Storage

• Organizing collected data for efficient storage and retrieval systems
• Using databases and software tools for structured data management
• Ensuring data backup, security, and integrity throughout projects
• Preparing datasets for analysis and reporting purposes

Module 10: Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyzing survey data using basic statistical and analytical methods
• Interpreting results for program decision-making and evaluation
• Preparing data reports for donors, stakeholders, and organizational use
• Translating data insights into actionable recommendations for improvement

Training Approach          

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group (at a discount of 10% to 50%) at requested location all over the world. The Onsite course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, buffet lunch, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, and guided tour.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.