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Looking for scholarships for the Climate MEL Systems Academy?
Scroll down for detailed information on eligibility, coverage, and how to apply for scholarships for this specialized program.
Climate MEL Systems Academy – main information
Climate MEL Systems Academy
Date: July 13-17, 2026
Place: University of Bern, Switzerland, Schanzeneckstrasse 1, 3012 Bern
Module 1: Mo-Tu 9:00a.m. to 5:30p.m. (CEST) & We 9:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. (CEST)
Strategic convening: We 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. (CEST; required for all participants of the academy)
Module 2: Thu-Fri 9:00a.m. to 5:30p.m. (CEST)
Graduation Night: 6:00p.m – 10p.m. (more information you will find under “Food”-tab and here.
Fee for full week: 3200 CHF
Fee for Module 1: 1850 CHF
Fee for Module 2: 1500 CHF
NOTE 1: within 3200 CHF the 500 CHF administration charge is included
NOTE 2: If you sign up for Module 1 and Module 2 in a same application, you will receive a discount of 150 CHF
Climate MEL Systems Academy – Pilot (July 2026)
IPDET is launching a pilot Climate MEL Systems Academy, a new modular learning and convening platform focused on system-level monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for climate transitions.
This initiative responds to a growing need: while climate tools and data are expanding rapidly, the ability to apply MEL at system level, across policy, finance, and institutional dynamics, remains limited.
The July 2026 pilot will bring together a small, curated cohort of practitioners to work on real-world challenges and help shape this emerging area of practice.
What this Academy focuses on
- System-level MEL for climate and decarbonization transitions
- Linking evidence to policy, finance, and decision-making
- Scenario-based and adaptive approaches under uncertainty
- Integration of climate finance, political economy, and equity
- Cross-stakeholder learning and strategic dialogue
Pilot Format (July 2026)
The Academy follows a modular structure:
- Module 1 (2.5 days): System-level Climate MEL & framework design
- Strategic convening (0.5 day – REQUIRED for both modules): Cross-learning and dialogue
- Module 2 (2 days): Applied Climate methodological workshops
Overview of Modules and Sessions
- Frame and understand the climate challenge: What climate transition problem am I trying to solve? How does this system function, and who are the key actors? Participants define their challenge and develop an initial system understanding.
- Analyze power, incentives & lock-in: Who influences climate transitions? What blocks progress? Participants examine power dynamics, incentives, risks, and structural barriers shaping climate outcomes.
- Identify where MEL can influence decisions: Where can evidence and learning make a difference? What should be monitored? Participants identify key leverage points and decision entry points for MEL.
- Build climate MEL systems and evidence frameworks: What do we need to measure, learn, and track? Participants design core MEL components, including evidence ecosystems, indicators, and learning loops.
- Develop a Theory of Change for climate transitions: How does change happen in complex systems? What assumptions and risks matter? Participants link interventions, evidence, and long-term climate outcomes.
- Integrate and prioritize for action: Does the framework hold together, and what is feasible? Participants consolidate their work into a draft Climate MEL framework and define practical next steps.
- Apply climate evaluation methods in practice: How do we rigorously assess climate interventions? Participants use advanced methods (e.g. cross-sector analysis, adaptation and mitigation evaluation) and apply them to their own context.
- Adapt to real-world contexts and decision-making: How can MEL inform policy, investment, and implementation? Participants tailor tools to institutional realities and define how evidence will be used.
Participants will work on their own climate transition challenge, developing elements of a system-level (institution, country, system) MEL framework with support from facilitators and peers.
A limited number of scholarships are available.
What participants will gain
Participants will:
- Develop a draft system-level Climate MEL framework tailored to their context
- Strengthen their ability to link evidence to climate decisions and investments
- Identify leverage points for influencing system-level change
- Apply adaptive and scenario-based MEL approaches
- Engage in peer exchange across sectors and institutions
Who should apply
Primary Audience / Participant Profile (up to 30 participants)
The Climate MEL Systems Academy is designed for mid- to senior-level evaluation and MEL professionals who are already experienced in evaluation practice and are seeking to apply systems thinking to climate and sustainability challenges.
The primary audience includes:
- Evaluators and MEL specialists actively conducting or managing and commissioning evaluations
- Evaluation professionals working on climate, environment, or sustainability transitions
- Evaluation professionals aiming to move beyond project-level evaluation toward policy, portfolio, and system-level approaches
The Academy is also relevant for:
- Evaluation commissioners, advisors, and system builders across public, private, civil society and development sectors
- Government, climate fund, and development practitioners with some prior evaluation experience
Participants are expected to:
- Have an intermediate to advanced foundation in evaluation
- Possess at least basic familiarity with systems thinking
- Be in a position to apply learning in real-world contexts
Importantly, this is not basic training in the fundamentals of evaluation design and application. It targets practitioners ready to engage with complex systems, climate transitions, and applied learning.
Positioning
This Academy is designed as a specialized, system-focused extension for practitioners building on core MEL foundations (e.g., IPDET Core Course or equivalent experience).
Apply
We are selecting a limited pilot cohort.
Applications will be reviewed to ensure a strong and relevant cohort.
Final program details are being confirmed as part of this pilot phase.
IPDET participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation for the duration of their stay in Bern. We suggest to search/book accommodation directly after your application has been approved by IPDET as you may profit from a broader offering and better rates when booking early.
IPDET will not be able to make personalized suggestions with regards to accommodation establishments nor find/book accommodation for you. Please do not approach us with requests regarding accommodation – due to the high number of participants, we are unable to help organize adequate accommodation for you! Please also note that IPDET cannot offer on-campus accommodation. Thank you for your understanding!
However, please find below some information regarding accommodation in Bern for your consideration.
Special Bern Hotel Rates for IPDET Participants
IPDET has negotiated special rates with several hotels in Bern near the University for our participants. Please check out IPDET’s 2026 BERN HOTEL LIST. Note that there are many more hotels available in the city of Bern and that this is only a small selection of accommodation options! Please contact the hotel via mail regarding your participation in an IPDET training before booking online. Prices listed are as indicated by the hotels and not guaranteed.
Other Open Accommodation Options
- Hostels: Bern offers some newly built Hostels, like YouthHostel or Hostel77, which provide various options of accommodation.
- Airbnb: For private apartments offers.
And again: Hotels and other accommodation in Bern are in high demand; arranging your accommodation well in advance is advisable!
Bern LIBERO Ticket
- Overnight guests of all accommodation establishments in the city of Bern receive the Bern LIBERO Ticket for their entire stay and thus enjoy free travel on all public transportation in zones 100/101 of the LIBERO tariff network (including the Gurtenbahn, Marzilibahn, and Münsterplattformlift, as well as travel to and from Bern Belp Airport).
- The guest receives the Bern Ticket at the hotel reception.
- On the day of arrival, the reservation confirmation serves as a transfer ticket from the Bern train station or Bern Belp Airport to the accommodation. We recommend asking the hotel’s reception when booking your room.
If you are staying elsewhere, you can buy a weekly public transportation ticket at a ticket vending machine at any public transport station, at the SBB desk at Bern main station, or directly in the SBB Mobile App (official app of the Swiss Federal Railways).
SBB — Swiss Federal Railways
Swiss Federal Railways (German: SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen); French: CFF (Chemins de fer fédéraux suisses); Italian: FFS (Ferrovie federali svizzere)) is the national railway company of Switzerland. You find all necessary information regarding public transportation in Switzerland (e.g., time tables, travel pass offerings, ticket fees) following www.sbb.ch/en.
We recommend downloading the SBB Mobile App (official app of the Swiss Federal Railways) as it will greatly help you find your way around with public transportation in Switzerland. You can check in good time if your train will arrive on time; you can buy tickets and show your ticket faster during the ticket inspection; you will be able to find your way better at the station and have reliable map information etc.
on course days
- On days of scheduled On-Site training (Monday-Friday in the course week), IPDET will offer lunch at the University cafeteria as well as morning and afternoon tea/coffee at the course-venue.
- The University cafeteria (in the UniS-building) provides vegetarian and meat/fish options. It is not possible for IPDET to offer suitable meal alternatives for all dietary requirements (e.g., we cannot provide gluten-free or Halal food).
- Breakfast and dinner will not be provided by IPDET! The hotels in the city offer an excellent breakfast buffet – either already included in the night tariffs or purchasable as an add-on depending on the establishment.
- On Friday evening (July 17), an exclusive graduation dinner is included in the tuition fee. The graduation ceremony and the dinner will take place at a nice restaurant next to the Aare river. We will have a nice walk to the restaurant, do the graduation there and will enjoy a dinner.
during the weekend
- No food is provided during the weekend
IsDB — in-house ECD Training
Date: April 12-16, 2026
Place: tba
Sessions: So–Thu, 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The IPDET 2024 Online Program scholarship application opens on February 1 and
closes on May 26 at 12:00 p.m. CEST!
How to apply in 2 Steps:
1. Create an account or log in here
2. Under “My IPDET” please follow “APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM”
Booking possible only as long as seats are available!
CLIMATE MEL SYSTEMS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW
This scholarship supports participation in the first edition (pilot) of the Climate MEL Systems Academy, a specialized program for experienced evaluators working at the intersection of climate and systems change.
| Covered | |
| Tuition Fees | √ |
| Learning materials | √ |
| access to the IPDET E-Learning platform | √ |
| academic and networking sessions | √ |
| evening events∗ (meet and greet, graduation night) | √ |
| Lunch and coffee breaks (Mo-Fr) | √ |
*Please have a look at the respective program schedule of the course you are planning to attend for a detailed description of all extracurricular activities and events offered!
| NOT covered | |
Any air/ground/water transportation costs to travel to/around/from the course venue. | ⊗ |
| Any accommodation expenses during/around the course | ⊗ |
Any meal expenses during the weekend and breakfast and dinner expenses during the course | ⊗ |
| Any expenses related to your visa application (e.g., administration and processing fees, travel to/from the Embassy etc.) | ⊗ |
Any medical costs / costs for (emergency) treatment and medicine etc. | ⊗ |
| Any other unforeseen expenses
| ⊗ |
Applicants and/or their respective employer organizations are required to cover these and any other expenses beyond those listed above.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Who should apply?
IPDET scholarships for the Climate MEL Systems Academy target experienced (mid- to senior-level) evaluators and MEL practitioners from eligible countries who are working, or seeking to work, at the intersection of climate change, systems thinking, and evaluation practice, and who can apply and scale these approaches in their contexts.
We encourage individuals who would not otherwise have the means to access the IPDET program to apply for a scholarship!
Mandatory Criteria for a Climate MEL System Academy Scholarship
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country, as classified by the World Bank;
- Meet donor-specific eligibility requirements, including country eligibility criteria. Please note that not all applicants may be eligible for financial support due to these restrictions. Eligibility will be confirmed during the selection process;
- Have more than five years of relevant professional experience in evaluation or monitoring and evaluation (MEL);
- Have no other funding available to cover the tuition fees;
- Scholarship recipients are required to participate in the full Academy (Module 1, Convening, and Module 2), which is core and mandatory;
- Applicants should have a basic familiarity with evaluation concepts (e.g., MEL, Theory of Change), an openness to systems and complexity approaches, and a commitment to actively engage in and contribute to the peer learning environment.
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Are experienced evaluators or MEL practitioners actively engaged in designing, conducting, or using evaluations, particularly in the context of climate change, sustainability, or complex systems;
- Demonstrate an interest in applying systems thinking and complexity-aware approaches to evaluation, including at the nexus of climate policy, programs, and transitions;
- Are in a position to apply and translate learning into practice, whether through evaluation work, advisory roles, or influencing decision-making processes;
- Are affiliated with organizations or networks where there is intent to strengthen evaluation or MEL practices, particularly in relation to climate and systems approaches;
- Show potential to contribute to and benefit from a peer learning cohort, including sharing experiences and applying insights beyond the program.
Note: Scholarship eligibility is subject to donor regulations, which may restrict funding for certain countries. Final eligibility will be confirmed during the selection process.
This program is not designed for early-career evaluators or those new to evaluation practice. Participants are expected to have prior experience in evaluation (more than 5 years) and a basic familiarity with MEL concepts.
Scholarships are intended for applicants who would not otherwise have the means to participate; please apply only if you genuinely need financial support.
If an applicant submits both a scholarship application and a self-funded application, the self-funded application will take precedence, and the scholarship application will not be considered.
Meeting the mandatory criteria does not guarantee selection. Applications will be assessed based on overall fit with the Academy’s target profile and cohort composition.
The Scholarship process is very competitive; all applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee, which is comprised of the Head of Program, and two additional members.
All applications are reviewed in a fair and equitable manner, including a balanced representation by gender, organization, and country. Therefore, each application is considered on a case-by-case basis according to the defined scholarship criteria. Attention will be paid to the applicant’s ability to improve evaluation practice and their ability to disseminate lessons learned at IPDET.
Even though an applicant complies with all criteria and may have submitted a very good application, this does not guarantee a scholarship, and IPDET may have to decline good applications!
Selection Results
Scholarship applicants will be notified about the results (i.e., accepted, waiting list or declined) via automated email. Please add the ‘ipdet.org’ domain as a safe sender and/or check the spam/junk folder regularly!
Since IPDET receives a large number of scholarship applications, it is not possible to provide each applicant with the specific reasons why the application was unsuccessful. Please do NOT email us to inquire about this – thank you!
Formal acceptance of the scholarship
Upon decision, scholarship recipients would receive a notification email with a Scholarship Award Commitment Letter attached. To formally acknowledge the acceptance of the IPDET scholarship, scholarship recipients are required to:
- sign the Scholarship Award Commitment Letter;
- have the letter stamped by their employer;
- send it back to the IPDET office (to [email protected]) before the deadline indicated.
By sending back the signed Commitment Letter to the IPDET, the recipient confirms that:
- the recipient’s submitted information is correct and accurate, to the best of their knowledge;
- they have thoroughly read and understood the terms and agree to the responsibilities and obligations inherent to the scholarship;
- no other funding is available to finance the tuition fee;
- they fully commit their availability to the Climate MEL Systems Academy and that they will not be engaged elsewhere during the delivery of the program (i.e., performing remote work and/or attending virtual meetings which might lead to skipping any course sessions).
Upon formal acceptance of the scholarship, scholarship recipients must:
- start their travel arrangements as soon as possible and provide the IPDET organizers with all necessary travel information (i.e., sending a copy of a flight ticket; arrival/departure dates) within the stipulated deadlines as proof of their attendance;
- inform IPDET organizers regularly about any changes, updates, or difficulties while arranging their travel to participate in the program;
- take active part in the Course to be attended (i.e., group work, discussion panels, Q&As, quick presentations, and potential interviews);
- share post-course information requested by the organizers (i.e., sharing a qualitative letter and filling out a survey).
Note: In case a scholarship recipient cancels their participation prior to/during the Academy, they will not be eligible for any IPDET scholarship for the following five years!
In case of delays or problems, please contact the IPDET team immediately!
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
How to apply?
Scholarship applications must be submitted online via the IPDET online application form. Applications via email will not be considered!
Before starting your scholarship online application, please make sure to read the scholarship criteria, requirements, and considerations thoroughly!
The 2026 IPDET Climate MEL Systems Academy scholarship applications for Bern opens on March 31 and will close on April 17 at 09:00 a.m. CEST. To kick start the process, you should:
- Create and log in to your IPDET account
- Go to “Apply for the Program”
- Click on “Apply for a Scholarship” for the Climate MEL Systems Academy
- Fill out your online application form and upload your documents in the respective fields.
Applicants must upload the following documents to their online application form (each separately in PDF format and no larger than 4MB):
- Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages)
- Clearly indicate your active involvement in evaluation and its duration
- Recommendation Letter from employer (max. one page)
- Ensure it is addressed to Dr. Candice Morkel, Head of Program
- Include the issue date
- Describe how your participation in the IPDET Climate MEL Systems Academy would contribute to the organization’s work in M&E. The letter should also outline the connection between the organization’s work and the applicant’s responsibilities.
- If you are employed, the letter MUST be issued by your current employer, both signed AND stamped (either with an e-signature, e-stamp or official stamp – NO superimposed image files in the document will be valid as official stamps!) by the person issuing the letter (direct supervisor, head of department/area, etc.).
- If you are self-employed, submit a motivation letter (max. one page) addressed to Dr. Candice Morkel, Head of Program, signed, and with the issue date included.
Please describe how and what for you intend to use the knowledge generated through your participation in the Climate MEL Systems Academy.
- Scholarship applications uploaded without the required documents or with incomplete/incorrect information will be deemed incomplete, and therefore discarded.
- In case the uploaded documents exceed the maximum number of pages, only the information in the allowed number of pages will be considered.
- The documents and the applicant’s information must be written in English.
If any of the documents uploaded in the application do not contain the above-mentioned specifications, the application will be deemed incomplete and discarded.
Note: Scholarship Applications sent via email will be immediately discarded!