Samples Portfolio

Case Study Title  Background Paper: Distance Education in Emergencies  Date Published  06Aug2022  Type of Client  Humanitarian Organization  Focus Area  Education Case Synopsis  We were tasked with developing a background paper for our client on distance education in emergency settings. This background paper was commissioned by our client and authored by Altamont Group, led by Sajida H. Shroff with support from Colette Azzi, Elizabeth Bruce, and Sameen Fatima. The paper, which followed the structure of our client’s Minimum Standards, provided evidence-based tools and guidance for those working in distance education settings in emergency situations. Case Summary  Qualitative data gathering and close collaboration with our client’s Distance Education Reference Group (DERG) supported the development of the background paper, alongside multiple drafts for the exchange of feedback. The paper followed the structure of the client’s Minimum Standards and focused on four key areas identified by DERG, namely: •Building Teacher Capacity for Design and Delivery of Distance Education, •Enabling Policies for Distance Education and Digital Fluency, •Curating, Creating, and Contextualizing Content, and •The Ed Tech Landscape and Selection for use in Distance Education. We also developed a matrix of 325+ free, open access resources in various languages, including toolkits, platforms, resource banks, and white papers, mapped and curated according to their focus on the four key areas.  We delivered a slide deck and presentation of the background paper for three client webinars, providing evidence, tools, and guidance to those working in distance education settings in emergency situations.  Altamont Group, working in consultation with the client’s Distance Education Reference Group (DERG), adopted a participatory and collaborative process that allowed, to the extent possible, DERG members’ involvement in collecting resources in the development phases of the paper.  Over the years, Altamont Group has partnered and worked with global organizations such as the World Bank, NATO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNHCR, CAMFED, the Global Innovation Fund, and Mercy Corps. Altamont Group also works extensively with governments, including the US Secretary of State, the Kingdom of South Arabia, Global Affairs Canada, and the UAE, to name a few. Altamont Group’s clients are frequently returning clients, illustrating that AG’s approach and its unique expertise are highly valued. Background The objectives of this paper were as follows: •To identify major challenges, opportunities, lessons learned, and the most frequently applied Distance Education practices;•To present quick guidance tips on three focus areas of Distance Education strategies, that is, Teacher Professional Development, Technology for education, and enabling policies for Distance Education in emergencies; •Present a mapping of existing resources on Distance Education in emergencies  Problem The problem sought was on Distance Education in Emergencies and this Paper authored by AG composed of an overview, followed by strategies to ensure that quality, safe, relevant, and equitable Distance Education is provided as required to all individuals affected by emergencies. These strategies were in keeping with the three focus areas: •Teacher Professional Development. •Technology for education. •Enabling policies for Distance Education in emergencies. Solution This Background Paper covered specific challenges, lessons learned, practices, and came up with actions that need to be considered when aiming to provide quality, principles-based distance education (DE) in emergencies. This Paper went further and highlighted inclusion and equity to be key guiding principles for education in general and called for their application across all education modalities, including Distance Education. The Paper presented three things: •Useful ideas and actions for planning, offering, or monitoring and evaluating DE in emergencies, accompanied by examples of possible adaptations of key actions in various situations to account for the wide range of contexts in which emergencies occur; •Background information and definitions to enhance clarity for all readers; and •Advice on three focus areas: Teacher Professional Development in DE, technology for education, and enabling policies for Distance Education in emergencies; this advice is complemented by evidence-based recommendations for tackling practical difficulties.  Impact Through this paper authored by Altamont Group, it was noted that requiring electricity, internet connectivity, and hardware is the primary technical challenge in accessing online Distance Education by people in low-income countries who are affected by emergencies. Moreover, researchers noted that the technologies used most often to provide access to education for refugee learners are mobile phones, tablets, computers, and, less frequently, radio. For instance, after the closing of schools due to COVID-19 and the swift transition to Distance Education around the world, EdTech innovations evolved, especially low-and hi-tech solutions. In this regard, international organizations in the humanitarian sector took part in promoting and implementing EdTech innovations. For example, our client initiated a review of the challenges, lessons learned, and best practices in the response to COVID-19, which resulted in our client Mapping Report: Distance Education in Emergencies.  Conclusion The paper which Altamont Group developed; •Followed the structure of client’s Minimum Standards, •Provided evidence-based tools and guidance for those working in distance education settings in emergency situations.  The qualitative data gathering and collaboration with the client Distance Education Reference Group (DERG) ensured the development of a well- informed and comprehensive background paper. The matrix of resources also provided access to over 325 free, open access resources, organized according to their focus on the four key areas identified by DERG, namely building teacher capacity, enabling policies, curating and creating content, and EdTech landscape and selection. The slide deck and presentation of the background paper during the three client webinars further helped to disseminate the valuable knowledge and resources to a wider audience. Overall, the paper and matrix of resources provided our client with a valuable tool to support distance education in emergency settings, ultimately helping to improve the quality of education in such situations. 

Case Study Title  Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan  Date Published  23Apr2021  Type of Client  Non-profit Organization  Focus Area  Monitoring and Evaluation  Case Synopsis  As part of our client’s efforts to improve its monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) capabilities. Our esteemed client engaged us to develop an annual monitoring and evaluation plan that would empower them to collect data, track responses, and analyze results using defined outcomes, outputs, and goals.  Case Summary  We were tasked with providing our client with MERL plan and strategy implementation support. We utilized various tools including SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, MoSCoW Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Return on Investment Analysis. Based on this, we developed a comprehensive MERL plan for organizational and process enhancement, aligned with the US Department of State’s requirements, and positioned our client as a pioneer with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State.  We created data collection materials/tools using Salesforce, Campaign Monitor, Form Assembly, etc. and audited the Salesforce system in use by our client to identify methods of tracking and interacting with Fulbright alumni to collect long-term data. We also provided capacity development to key stakeholders focused on MERL and continuous improvement principles. Our final deliverables included a MERL plan that included data collection methods, tracking methods, and reports for the data analysis set up along with a full narrative detailing best practices for implementation also provided ongoing strategy implementation support for programming across North and South America-focused on equalizing opportunities across genders and contexts.  Altamont Group is a boutique advisory firm that offers strategic and implementation expertise to many leading organizations globally. EdWorX, which is Altamont Group’s US-based partner, offers consultancy services in North America; and FleXademy, which is Altamont Group’s affiliate, offers learning solutions globally. Altamont Group is guided by six core values namely: Dedicated, Engaged, Entrepreneurial, Ethical, Agile, Responsive (DEEEAR). Altamont Group has a robust team of experienced specialists, who have extensive experience in MERL: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning. Additionally, Altamont Group has more than 45 consultants and subject experts working on various projects that straddle the emerged and emerging economies.  Over the years, Altamont Group has partnered and worked with global organizations such as the World Bank, NATO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNHCR, CAMFED, the Global Innovation Fund, and Mercy Corps. Altamont Group also works extensively with governments, including the US Secretary of State, the Kingdom of South Arabia, Global Affairs Canada, and the UAE, to name a few. Altamont Group’s clients are frequently returning clients, illustrating that AG’s approach and its unique expertise are highly valued.  Background Altamont Group developed an M&E Plan that considered the client’s strategic goals, DoS indicators, and will enable a cycle of continuous improvement. The M&E plan systematically: •Collected data, •Analyzed data, •Reported findings of achievements, •Identified areas of improvement. This document outlines the M&E Plan and serves as a guide for our client to implement the M&E Plan. In the M&E Plan that was developed by Altamont Group, it was noted that the three strategic goals (increase grantee satisfaction, increase alumni engagement and business development) will drive our client’s organizational digital transformation. Problem Our client engaged us so that we could develop a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan to support their evolution and ensure alignment with the US Department of State (DoS’s) reporting requirements. The Fulbright Foreign Scholars program enabled graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. Approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year. Our client administered part of the Fulbright Program, which provided grants to individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean to study in the United States. Therefore, a big focus of this M&E Plan that was developed by Altamont Group ensured that the phase of “alum” was also incorporated into the program.  Solution Our comprehensive MERL plan recommended organizational and process enhancements, including data collection methods, tracking methods, and data analysis reports set up using Salesforce. The plan also included a timeline for data collection and best practices for implementation. We provided capacity development to key stakeholders, focused on MERL and continuous improvement principles, and ongoing strategy implementation support for programming across North and South America, with a focus on equalizing opportunities across genders and contexts.  Impact In the M&E Plan that was developed by Altamont Group, it was noted that the three strategic goals (increase grantee satisfaction, increase alumni engagement and business development) drove our client’s organizational digital transformation. Moreover, as two of the client’s strategic goals were specific to the engagement of Alumni, the Theory of Change mapping related to Alumni interaction to activities and indicators. Conclusion We were able to identify key goals that aligned with this M&E Plan. A solid M&E System – what this plan turned into guided and adjusted our client’s strategic goals. In addition, the data from the M&E System was able to show a measurable way if our client was meeting its strategic goals. Our client needed to focus on their participants when they are considered a “Grantee” and later “Alum”. The three strategic goals that related to this M&E Plan were: •Increasing Grantee satisfaction. •Increasing Alumni engagement. •Business Development The M&E plan systematically collected data, analyzed data, and reported findings of achievements and identified areas of improvement. This document outlined the M&E Plan and served as guide for our client to implement the M&E Plan. We developed an M&E Plan that considered client’s strategic goals, DoS indicators, and it enabled a cycle of continuous improvement. 

Case Study Title Evaluation of Triple Nexus Programme for Sustainable Development Date Published 23Dec2021 Type of Client International Aid Agency Focus Area Evaluation Case Synopsis Altamont Group completed an end of programme evaluation for our client’s “Triple Nexus Programme: Addressing the Imbalance – Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in Fragile Contexts.”The programme was developed and funded by Sweden’s Government and implemented by our client with the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University as a third-party learning partner. Case Summary We were tasked with conducting a thorough evaluation of the program “Addressing the Imbalance – Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in Fragile Contexts, in Kenya, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines from March 2018 to February 2021. The evaluation aimed to determine the extent to which the program met its three proposed outcomes:· Review the program Theory of Change and· Assess the validity of pathways and assumptions, and· Identify lessons and good practices from the program to inform similar triple nexus (humanitarian-development-peacebuilding) program approaches within the organization and the wider sector. To achieve this, our team members in Kenya and Pakistan conducted document reviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and utilized an efficient Outcomes Harvesting Tool. Remote data collection methods were used in the Philippines and Indonesia. Background The final evaluation of the program titled “Addressing the Imbalance – Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in Fragile Contexts” was implemented by our client in Kenya, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.The programme was a multi-year, multi-country triple nexus initiative focusing on peacebuilding and social cohesion.The program ran from March 2018 to February 2021.The objective of this evaluation was to assess the overall impact, effectiveness and sustainability of the program in contributing to conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in these fragile contexts.Our client then partnered with Altamont Group to help them carry out an end of the programme evaluation. Altamont Group was tasked with assessing the extent to which planned outputs and outcomes were achieved using the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) DAC- Development Assistance Committee criteria for evaluating humanitarian action and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and identify lessons and good practice from the programme to inform similar triple nexus (humanitarian- development- peacebuilding) programme approaches in the future, including making recommendations of changes to the Theory of Change and programme approach. Problem Our client assigned us the responsibility of conducting an evaluation to assess the program’s performance in achieving its three proposed outcomes. Additionally, we were also tasked to review the program’s Theory of Change and carefully evaluate the validity of its pathways and assumptions..Through the impeccable evaluation carried out by Altamont Group, it was found out that our client, through its Triple Nexus Programme managed to achieve significant results across the targeted countries in a very challenging environment that included natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, long histories of conflict, transitional local governance, and unstablesecurity situations. Solution For the success of the evaluation, our team members in Kenya and Pakistan conducted:Document reviews,Key Informant Interviews (KIIs),Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), andUtilized an Outcomes Harvesting Tool. Remote data collection methods were used in the Philippines and Indonesia. The team also focused on the key areas of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL), Workshop Facilitation, Report Writing, KII & FGDs, Outcomes Harvesting Tool, KII Protocol, FGD Protocol, Country Level Workshop PPTs, and Global Level Workshop PPT. The evaluation process involved a rigorous methodology that included a comprehensive review of the program’s outputs and outcomes using the OECD DAC criteria for evaluating humanitarian action and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). Our team also assessed the validity of the program’s Theory of Change and made evidence-based recommendations for changes to the ToC and program approach. The team identified lessons and good practices from the program that could inform similar program approaches in the future. Impact The implementation of the programme by our client and partnering with Altamont Group in evaluation was successful. From the evaluation, it was proven that one of the key strengths of the programme was the adoption of the triple nexus approach which gave our client some leverage in:Addressing peace needs while focusing on emerging, immediate humanitarian needs;Building longer term effects through individual and community level behavioural change and trust building;Addressing livelihood needs particularly of youth and women;and enhancing formal and informal institutional capacities. From the evaluation, it was also clear that the programme contributed to its respective collaborative outcomes statements across the four countries to a significant extent, thereby showing the ability of a programme with collaborative planned outcomes to achieve common results in terms of changes in behaviour and attitudes at the individualbehavioural level, at the community level, and the institutional level. Conclusion Through our evaluation, we provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the program and identified opportunities for improvement. Our rigorous evaluation methodology and evidence- based recommendations equipped our client with valuable information to inform their future program development and implementation in the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors. The evaluation carried out by Altamont Group highlighted the program’s achievements in challenging contexts and emphasized the importance of the triple nexus approach in addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term peace. Overall, AG contributes to its client’s efforts to make a positiveimpact in fragile contexts.