Executive Summary

This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to design effective and sustainable social protection programs that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.

It focuses on program design methodologies, needs analysis, linking social protection to economic policy, and identifying sustainable financing strategies.

The course provides a practical framework to develop impactful programs while ensuring efficient implementation and long-term funding.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing socioeconomic landscape, social protection is a key pillar for reducing poverty, promoting equity, and maintaining social stability.

Effective program design requires a deep understanding of population needs, integration with national policy, and viable financial planning.

This course introduces best practices in social protection design and financing, emphasizing evidence-based planning, inclusive targeting, and performance monitoring.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and components of social protection systems
• Conduct social risk and needs assessments for vulnerable groups
• Design appropriate interventions aligned with national policies
• Develop targeted and inclusive social support programs
• Identify funding sources and design resource sustainability strategies
• Establish monitoring and evaluation systems for program effectiveness

Target Audience

• Social policy and planning officials in government agencies
• Staff in ministries of social affairs, finance, labor, and planning
• Practitioners in international organizations and NGOs
• Researchers and professionals in sustainable development and social equity
• Staff in social insurance, cash transfer, and welfare institutions

Training Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Social Protection

• Definition and scope of social protection

• Goals and impact on poverty reduction and resilience

• Types of programs (cash transfers, insurance, services)

• Global models and comparative systems

• Key challenges in designing inclusive systems

Day 2: Needs Assessment and Intervention Design

• Social gap analysis tools

• Assessing risks and vulnerabilities of target groups

• Prioritizing interventions within national policy frameworks

• Designing tailored support pathways

• Integration with education, health, and employment programs

Day 3: Program Design and Delivery Mechanisms

• Setting program goals and performance indicators

• Targeting methods (poverty, geography, disability, gender)

• Data management and technology for delivery

• Governance and accountability frameworks

• Grievance redress and feedback mechanisms

Day 4: Financing and Sustainability Strategies

• Traditional funding sources (public budgets, taxes)

• Blended finance models (donor support, social insurance)

• Resource mobilization strategies

• Expenditure efficiency and cost control

• Financial feasibility and sustainability assessment

Day 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Action Planning

• Impact measurement frameworks

• Quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches

• Reporting and adaptive management tools

• Using evaluation results to enhance design

• Workshop: Drafting an integrated social protection program model

Conclusion

This course offers a complete roadmap for designing and financing social protection programs that are effective, inclusive, and fiscally sustainable.

By combining social policy with sound financial planning and robust governance, participants will be empowered to develop impactful systems that enhance social equity and resilience.