Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

In this second part of my reflections from the 2025 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference, I continue exploring what this year’s gathering revealed about the evolving role of evaluation—and what it means for us as practitioners. Building on the themes from Part 1, this episode goes deeper into the practice of evaluation. I reflect on sessions that focused on writing strong evaluation plans, understanding the true cost of programs through cost-inclusive evaluation, and using emergin...

In this heartfelt and honest episode, I take you into a topic many M&E professionals experience but rarely talk about - boredom. Whether you're a data enthusiast, evaluation strategist, or new to the field, chances are you've felt stuck, disengaged, or wondered if your work still sparks joy. I unpack the 4 B’s of Boredom in M&E—Burnout, Boxed-In, Blind Spots, and Bureaucracy—and dive into real causes of disengagement, from rigid structures to lost purpose. You’ll also hear inspiring r...

The international development field is facing a wave of project terminations and shrinking funding pipelines-leaving many M&E professionals in uncertainty. In this episode, host Godfrey Senkaba speaks directly to those navigating career disruption. He unpacks the concept of career resilience, introduces the idea of interdisciplinary fluency, and leads a powerful "Future Work Self" activity to help you map your next move. Whether you're between roles or seeking to future-proof your career,...

In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba introduces the MELMASTERS Framework, a transformative guide designed to help M&E professionals master their craft and create lasting impact. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where we explore the first five components of the framework: Mindset: The foundational attitude for learning and growth in MEL.Effectiveness: Ensuring M&E systems lead to real, positive change.Learning Systems: Turning data in...

In this podcast, Godfrey Senkaba explores key global issues that profoundly impact the field of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). These issues include technological advancements, climate change, conflict and fragility, and the changing political and geopolitical contexts. Each of these issues presents unique challenges and complexities for M&E practitioners, ranging from assessing the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas to adapting to the chan...

Gaining stakeholder support is key to implementing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities effectively. In this episode, Godfrey Senkaba, discusses the vital role of stakeholder analysis, utilizing a matrix tool to identify, understand, and engage stakeholders for optimal success in M&E activities. Follow along as Godfrey discusses how stakeholders and stakeholder analysis serve as a cornerstone for driving M&E initiatives forward effectively. Below is the discussion outline: [...

Godfrey Senkaba chats with Sajilu Kamwendo, the Director, Outcome, and Impact Evaluation at Mastercard Foundation. Sajilu has over 20 years of experience in program evaluation which includes work with international organizations, implementing or funding relief and development programs. Sajilu elaborates on how his passion for curiosity and patterns propelled his journey in evaluation, ultimately leading him from a novice to the position of directing impact evaluation at the MasterCard...

Godfrey Senkaba discusses his personal strategy for supporting the professional development of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) employees. Based on his nearly 20 years of experience in the M&E field, Godfrey has developed the 3-10 Framework for M&E Staff Professional Development. This framework identifies three key focal areas and 10 factors to consider in supporting M&E staff professional development. They include: External M&E environment which impacts the M&amp...

Godfrey Senkaba discusses the last five of the top ten tips every manager should know to hire the best monitoring and evaluation, staff. Whether you are a monitoring and evaluation manager or a generalist project manager, we often must deal with organizational processes, systems, practices, and own individual choices in any hiring decisions. The following is the last set of tips to help you make a good M&E Staff hire. Tip #6. A good oral interview by an M&E candidate may not tra...

Godfrey Senkaba discusses 4 key issues and over 15 Tips you must know to conduct a value-add quality review of a project proposal before submission to the funder. Whether you are internal staff or external consultants, taking a holistic approach to project proposal quality review will help you add value to both the process and product. Here are the four issues you must consider: Issue #1 Rationale. You should the why a quality review of the project proposal is needed and be sure to alig...

Godfrey Senkaba discusses the 12 important issues a monitoring and evaluation specialist must look out for when reviewing donor grant Requests for Applications (RFAs) or Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for emergency or development activities. These issues will help you understand, plan for, and design better monitoring and evaluation strategy and processes for the proposed project. The 12 issues focus organization’s ability to design a competitive proposal, monitoring and evaluat...

Godfrey Senkaba spoke with Mariana Branco, an Evaluation Specialist at the World Bank. Mariana discusses her professional life journey that is punctuated by service to others including causes that make evaluation simple, useable, and accessible. She discusses her motivations and experience helping emerging evaluators, what she has learned, and the strategies you should take to boost your evaluation career. Below are the specific topics discussed: · Child and yo...