Shows
Monitoring and Evaluation BoostEP31 - Why Evaluation Still Matters: Lessons from AEA 2025 (Part 1)2025 has been a difficult year for many evaluators - especially those working in international development. Funding cuts, uncertainty, and shrinking scopes of work have forced many of us to pause and reflect on where our profession is headed.In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, I share reflections from the 2025 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference in Kansas City, themed “Engaging Community, Sharing Leadership.”This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focused on grounding ourselves in the fundamentals while stretching our thinking for what lies ahead.In this episode, I explore:Wh...
2025-12-2438 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostEp30 - Feeling Bored in Monitoring and Evaluation? Why It Happens and Practical Ways to Reignite Your MotivationIn 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 reflections from colleagues across the globe, including Baraka Mfilinge in East Africa, and Edgardo Castañed...
2025-06-2535 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostEp29 - Evaluation Just Got Smarter: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Awards & What’s AheadIn this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba dives deep into the big ideas and latest updates shaping the world of evaluation.This week’s focus? Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude can support - not replace - evaluators in doing faster, more efficient, and still rigorous work.He unpacks the World Bank and IFAD’s guidance note on integrating AI thoughtfully in evaluations, spotlighting practical use cases from text summarization to data extraction. He also discusses potential risks- like bias and hall...
2025-05-3024 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE28 - When the Funding Dries Up: How M&E Professionals Can Reclaim Their CareersThe 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, this episode offers practical, hopeful guidance grounded in real-world experience. Tags: #MonitoringAndEvaluation #CareerAdaptation #EvaluationProfessionals #Interdisciplinarity #InternationalDevelopment #WiseProactivityResources M...
2025-04-2620 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE27 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 2)In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba concludes the exploration of the MELMASTERS Framework, a comprehensive guide designed to help M&E professionals master their craft and achieve significance.This Part 2 dives into the final components of the framework, covering:S - Systems Lifecycle: Understanding how M&E systems evolve with program stages and organizational strategies.T - Teamwork: Building collaborative, strength-based teams that thrive.E - Evolution and Innovation: Staying relevant by adapting to emerging trends and solving challenges...
2025-01-2329 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE26 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 1)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 into actionable insights.Model: Building robust frameworks tailored to organizational...
2025-01-1628 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE25 - M&E in 2025: Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation, and EquityIn this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, we explore how Artificial Intelligence, cutting-edge innovations, and equity-focused approaches are shaping the M&E field in 2025. From AI-powered tools and culturally responsive methodologies to real-time data systems and developmental evaluation, we unpack the key trends driving transformation in monitoring and evaluation.Join host Godfrey Senkaba and co-host Jessica, an AI-powered assistant, as they discuss practical examples, actionable strategies, and ethical considerations for embracing these advancements. Whether you’re an emerging evaluator or an experienced professional, this episode will provide the to...
2025-01-0513 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE24 - Beyond the Basics: How Understanding Global Trends Can Propel Your M&E Career ForwardIn 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 changing political dynamics and isolationism, to embracing artificial intelligence to revolutionize M&E practices. Tune in now to boost your skills and make a meaningful impact in monitoring and...
2024-04-3029 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE23 - Persuasion Tactics: Winning Stakeholders in Monitoring & Evaluation Data ChallengesUnlock the secrets to resolving conflicts over Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data with expert persuasion tactics in the latest episode of the monitoring and evaluation boost podcast with Godfrey Senkaba! Learn the essential persuasion tactics to navigate conflicts over M&E data with stakeholders. From active listening to evidence-based reasoning and collaborative problem-solving, discover strategies to achieve consensus and drive better outcomes in your M&E activities. Tune in now to boost your skills and make a meaningful impact in monitoring and evaluation! #MandEPersuasion #DataDisputes #ImpactfulMandEBelow is the discussion outline:[00:01] Introduction
2024-03-2334 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE22 - Gaining Stakeholder Support for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) ActivitiesGaining 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:[00:01] Episode argument[00:34] Podcast purpose[02:09] Life story on gaining stakeholder support[04:32] Who is a stakeholder, and what is their...
2024-03-0527 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE21 - Mastering M&E Training Workshops: 10 Tips to Plan Them BetterMastering M&E training workshops requires thorough planning and consideration of various factors, including the facilitator, participants, logistics, and context. Godfrey Senkaba discusses the top 10 tips for you or your organizations to ensure the success of their workshops and empower participants to become more effective in monitoring and evaluating their projects. Follow along as Godfrey defines M&E training workshops, workshop formats, purposes, benefits, and how to better plan for them including practical examples. Below is the discussion outline:[00:34] What makes M&E training workshops, and hello, everyone![02:36] What ar...
2024-02-1625 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE20 - Exploring Sajilu Kamwendo's Evaluation Career: Curiosity, Patterns, and the "Made in Africa" NarrativesGodfrey 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 Foundation. He discusses the significance of his current role and how it has shaped his evaluative priorities. For instance, he underscores MasterCard's evaluation approach, which is rooted i...
2024-02-0845 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE19 - From Evaluation Volunteer to Chief Executive Officer. The Katherine Haugh Evaluation Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba chats with Katherine Haugh, the CEO, and founder of The Convive Collective. Katherine has over 10 years of experience in program evaluation which includes work with both local and international development organizations including USAID and United Nations. Katherine’s story is interesting, and motivating, particularly in how she turned complexity into clarity, setting forth a successful evaluation career. From doing intern and volunteer roles to monitoring and evaluation specialist and to starting how own organization. She also shares her passion for visual storytelling, particularly illustrations, and how to facilitate learning and dialogue around evaluation data. Below is...
2023-06-2632 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE18 - Professional Development of M&E Staff. 10 Factors Every Manager Should KnowGodfrey 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&E work of your organization. Specifically, be aware of, and leverage:M&E professional associations,M&E field trends and emerging issues, and The M&E...
2023-01-1328 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE17 - Onboarding New M&E Staff: 10 Things to Do in the First 2 WeeksGodfrey Senkaba discusses 10 must-dos for every hiring manager to successfully onboard new employees, particularly those who will perform monitoring and evaluation jobs. The tips are intended to improve the onboarding practices of hiring managers. Already 9 in 10 employees disagree that their organization does a good job onboarding new employees (Gallup.com). Tip #1. Develop and complete a pre-onboarding checklist Tip #2. Scope the issues to address during onboarding Tip #3. Develop and execute a Technical Onboarding Plan.Tip #4. Don’t Skip Orientation. Just Ensure it is meaningful....
2022-12-3123 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE16 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 2Godfrey 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 translate into good M&E job performance. Be aware and address the e...
2022-01-2921 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE15 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 1Godfrey Senkaba discusses five of the top ten tips every manager should know in order 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 our own individual choices in any hiring decision. The following tips will help you make a good M&E Staff hire:Tip #1. Never hire a monitoring and evaluation staff without first confirming the need/s the job will address.Tip #2. It is always good to...
2022-01-2020 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE14 - Proposal Quality Review: 4 Key Issues and 15 Simple Tips You Must KnowGodfrey 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 align your choice of methods and tools to c...
2021-12-0420 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE13 - Proposal Development: 5 Things You Must Consider Before Development a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning PlanGodfrey Senkaba discusses the 5 most important issues a monitoring and evaluation specialist must consider before they develop the different monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) sections, and related annexes of a project proposal. A typical project proposal requires an M&E plan or MEL Plan narrative and an Indicator Tracking Table. These should complete after gaining a full understanding of the following issues: · Role and Responsibilities,· Technical design,· Stakeholders and partnerships,· Donor MEL requirements, and· Budget for MELSo, you get a complete understanding of how to add value to the proposal deve...
2021-10-1122 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE12 - 12 Ways to Review Donor Grants Solicitation Documents through the Lens of Monitoring and EvaluationGodfrey 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 evaluation requirements in the solicitation, and appropriate monitoring and evaluation approaches that should match with the technical and operational requirements of the proposed project. The specific issues include:·...
2021-07-2627 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE11 - The 7 Best Ways Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists Can Preposition for Grant Project ProposalsGodfrey Senkaba discusses the critical role for monitoring and evaluation specialists play in helping their organizations’ new business development or proposal development efforts. He outlines the 7 best tips as must-do’s for evaluation specialists during the prepositioning phase of a grant project proposal development process. The 7 tips below are discussed with practical examples: · Research the donor M&E interests and/or priorities.· Conduct an Organization DME Capacity assessment· Review of the capacity of the local country office or local project implementer· Provide technical /quality review of the needs assessment design and analysis.· A...
2021-06-3014 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE10 - Leading A Cause Bigger Than Self: Mariana Branco’s Evaluation Career Path StoryGodfrey 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 youthhood choices and career decisions; education; and working in Africa provided the foundation for professional evaluation practice. · How to build three top in-demand skills through active membership to professional...
2021-04-2236 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE9 - From Art Museum Exhibitions to Leading Program Evaluations: Patricia M. Shaffer’s Inspiring Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba spoke with Dr. Patricia Moore Shaffer, the former President of Washington Evaluators, and currently, Deputy Director of Research and Analysis for the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC. Dr. Shaffer reveals what attracted her to join the evaluation profession and the transferrable skills from public arts. She outlines the steps, tricks, and opportunities that have shaped her career including the life-changing experience of serving as President of Washington Evaluators. Other topics discussed include:Background to professional practice; child and youthhood choices and career decisions; working in the arts industry and parallels to evaluation...
2021-04-0841 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE8 - Practicing Assumptions-Aware Evaluation: Apollo M. Nkwake's Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba spoke with Apollo Mukasa Nkwake, monitoring, evaluation, and research specialist, evaluation journal editor, and evaluation consultant. Our discussion focused on his evaluation journey from volunteering at a local nonprofit in central Uganda to evaluating global evaluation programs for large international development agencies in the United States. Apollo reveals the several tips, tricks, and opportunities that have shaped his career, made him successful, and many of these may work for you. See the discussion outline below: [00:34] Hello, everyone! Introducing Dr. Apollo M., Nkwake.[02:15] Background in international development and start of evaluation career.
2021-04-0132 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE7 - Toward Evaluation - Led Civic Technology or Civic Tech: Tim Leisman's Promising Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba spoke with Tim Leisman, a data-based community problem solver, and civic tech enthusiast. Only four years as an evaluator but has found interest in civic technology. But what is civic tech? how does it apply to evaluation? Through his work with the Code for Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, Tim demonstrates a good career trajectory that can inspire young, emerging and advanced evaluators. See the discussion outline below: [00:34] Hello, everyone! Introducing Tim Leisman.[02:10] Background in community development and the start of evaluation career.[4:25] How to join the Monitoring and Evaluation Career without ba...
2021-03-1526 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE6 - Volunteering with Evaluation Networks: How it Changed Me. Khalil Bitar's Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba spoke with Khalil Bitar, Outgoing Chair, EvalYouth Global Network, Co-leader, Eval4Action. The premise of their conversation was Khalil’s transition from the leadership of the EvalYouth, a global network he helped to co-found. We discussed everything! From the nuts and bolts of Khalil’s 12 years' evaluation experience, and interests. See the discussion outline below:[00:34] Hello, everyone! Introducing Khalil Bitar, Outgoing Chair, EvalYouth Global Network[01:35] Background in International development and the start of evaluation career.[10:57] How EvalYouth Chapters strengthen National Evaluation Associations[14:25] How EvalYouth equips young and emerging evaluators for...
2021-02-1944 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE5 - Keeping up With Trends: Holta Trandafili's Evaluation Career Path StoryGodfrey Senkaba spoke with Holta Trandafili, World Vision’s Research, Learning, and Analytics Manager. The premise of their conversation was Holta recently celebrated 20 years of work as an evaluator. We discussed everything! From her interests in evaluation; formative years as evaluator; biggest challenge and opportunity; progression through evaluation “ranks” to lessons learned. Additionally, we discussed the changing scope of, and trends in monitoring and evaluation, and how to adapt and grow your career.[00:34] Hello, everyone! Introducing Holta Trandafili, an evaluator with over 20 years’ experience[02:30] Background in International Development, interest and start of Evaluation career.
2021-02-1133 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE4 - My Monitoring and Evaluation Career Story: Creating Opportunities Where None ExistsGodfrey Senkaba – Shares his monitoring and evaluation career trajectory, spanning over 15 years. He specifically discusses what he has learned performing the evaluation job in different settings, for different organizations, and applying different sets of skills, and how to discover opportunities to support your career growth. [00:38] Hello, everyone! Why I share my career story.[01:58] How I leveraged undergraduate studies to get my first evaluation job.[08:24] How I amplified my first job experience to find, and firm up my monitoring and evaluation career anchors.[15:04] How I consolidated my career anchors for job growth.
2021-01-3126 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE3 - Monitoring and Evaluation Career Growth: 4 Practical Tips for Choosing Your Next JobGodfrey Senkaba – discusses four important factors to consider when deciding if the next job will take you to a higher level in your monitoring and evaluation career. [00:34] Hello, everyone![01:02] Job Title! Sorry, consider the job description, not the job title.[02:34] Your personal profile. Which of these 3 main career paths for monitoring and evaluation professionals does it fit: generalist, methodological expert, or sector technical specialist?[05:43] Organizational profile. Do their monitoring and evaluation capacity and practice match your learning needs?[07:58] Convergence of personal priorities with the job’s non-technical aspects.[11...
2021-01-1712 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE2 - 5 Top Reasons for the Different Monitoring and Evaluation Jobs' Minimum RequirementsGodfrey Senkaba - discusses the top factors that inform the nature and type of minimum requirements for Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Jobs. These factors range from the organization, job, and profile of the position holder. If you are interested or preparing to sit for a monitoring and evaluation job interview, understand these factors to help you prepare for likely interview questions regarding job context, organizational interests, and job performance expectations. If you are already performing a monitoring and evaluation job, know these factors to level job performance expectations, develop informed professional development or career growth plans. The common minimum...
2021-01-1111 minMonitoring and Evaluation BoostE1 - Life Experience: The Best Training You Ever Needed to Begin a Monitoring and Evaluation CareerGodfrey Senkaba – discusses why having no formal experience should not limit your interest in a monitoring and evaluation career. He provides everyday life activities that provide the opportunity to build tacit knowledge and skills transferable to a formal monitoring and evaluation job. Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.
2021-01-0418 min