Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

EP33 - Accomplish Your Year: How Evaluators Can Shape Who They Become by December 19.01.2026 27m

In this powerful start‑of‑year episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba tackles one of the biggest challenges evaluators face - not in their projects, but in their own careers. Every January, evaluators set goals. But by December, many feel frustrated, stuck, or disappointed. Yet these are the same professionals who expertly design results frameworks, track indicators, support learning, and help programs adapt. So why do we struggle to apply the same discip...

EP32 - Grounded and Growing: Lessons from AEA 2025 (Part 2) 31.12.2025 39m

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...

EP31 - Why Evaluation Still Matters: Lessons from AEA 2025 (Part 1) 24.12.2025 38m

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, focus...

Ep30 - Feeling Bored in Monitoring and Evaluation? Why It Happens and Practical Ways to Reignite Your Motivation 25.06.2025 35m

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...

Ep29 - Evaluation Just Got Smarter: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Awards & What’s Ahead 29.05.2025 24m

In 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 practic...

E28 - When the Funding Dries Up: How M&E Professionals Can Reclaim Their Careers 25.04.2025 20m

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,...

E27 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 2) 23.01.2025 29m

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 t...

E26 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 1) 16.01.2025 28m

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...

E25 - M&E in 2025: Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation, and Equity 05.01.2025 13m

In 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 exam...

E24 - Beyond the Basics: How Understanding Global Trends Can Propel Your M&E Career Forward 29.04.2024 29m

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...

E23 - Persuasion Tactics: Winning Stakeholders in Monitoring & Evaluation Data Challenges 22.03.2024 34m

Unlock 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. Tun...

E22 - Gaining Stakeholder Support for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Activities 05.03.2024 27m

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: [...

E21 - Mastering M&E Training Workshops: 10 Tips to Plan Them Better 15.02.2024 25m

Mastering 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 ...

E20 - Exploring Sajilu Kamwendo's Evaluation Career: Curiosity, Patterns, and the "Made in Africa" Narratives 07.02.2024 45m

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...

E19 - From Evaluation Volunteer to Chief Executive Officer. The Katherine Haugh Evaluation Career Path Story 26.06.2023 32m

Godfrey 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 ...

E18 - Professional Development of M&E Staff. 10 Factors Every Manager Should Know 13.01.2023 28m

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...

E17 - Onboarding New M&E Staff: 10 Things to Do in the First 2 Weeks 31.12.2022 23m

Godfrey 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...

E16 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 2 29.01.2022 21m

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...

E15 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 1 19.01.2022 20m

Godfrey 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...

E14 - Proposal Quality Review: 4 Key Issues and 15 Simple Tips You Must Know 04.12.2021 20m

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...