Almost every development project involves a monitoring and evaluation focal point, tasked with the collection and reporting of data set by donors and partners. These processes are critical in helping to assess stakeholder engagement, evaluate the success of projects and interventions, and shape future budgetary and programming decisions. Particularly in health work, there is a demand for M&E professionals for both home office and field positions.
Monitoring and evaluation can be broken down into two technical categories, explained Shahid Umar, M&E specialist currently serving on a U.S. Agency for International Development performance management support contract implemented by MSI. Monitoring is the periodical collection of data based on predetermined project indicators, Umar continued, and evaluation is about using your knowledge of research methods and making judgments on specific targets, whether or not they have been met, and how they can be.
M&E professionals use a range of methodologies — qualitative, quantitative, or mixed — to collect data and draw conclusions on program effectiveness, Umar explained. In addition to possessing strong Excel and database skills, it’s therefore useful to have some knowledge of software that supports this work.
About the author
Emma Smith
For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.
