Elias Simfukwe (He / Him)

Elias is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project design and management, research, business development, organization capacity building and fundraising. His expertise spans various sectors, including health, economic development, gender, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, environment and education. Elias' primary focus has been leading large M&E portfolios, designing and implementing successful programs, securing funding, and building organisational capacity. Elias has played a leading role in designing and overseeing robust M&E systems. He contributed to the development of Zambia’s National Gender Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (NGMEF). Elias's work on integrating GBV indicators into the Ministry of Health’s Health Management Information System (HMIS) has enhanced the tracking of GBV survivors and improved service delivery across 2,000 health facilities nationwide. He is currently contributing to the implementation of the Gender Management Infromation System (GMIS). Elias’s M&E expertise extends beyond technical implementation. He is skilled in building the capacity of teams and partners, ensuring data accuracy and program accountability. He has led several data quality assessments and tracked project performance, providing feedback that has directly improved health, gender, and social development programs across Zambia. Elias has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in program development throughout his career. He has designed, managed, and evaluated multi-million-dollar projects in sectors such as HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and GBV. His strategic vision and analytical capabilities have enabled him to develop innovative programs addressing complex social issues. In his work at the Zambia Center for Communication Programmes, Elias oversaw multiple projects serving more than 450,000 individuals annually. His leadership in developing community-based GBV prevention initiatives in schools and chiefdoms has been critical in strengthening grassroots responses to gender-based violence. Previously, as a PEPFAR Program Specialist with the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, Elias managed a $400 million portfolio, ensuring the effective delivery of HIV services across the country. He also coordinated M&E teams from various U.S. government agencies, ensuring timely reporting and alignment with national data systems. His role at CARE International involved designing and managing nutrition, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and HIV projects, strengthening M&E systems, and building the capacity of subgrantee organizations.