Phil Colgan

Mr. Phil Colgan is renowned as a seasoned International Development Team Leader and coach of best practices—especially as an expert in Performance Measurement / Impact Evaluation & Learning (PMIE / ME&L) with experience of in-country leadership of both rapid start-ups as well as effective close-outs of donor-funded activities, programs and projects—particularly in conflict zones. He is a thorough professional who utilizes state-of-the-art approaches including Qualitative Comparative Analysis in addition to Mixed Methods for data collection through 360° Participatory Techniques to derive evidence-based conclusions. He formulates rationalized recommendations concerning wider aspects of Development Interventions as well as focused Activity Cycle Management plus Collaborating, Learning and Adapting. Phil has overseen numerous evaluations according to EU, USAID, WBG, UNEG and OECD/DAC evaluation criteria, namely: relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence and sustainability as well as connectedness and coverage, all according to ethical standards and norms. He has further led post hoc quality assessments (PHQAs) applying deductive methodologies, which start from predefined analytical categories, with an inductive approach that leaves space for unforeseen issues or lines of inquiry that have not been previously identified. Systematic data triangulation across different sources and methods in order to validate findings and avoid bias in the judgement of the evaluation is a hallmark of Phil’s work. He also has hands-on working familiarity of establishing impact indicators, setting target parameters, developing qualitative data requirements, designing surveys, gathering and validating information, plus data analysis/management systems including Access, GIS, MySQL, ODK, and SPSS in order to gain an holistic assessment so as to draw balanced conclusions regarding performance measurement, impact evaluation, activity accreditation, and lessons learned. Phil is well-regarded by all major Development Organizations and Missions in Africa, the Middle East and Eurasia as having a thorough knowledge of contracting practices who steps up to conflicts; reads situations quickly; can hammer out tough agreements and settle disputes equitably; can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly; is sensitive to how people and organizations function; relishes leading; takes unpopular stands if necessary; encourages direct and tough debate but isn’t afraid to cease and move on; is looked to for direction in a crisis; and he faces adversity head on. Known as a results-based manager, a dynamic team leader with over 25 years of international development experience, including 15 years as Country Director and / or Chief of Party, Phil has a proven track record of successfully exceeding contract deliverables, optimizing outreach and maximizing impact with wide-ranging expertise as a practitioner of solution-to-demand-driven approaches with a stakeholder-centric focus. Recognized for extremely effective management of rapid start-ups and / or turnarounds of programs, projects and activities as in addition to long-term in-country leadership of development interventions that deliver fast yet resilient outcomes. At all times he ensures compliance with the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly: 22 CFR 226, 228, 230; and the US Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), especially FAR Subchapter B—Competition and Acquisition Planning; plus Subchapter C—Contracting Methods and Contract Types; and Grants under CAs. Phil is a well-liked, respected achiever of excellence, stimulator and facilitator of universally beneficial changes that are positive in character, significant in impact, long-lasting in consequence and sustainable into the future.