Monitoring and Evaluation Boost – Details, episodes & analysis

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Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

Godfrey Senkaba

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Education

Frequency: 1 episode/58d. Total Eps: 33

Godfrey Senkaba shares career tips and good practice stories to help you master the monitoring and evaluation job and perform it to your best. In addition, I profile guests from the evaluation field to share their journeys to success.

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

Season 12 · Episode 33

Monday, January 19, 2026 • Duration 27:11

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 discipline to ourselves?

In this episode, Godfrey flips the script.

Instead of setting goals, he challenges you to set accomplishments - clear, meaningful, end‑of‑year outcomes that help you shape the evaluator you want to become.

You’ll discover:

Why most professional goals fail
How to use the evaluator’s natural advantage—results thinking—to shape your own growth
The difference between professional development and career development
How to visualize your December “accomplished self”
A 5‑step framework for defining and achieving your yearly accomplishments
Real stories of evaluators who transformed their careers through intentional action
Encouragement, strategies, and practical tools to start your journey now

Whether you're a new, emerging, or seasoned MEL professional, this episode equips you with the mindset and methods to take charge of your career—on your terms.

👍 If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and become a more confident and capable evaluator by December, this episode is your starting point.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

X: https://x.com/senkaba_g

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/

Support the show

Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.

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

Season 11 · Episode 32

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • Duration 39:08

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 emerging tools—like AI—to strengthen, rather than replace, human judgment.

I also share insights from poster sessions, conversations with fellow evaluators, and moments that reminded me why professional community matters—especially in a time of uncertainty and transition for the field.

In this episode, you’ll hear reflections on:

What makes an evaluation plan strong, credible, and fundable
How cost and value can be better integrated into evaluation practice
Why internal evaluators play a critical role in shaping meaningful evaluations
How accessible and ethical uses of AI can support—not replace—evaluation work
The importance of professional community, mentorship, and shared learning

This episode is both a continuation and a deepening of the conversation started in Part 1—inviting us to think not only about what we evaluate, but how and why we do it.

🎧 If you’re navigating complexity in your evaluation work and looking for grounded, practical reflection, this episode is for you.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter: https://x.com/senkaba_g

LinkedIn:

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

Season 7 · Episode 23

Saturday, March 23, 2024 • Duration 34:47

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. Tune in now to boost your skills and make a meaningful impact in monitoring and evaluation! #MandEPersuasion #DataDisputes #ImpactfulMandE

Below is the discussion outline:

[00:01] Introduction

[01:15] Why resolve M&E data disputes with stakeholders

[02:28] Personal story on solving M&E data conflicts with stakeholders

[07:56] Tactic #1: Understand the M&E stakeholder perspective

[11:12] Tactic #2 Actively listen to M&E stakeholders

[15:17] Tactic #3 Use evidence to defend your positions on M&E data

[17:49] Tactic #4 Appeal to emotions of M&E stakeholders on M&E data

[21:02] Tactic #5 Collaborate in solving the M&E data issues with stakeholders

[23:36] Tactic #6 Identify common ground stakeholders on M&E data issues

[27:40] Tactic #7 Establish credibility and trust with M&E stakeholders

[32:16] Conclusion

[34:01] Thank you, everyone. Thank you everyone for listening!

I would like to hear your feedback on this episode, and your suggestions for future episodes. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website:

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

Season 7 · Episode 22

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 • Duration 27:07

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:

[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 stake or interest in M&E?

[14:07:43] Examples of M&E stakeholders in a typical development project

[11:19] Stakeholder analysis

[15:42] Practical Tips for M&E stakeholder engagement

[24:35] Conclusion

[26:20] Thank you, everyone. Thank you everyone for listening!

I would like to hear your feedback on this episode, and your suggestions for future episodes. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/senkaba_g

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/

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

Season 7 · Episode 21

Friday, February 16, 2024 • Duration 25:26

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 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 are M&E training workshops?

[07:55] Focus and benefits of the M&E training workshops

[14:02] Tips 1 to 3; identify clear objectives, understand your audience, and mix the methods.

[14:02] Tips 1 to 3; identify clear objectives.

[16:06] Tips 2 to 4; understand your audience, comprehensive agenda, and mix the methods.

[18:10] Tips 5 to 7; gather relevant data, have ample time for reflection, and collaborate and communicate with stakeholders.

[21:01] Tips 8 to 10; validate the relevance of each session to objectives and participants' learning needs, integrate and use technology wisely, and evaluate and learn from the workshop.

[23:49] Summary of the top 10 tips

[24:30] Thank you, everyone. Thank you everyone for listening!

I would like to hear your feedback on this episode, and your suggestions for future episodes. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

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

Season 6 · Episode 20

Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Duration 45:40

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 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 in the belief that "Africa Works."

He also emphasizes the ongoing campaign at the Africa Evaluation Association, advocating for "Made in Africa evaluation." Sajilu encourages evaluators of all levels—whether young, mid-career, or experienced—to join this movement, emphasizing the importance of supporting Africans in narrating their own stories of change using indigenous language, style, and approaches.

Below is the discussion outline:

[00:34] Hello, everyone!

[02:00] Introducing Sajilu Kamwendo.

[03:03] A ‘youthful’ Sajilu and career dreams before his first professional job?

[8:18] How working different evaluation jobs shaped Sajilu’s evaluation perspective, and interests and shared her career goals.

[12:50] The uniqueness of MasterCard Foundation’s approach to Evaluation and how it is shaping Sajilu’s evaluative approach.

[15:18] How to raise the indigenous voice in evaluation.

[18:34] Top 2-3 skills every evaluation professional should have. Key soft skills include curiosity, point of view, and pragmatism.

[22:06] Biggest challenges Sajilu has faced as an evaluator and how she overcame them.

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

Season 6 · Episode 19

Monday, June 26, 2023 • Duration 32:04

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 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 the discussion outline:

[00:31] Hello, everyone! Introducing Katherine Haugh.

[04:18] A ‘youthful’ Katherine and career dreams before his first professional job?

[6:40] How working different evaluation jobs shaped Katherine’s evaluation perspective, and interests and shared her career goals.

[8:42] How Katherine founded and became CEO of The Convive Collective. What is special about this Business and how is she using her evaluative skills?

[12:47] Top 2-3 skills every evaluation professional should have. For example, powerful synthesis (how to curate the right information and synthesize it for the right audience); facilitation; and creative communication.

[15:03] Biggest challenges Katherine has faced as an evaluator and how she overcame them.

[17:42] Top monitoring and evaluation tools and/or methods Katherine uses to improve her work.

[21:09] Katherine’s career growth strategies and recommendations to evaluators.

[26:27] Katherine’s big plans self and The Convive Collective, over the next several months.

[28:14] Why Katherine believes the young and emerging evaluators should choose the evaluation profession over any other.

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

Season 5 · Episode 18

Friday, January 13, 2023 • Duration 28:49

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&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 policies and requirements by donors, governments, and other bodies impact the setting where you work.

The organization. An M&E manager should have a good understanding of:

The organization's strategy,
Team mandate and structure,
Own (manager’s) priorities, and the
Teamwork plan.

The individual. The M&E staff is a critical player in their professional development. As a Manager, be sure you understand and leverage:

Job nature and competencies needed, and
Job performances, before you finalize discussions and approval of the M&E staff’s
Professional development plan.

The above factors can be applied logically or as relevant to the organization, job, and individual staff context. The bottom line is to empower yourself as an M&E Manager to support your staff from the point of knowledge and interest. Always aim to best represent the staff, self, team, and organization in keeping your staff’s professional development.

Remember, professional development plans are often effectively implemented if are developed and owned by the staff. Your role is and should always be to support the staff with the correct information, tools, and resources and be their dependable cheerleader.

How are you helping your M&E staff’s professional development? What is your experience on this topic? I am happy to hear from you. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

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

Season 4 · Episode 17

Saturday, December 31, 2022 • Duration 23:03

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. Develop and execute a Technical Onboarding Plan.

Tip #4. Don’t Skip Orientation. Just Ensure it is meaningful.

Tip #5. Have clear targets and outcomes for the onboarding.

Tip #6. Have a shared understanding of the Job, roles, and expectations.

Tip #7. Confirm the new employee’s portfolio

Tip #8. Formalize performance goals and expectations.

Tip #9. Discuss and agree on a professional development plan, and

Tip #10. Be available to answer questions and concerns from the employee.

Have you hired new staff recently? What is your experience? I am happy to hear from you and just as ready to work with you to improve the job experience of new employees. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/senkaba_g

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

Season 4 · Episode 16

Saturday, January 29, 2022 • Duration 21:55

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 translate into good M&E job performance. Be aware and address the excesses of this M&E job assessment method.

Tip #7. To offer a good and strong job start, the technical onboarding plan for the new M&E hire should be developed earlier than when they start work.

Tip #8. Do not focus all your M&E job assessment on the candidate’s knowledge of monitoring and evaluation alone. Rather, test the M&E candidate’s overall fit to the M&E role you advertised.

Tip #9. Never let your personal interests and fears override your objective assessment of the M&E job candidate’s capability and fit for the M&E role.

Tip #10. Aim for diversity on the M&E Team for better results. For example, beyond demographics-based diversity, aim for diversity in terms of background training and professional experience of the M&E Staff.

In addition, check out Episode 15 for Tips 1 to 5. These tips will help you to improve how you assess M&E job needs, justify M&E roles and responsibilities, M&E job recruitment process including M&E Job interviews, and how to help M&E Staff start their new jobs strong. Have you ever hired M&E Staff? What is your experience? What have you learned? I will be happy to hear from you. Use the comment box below or send me an email. Thank you for your feedback.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter:

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Monitoring and Evaluation Boost – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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