E3 - Monitoring And Evaluation Career Growth: 4 Practical Tips For Choosing Your Next Job Monitoring And Evaluation Boost podcast

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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, this episode offers practical, hopeful guidance grounded in real-world experience. Tags : #MonitoringAndEvaluation #CareerAdaptation #EvaluationProfessionals #Interdisciplinarity #InternationalDevelopment #WiseProactivity Resources Mentioned : Strauss & Griffin’s “Future Work Self” Exercise, Wise Proactivity article, Speaking in Codes podcast Strauss, K., Griffin, M., and Parker, S.K., ‘‘Future work selves: How salient hoped-for identities motivate proactive career behaviors’’, Journal of Applied Psychology, 2012, 97, 580-598 Vosko, A., & Dias, S. (2023, December 11). Speaking in codes [Audio podcast episode]. In A. Vosko (Host), PostNormal Times . Simplecast. https://postnormaltimes.simplecast.com/episodes/speaking-in-codes Connect with Godfrey Senkaba: Website: https://www.mandeboost.com Email: info@mandeboost.com Twitter: https://x.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E27 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 2) 29:03

17 weeks ago29:03

29:03

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 thrive. E - Evolution and Innovation : Staying relevant by adapting to emerging trends and solving challenges creatively. R - Results-Based Learning : Applying the 70-20-10 principle for experiential professional growth. S - Sustainable Practice : Ensuring M&E systems endure, build capacity, and create lasting impact. Packed with real-world examples, stories, and practical tips, this episode is your roadmap to mastering M&E systems and making a difference. 🎧 Listen now via your favorite podcast app. Also, connect with Godfrey Senkaba: Website: https://www.mandeboost.com Email: info@mandeboost.com Twitter: https://x.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E26 - The MELMASTERS Framework - A Guide for M&E Professionals to Achieve Excellence and Impact (Part 1) 28:35

18 weeks ago28:35

28:35

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 into actionable insights. Model : Building robust frameworks tailored to organizational goals. Alignment : Integrating organizational standards and donor requirements with participant needs. Packed with real-life stories, practical examples, and actionable insights, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to elevate your M&E practice from technical excellence to significance. Tune in now to discover how the MELMASTERS Framework can transform your professional journey! Stay tuned for Part 2 in the next episode, where we’ll dive into Systems, Teamwork, Evolution, Results, and Sustainability. Connect with Godfrey Senkaba: Website: https://www.mandeboost.com Email: info@mandeboost.com Twitter:@senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E25 - M&E in 2025: Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation, and Equity 13:38

20 weeks ago13:38

13:38

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 examples, actionable strategies, and ethical considerations for embracing these advancements. Whether you’re an emerging evaluator or an experienced professional, this episode will provide the tools you need to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Tune in and learn how to integrate AI, innovation, and equity into your evaluations for greater impact! Connect with Godfrey Senkaba: Website: https://www.mandeboost.com Email: info@mandeboost.com X: @senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E24 - Beyond the Basics: How Understanding Global Trends Can Propel Your M&E Career Forward 29:48

1 year ago29:48

29:48

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 changing political dynamics and isolationism, to embracing artificial intelligence to revolutionize M&E practices. Tune in now to boost your skills and make a meaningful impact in monitoring and evaluation! Below is the discussion outline: [00:33] Introduction [02:13] Global issues that (will) affect the M&E role [04:49] Issue #1. Technological advancements [09:59] Issue #2. COVID-19 Pandemic [13:30] Issue #3. Climate Change [17:58] Issue #4. Conflict and Fragility [23:00] Issue #5. Changing political and geopolitical context [27:27] Conclusion [28:26] 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/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E23 - Persuasion Tactics: Winning Stakeholders in Monitoring & Evaluation Data Challenges 34:47

1 year ago34:47

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: https://www.mandeboost.com Email: info@mandeboost.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E22 - Gaining Stakeholder Support for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Activities 27:07

1 year ago27:07

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/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E21 - Mastering M&E Training Workshops: 10 Tips to Plan Them Better 25:26

1 year ago25:26

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 Email: info@mandeboost.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E20 - Exploring Sajilu Kamwendo's Evaluation Career: Curiosity, Patterns, and the "Made in Africa" Narratives 45:40

1 year ago45:40

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. [25:08] Top monitoring and evaluation tools and/or methods Sajilu uses to improve her work. [29:02] Sajilu’s career growth strategies and recommendations to evaluators. [33:58] Evaluation in the post-COVID-19 evaluation era. [37:05] Sajilu’s best moment as an evaluator [39:07] Sajilu’s plans. [40:39] How to contact Sajilu Kamwendo [44:58] Thank you, Sajilu. 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 X (formerly, Twitter): https://twitter.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Connect with Sajilu Kamwendo : E-mail: sajilu_kamwendo@yahoo.com X (formerly, Twitter): https://twitter.com/sajilu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajilu-kamwendo-b5705276/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E19 - From Evaluation Volunteer to Chief Executive Officer. The Katherine Haugh Evaluation Career Path Story 32:04

2 years ago32:04

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. [31:05] How to contact Katherine Haugh. [31:22] Thank you, Katherine. 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. Remember to subscribe to this Podcast. 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/ Connect with Katherine Haugh : E-mail: kat@convivecollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/katherine_Haugh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinehaugh/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E18 - Professional Development of M&E Staff. 10 Factors Every Manager Should Know 28:49

2 years ago28:49

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. 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/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E17 - Onboarding New M&E Staff: 10 Things to Do in the First 2 Weeks 23:03

2 years ago23:03

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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E16 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 2 21:55

3 years ago21:55

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: https://twitter.com/senkaba_g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E15 - Hiring M&E Staff. Top 10 Tips for Managers - Part 1 20:21

3 years ago20:21

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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/s the job will address. Tip #2. It is always good to socialize the roles and responsibilities of the monitoring and evaluation job with the teams it will serve, for clarity and buy-in. Do this before and after hire. Tip #3. Know the possible career path and growth opportunity for monitoring and evaluation staff before you hire them. Tip #4. Never undermine the human resource role before and after hiring monitoring and evaluation staff, but don't suffocate under its weight. Tip #5. It’s a good practice to keep all those with high influence and impact on your hiring choice for a monitoring and evaluation job, but level the expectations. If you need to get a complete understanding of how to make the most out of a monitoring and evaluation job hiring process and output, check out Episode 16 for the rest of the top 10 tips. Certainly, this is not an exhaustive list. Share with me any additional tips you have by using the comment box below. I also welcome your questions or comment on this podcast episode. 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/ Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.…

Monitoring and Evaluation Boost

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E14 - Proposal Quality Review: 4 Key Issues and 15 Simple Tips You Must Know 20:29

3 years ago20:29