Skills and attributes needed for a career in Monitoring and Evaluation: research skills, data collection, data analysis, and more. Twenty years ago, monitoring and evaluation was optional in many organizations. The focus was more on ensuring that work was done, outputs were created, and initiatives were taken, less on how to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, impact, relevance, and impact of the various initiatives that were being done.

Our joke on Monitoring and Evaluation Skills

• Why did the Monitoring and Evaluation expert break up with their partner? Because they were always monitoring their partner’s actions and evaluating their performance! They couldn’t help but apply their skills to their personal life. Lesson learned: keep your M&E skills in the office!

Table of Contents

• What are Monitoring and Evaluation Skills
• Research Skills
• Data Collection Skills
• Data Analysis Skills
• Monitoring Plans Skills
• Evaluation Plans Skills
• Sampling Techniques Skills
• Statistical and Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Stakeholder Engagement Skills
• Managerial Skills
• Project Management Skills
• Software Skills
• Time Management
• Report Writing
• Presentation Skills
• How to Improve Your Monitoring And Evaluating Skills

What are Monitoring and Evaluation Skills #

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) skills are the skills necessary to effectively plan, implement, and assess the progress of a project or program. These skills include the ability to develop project plans, collect and analyze data, create and manage budgets, document progress, and evaluate outcomes. M&E skills are essential for any organization or individual that wants to ensure that their projects or programs are successful. M&E skills help organizations identify areas for improvement, track progress, and ensure that resources are being used efficiently. Furthermore, M&E skills are necessary for organizations to effectively communicate the impact of their work to stakeholders. Without these skills, organizations would not be able to accurately measure the success of their projects or programs

The importance of monitoring and evaluation for any organization is increasingly prominent. For private organizations, in particular, demonstrating impact is just as vital as showing the return on the investment made from donations, funds, or grants. NGOs and governmental bodies alike must demonstrate the value of their work if it is to continue receiving support.

Organizations that fail to accurately demonstrate the results that they’ve been able to achieve fail to see the value of their programs and activities and get “blown off” by stakeholders. As organizations realize the importance of investing in monitoring and evaluation to collect data, they are seeking well-trained professionals who can credibly and reliably conduct monitoring and evaluation.

The domain of M&E is highly multidisciplinary. It borrows heavily from established academic disciplines such as economics, sociology, psychology, health, and political science. Young people interested in joining the domain of M&E are often at a loss regarding the skills, knowledge and attributes they need to have in order to make a successful impact in the field.

This article highlights several essential qualities that one should have in order to succeed in the monitoring and evaluation field.

Research skills #

An understanding of qualitative and quantitative techniques is a must for anyone interested in a career in monitoring and evaluation. A true researcher should be armed with research skills and techniques that would allow them to appraise data and understand its significance.

Research is a vital skill for any Monitoring and Evaluation specialist. All aspiring M&E professionals should become familiar with methods and techniques of evaluation research skills. Monitoring and Evaluation activities like conducting research and evaluations, providing meaningful information. baselines, etc. require good research skills to produce credible and useful results that should help to guide organizational planning and decision-making.

Key research skills needed include designing research, designing data collection tools, developing evaluation protocols and work plans, analyzing data using various methods and tools as well as coordinating evaluation research and work plans. It is difficult to succeed in the Monitoring and Evaluation field without research skills.

Research methods are an important skill that you can use when monitoring and evaluating the activities in your projects or programs. By following an established research method, you can collect data that is accurate and meets your research project needs. In many situations, you will need to identify the most appropriate research methods to use.

Research methods can also help you to identify trends and patterns in data. This can help you to better understand the effectiveness of a program or initiative and to make any necessary changes.

Data collection skills #

Data collection skills are essential for anyone who wants to be successful in the field of data analysis. Data collection skills involve the ability to collect and organize data from a variety of sources, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other qualitative and quantitative methods.

Additionally, data collection skills involve the ability to interpret and analyze the data collected, as well as the ability to present the data in a meaningful way. Data collection skills also involve the ability to identify patterns and trends within the data, and to draw meaningful conclusions from these patterns and trends.

Furthermore, data collection skills also involve the ability to evaluate the quality of the data collected and to identify potential sources of bias or error.

Data analysis skills #

Data analysis skills are critical for any Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer. Coupled with strong analytical skills, a knowledge of how to analyze and visualize data is key. This may include having a good command of data analytic and visualization software.

Data analysis in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&R) is the process of extracting relevant information from data to gain insights that you can leverage in making decisions or make predictions about future outcomes. Data-driven analysis can be used to answer, predict, give recommendations or identify trends.

Data analysis plays a central role in many different actors, including governments, non – governmental organizations, foundations, and more.

Data analysis is useful to monitor and evaluate the performance of a project, programmes and policy as well as an organization, the success of a project or service, and even to evaluate one’s own performance.

Monitoring plans skills #

Monitoring Plans Skills are critical for ensuring the success of any project. They provide a roadmap for how to measure progress, track results, and identify areas of improvement. They help to ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed of the project’s progress and that any potential risks can be identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Monitoring Plans should include a timeline, an outline of the project’s goals and objectives, a list of stakeholders, and a detailed description of the methods and tools used to monitor progress. They should also include a process for collecting and analyzing data, and for reporting the results.

Finally, the Monitoring Plan should include strategies for responding to any issues that arise during the project.

Evaluation plans skills #

Evaluation plans are an important part of any project, as they provide a way to measure the success of the project. Evaluation plans are typically developed by project managers and stakeholders, and involve assessing the objectives of the project, determining what metrics should be used to measure success, and creating a timeline for the evaluation process.

The Evaluation Plan should also include a plan for how the results of the evaluation will be reported and used to inform future decisions.

Evaluation Plans are a critical part of any project, as they help to ensure that the project is meeting its goals, and that the results of the evaluation are used to make informed decisions.

Sampling techniques skills #

Sampling techniques are methods used to select a subset of individuals from a population to represent the entire population. Sampling Techniques are a key component of monitoring and evaluation. They provide a way to collect data efficiently and accurately.

Sampling Techniques allow researchers to draw conclusions about a larger population based on data from a smaller, representative sample. A wide range of sampling techniques exists, such as convenience sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling.

Each sampling technique has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on the specific research objectives. Sampling Techniques can help researchers to save time and resources by collecting only the data that is necessary for the evaluation. Additionally, sampling techniques can reduce bias and improve the accuracy of the results.

In conclusion, sampling techniques are an important tool in research, as they allow researchers to gain insights into a population without having to survey the entire population.

Statistical and analytical skills #

Statistical and analytical skills are important in monitoring and evaluation. These skills enable the gathering and analysis of data to understand the impact of a project or program. Statistical and analytical skills are essential in monitoring and evaluation.

These skills enable the monitoring and evaluation process to be more accurate and efficient. Statistical techniques can be used to analyse data and identify trends, while analytical skills are used to interpret the data and draw conclusions. Statistical and analytical techniques can also be used to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address them.

Additionally, these skills can be used to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Statistical and analytical skills are essential for any successful monitoring and evaluation process and should be a key focus of any organization looking to improve their performance.

Communication skills #

The job of monitoring and evaluation requires strong communication skills. The job of the M & E specialist is to write reports and present the findings to the various stakeholders. The M & E expert should have the ability to persuade the audience. Anyone who wants to pursue a career in the M &E field should make an effort to improve their writing skills and communication abilities.

Now more than ever, effective communication between organisations, stakeholders, and communities in global and regional initiatives is critical for the success of Participatory Monitoring & Evaluation (PM&E). This is because PM&E results must feed back into your work processes as a whole to influence decision-making. Effective PM&E also requires that an ongoing cycle of questioning and critical reflection takes place in relation to the data produced through PM&E work. 

This process is inevitable because there are multiple stakeholders inside and outside the organization. Ensuring that this communication of learning happens successfully will be a crucial challenge for those involved in all Project Management disciplines.

Stakeholder engagement skills #

In order to do monitoring and evaluation (M&E) work and to get monitoring data, there is a need to involve various levels of society. Most of the time, the work you do is in an environment that is politically unstable, and this can sometimes make stakeholders suspicious. Under such circumstances, it is important to be able to engage, manage, and deal with your stakeholders. This will help you do your job, and it will also ensure that your integrity is not compromised.

Just as in development practice, engaging stakeholders is an important part of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development projects. Projects which seek to change behaviours while not alienating the very people whose support they require in order to succeed, rely on effective stakeholder engagement in order to get this right, and the insights from your evaluations can be genuinely academic as well as helpful for understanding how best to move forward with further phases of a project.

Managerial skills #

Managerial skills in monitoring and evaluation are essential for any organization to ensure that its goals and objectives are met. It is important to have a well-defined plan and clear expectations for performance to ensure that the organization is progressing towards its desired outcomes.

Managerial skills in monitoring and evaluation involve the ability to track and measure progress against goals, identify areas of improvement, and adjust plans accordingly.

Furthermore, it requires the ability to effectively communicate progress and results to stakeholders, and use data to make informed decisions. Developing strong managerial skills in monitoring and evaluation can help an organization maximize its potential and be successful in achieving its desired goals.

Project management skills #

Project management skills are essential for any successful evaluation project. They allow for the efficient and effective coordination of tasks and resources, as well as the establishment of timelines and goals.

Project management skills involve the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize objectives, and communicate progress to stakeholders. It also requires the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks, as well as the ability to delegate tasks and provide guidance to team members.

Additionally, project management skills involve the ability to develop and manage budgets, as well as to track and report on results. Ultimately, project management skills are essential for any project to be successful, and having a strong set of project management skills is a critical component of any successful program evaluation.

Project management skills are often used by monitoring and evaluation specialists when managing their work. One of the ways that they can accomplish this is by creating a plan for the project, assigning tasks to team members, and monitoring the progress of the project. Monitoring and evaluation skills are essential for successful project management and vice versa.

Software skills #

M&E experts are constantly handling huge volumes of data through project activities. Given this volume, it is very important for them to improve their technical skills in order to leverage various computer programs and applications for effective data management. With the right programs and softwares, Monitoring and Evaluation professionals can collect, store, and disseminate samples for analysis, and that’s incredibly important.

Nvivo software is purpose-built for qualitative and mixed methods data analysis. Nvivo is most commonly used by academics and researchers, including in public health studies. SPSS is another common software used for basic humanitarian-level monitoring and evaluation.

Time management #

Time management in monitoring and evaluation is essential for successful project implementation. It is important for project managers and evaluators to accurately plan and allocate resources to ensure that the project is completed on time. Time management is a crucial skill for monitoring and evaluation specialists, as they often have multiple projects and deadlines to meet.

Time management also helps to identify potential problems and delays in the project, allowing for timely corrective action. Furthermore, effective time management can help to ensure that the project is completed within the allocated budget. It also helps to ensure that the project is monitored and evaluated on a regular basis, allowing for timely feedback and adjustments as needed.

Having good time management skills can help monitoring and evaluation specialists prioritize their work and ensure they meet all their deadlines.

Lastly, time management in monitoring and evaluation can help to ensure that the project meets its objectives and outcomes. By following a well-defined timeline and allocating the necessary resources, the project can be completed successfully and efficiently..

Report Writing #

Report Writing in monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the overall process. It involves collecting and analyzing data, summarizing findings, and presenting the results in a clear and concise manner.

Reports should be tailored to the audience and provide an accurate picture of the progress made and challenges faced. Reports should be timely, organized, and contain relevant information to help decision-makers understand the situation. They should also include recommendations for further action.

Report Writing in monitoring and evaluation should be conducted with an eye towards accuracy, clarity, and objectivity. It is important to ensure that the data collected is reliable, valid, and relevant to the project.

Additionally, reports should be comprehensive, providing an overview of the project and its progress.

Presentation Skills #

Presentation Skills in monitoring and evaluation play an important role in communicating the results of a project or program. They are essential for effective monitoring and evaluation, as they allow the presenter to effectively communicate the impact of the project or program to a wide audience.

Presentation Skills in monitoring and evaluation involve the ability to organize the data and present it in a way that is easily understood by the audience. This includes the ability to use visuals, such as charts and graphs, to illustrate the data.

Additionally, the presenter must be able to effectively communicate the results in a way that is both informative and engaging. Presentation Skills in monitoring and evaluation also include the ability to respond to questions and provide clarification when needed.

 

How to Improve Your Monitoring And Evaluating Skills #

• Use a variety of data collection methods
  When collecting data, it is important to use a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. This will give you a more well-rounded view of the situation and help you to identify any patterns that may emerge.

• Use a variety of data analysis techniques
  Once you have collected your data, it is important to analyze it using a variety of methods. This will help you to identify any trends or patterns that may be present.

• Write clear and concise reports
  When writing reports, it is important to be clear and concise. Be sure to include all relevant information, but do not include unnecessary details.

• Give presentations that are clear and concise
  When giving presentations, it is important to be clear and concise. Focus on the most important points and do not include unnecessary details.

• Develop clear and concise monitoring plans
  When developing monitoring plans, it is important to be clear and concise. Make sure that the plan is achievable and realistic, and that it includes all relevant information.

• Develop clear and concise evaluation plans
  When developing evaluation plans, it is important to be clear and concise. Make sure that the plan is achievable and realistic, and that it includes all relevant information.

• Use appropriate sampling techniques
  When collecting data, it is important to use an appropriate sampling technique. This will ensure that the data you collect is representative of the population.

• Use appropriate statistical analysis techniques
  When analyzing data, it is important to use appropriate statistical analysis techniques. This will help you to draw valid conclusions from the data.

• Use appropriate research methods
  When conducting research, it is important to use appropriate research methods. This will help you to collect accurate and reliable data.

• Manage projects effectively
  When managing projects, it is important to be effective. This will help you to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.