The role of technology and AI for Evaluators

As Evaluators we are compelled to share knowledge and evidence in ways that are user friendly, accessible, easily understood and can be utilised by those who require the information. The greatest value of AI (artificial intelligence) is that it can facilitate the type and quality of the communication requirements for Evaluators. AI, to my knowledge, … Read more

Combining Outcome Harvesting and ToC for Monitoring Outcomes and Participatory Sense-Making in Complex Programmes

Large , multi-country programmes with multiple implementing partners often face the problem of monitoring the planned outcomes in their programme Theory of Change (ToC) and systematically gathering stories of change. This is largely due to the complex and dynamic nature of their social change initiatives.Outcome Harvesting (OH) and Theory of Change (ToC) are two powerful … Read more

What AI can’t do: Future Skills for Social Development Practitioners

Automation, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Robotics, and many other technological innovations have rapidly changed how people live, communicate, work and how industries collectively operate. AI, in particular, is gaining global interest, drawing debate on its innovative adaptation in business, healthcare, education, and government (Stahl, 2021). The technology is based on machine learning … Read more

Top Tips for Emerging Evaluators From An Emerging Evaluator

Getting that first job in any industry requires preparation, homework, networking, and soul-searching. This transition can be exciting and challenging and often involves adapting to the practical aspects of applying your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Reflecting on my time as an emerging evaluator during my internship at Southern Hemisphere over the last year, I have … Read more

What does it take to nurture “Made in Africa” Emerging Evaluators?

Evaluators have big shoes to fill, from being technical experts in various evaluation types and methods to having interpersonal skills that facilitate good processes, maintaining good relationships with clients, evaluation teams and evaluands, and project management skills (to mention only a few). And the list keeps growing. Evaluators are often positioned as authority figures, calling … Read more