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

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Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.

2025 has been a difficult year for many evaluators - especially those working in international development. Funding cuts, uncertainty, and shrinking scopes of work have forced many of us to pause and reflect on where our profession is headed.

In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, I share reflections from the 2025 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference in Kansas City, themed “Engaging Community, Sharing Leadership.”

This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focused on grounding ourselves in the fundamentals while stretching our thinking for what lies ahead.

In this episode, I explore:

• Why professional evaluation associations matter now more than ever
• How the AEA conference felt in the middle of a challenging year for evaluators
• Key insights from the opening plenary on bridging evaluation and foresight
• Practical lessons from a workshop on Theory of Change–based M&E planning

This episode is for evaluators, program leaders, and anyone interested in how evidence, learning, and reflection can help us navigate uncertainty—without losing our footing.

🎧 Part 2 will dive into grant evaluation plans, cost-inclusive evaluation, AI for evaluation, leadership, and the future of our field.

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.

In this heartfelt and honest episode, I take you into a topic many M&E professionals experience but rarely talk about - boredom. Whether you're a data enthusiast, evaluation strategist, or new to the field, chances are you've felt stuck, disengaged, or wondered if your work still sparks joy.

I unpack the 4 B’s of Boredom in M&E—Burnout, Boxed-In, Blind Spots, and Bureaucracy—and dive into real causes of disengagement, from rigid structures to lost purpose. You’ll also hear inspiring reflections from colleagues across the globe, including Baraka Mfilinge in East Africa, and Edgardo Castañeda from Honduras.

This episode isn't just about naming the problem - it's about rediscovering your spark. I share 10 practical, story-rich strategies to reignite your motivation and reconnect with why you got into this field in the first place.

🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever felt like your M&E work was more mechanical than meaningful—and leave with tools to shift that narrative.

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.

In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba dives deep into the big ideas and latest updates shaping the world of evaluation.

This week’s focus? Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude can support - not replace - evaluators in doing faster, more efficient, and still rigorous work.

He unpacks the World Bank and IFAD’s guidance note on integrating AI thoughtfully in evaluations, spotlighting practical use cases from text summarization to data extraction. He also discusses potential risks- like bias and hallucinated insights - and how to mitigate them with smart workflows and strong human judgment.

But that’s not all — Godfrey rounds up what’s happening across the M&E world:

• AfrEA launches the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE) - a bold move to measure and grow national readiness.
• UNDP’s Evaluation Excellence Awards 2025 - with lessons from award-winning evaluations across Morocco, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and more.
• gLOCAL Evaluation Week 2025 - coming this June with 300+ free events worldwide.
• Claremont Graduate University’s info session - explore doctoral programs that can elevate your evaluator journey.

🎓 Whether you’re early in your M&E career or a seasoned professional, this episode will leave you energized and equipped for what’s next.

🔗 Links mentioned:

• World Bank/IFAD AI Guidance Note: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099136005132515321
• AfrEA INCE Announcement: https://afrea.org/actualites/the-ince-is-introduced-in-africa-launched-at-the-afrea-head-office/
• gLOCAL Evaluation Week: https://www.globalevaluationinitiative.org/glocal-home
• UNDP Evaluation Awards: https://www.undp.org/evaluation/news/evaluation-excellence-awards-2025
• Claremont Graduate University doctoral programs https://www.cgu.edu/school/ssspe/programs/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.