Monitoring and evaluation officer: how to train and review the role
Designs data tools, collects and checks field data, builds dashboards and prepares reports for donors and management. Visits sites to verify numbers and trains field staff on records. Reports to the programme head or director.
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Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Usually postgraduates in statistics, social work or development, or data-comfortable staff who moved from field roles. At hiring, test Excel and basic statistics, questionnaire design, sense of data quality and ability to explain findings to non-technical people. Take references, and ask for a short practical demonstration before making the offer.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Enters and checks field data
- Uses templates to prepare tables
- Joins field verification visits
Stage 2
Independent
- Designs forms and trains staff
- Analyses data and writes summaries
- Verifies data in the field
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Designs evaluations
- Advises leaders on learning
- Builds data culture
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Programme and indicators
The head explains the programme, its indicators and data flow. The joiner maps indicators to sources and the head checks.
- 2
Tools and templates
Teach data forms, apps or sheets and naming rules. The joiner practises entering and checking sample data.
- 3
Field visit
The joiner visits sites with a senior officer to see how data is collected. They write a note on risks for review.
First year
- 1
Data quality checks
Teach range checks, duplicates and verification samples. The officer runs checks and the head reviews findings.
- 2
Training field staff
Teach short training sessions on forms and honesty in data. The head observes.
- 3
Analysis and reporting
Teach summarising data with plain charts and notes on limits. The head reviews reports.
Towards senior
- 1
Evaluation design
The senior officer designs a small study with questions and methods. The head reviews design and ethics.
- 2
Learning sessions
The senior officer facilitates reviews with programme staff on what data shows. The head tracks follow-up.
- 3
Mentoring
The senior officer coaches junior staff on analysis and field checks. The head checks growth.
Performance review
A monthly 1-to-1 with the head using data quality checks, and a half-yearly written review with feedback from field and programme staff.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Data accuracy | Verification samples |
| Timeliness of data and reports | Report calendar |
| Quality of analysis | Review of reports |
| Training of field staff | Staff feedback and error trends |
| Use of findings | Programme actions based on data |
| Ethics and confidentiality | Consent and storage practice |
Evidence to bring
- Verification notes
- Dashboards and reports
- Training records
- Data protocols
- Learning session notes
Questions to ask in the review
- Where do you see data problems?
- Which numbers do you trust least?
- How did field staff respond to training?
- What did data change in the programme?
- How do you store sensitive data?
- What reports are heavy for you?
- What skill do you want to build?
Pitfalls
- Treating M and E as only donor reporting
- No field verification
- Pressuring staff to hit numbers
- Ignoring data protection
Questions about this role
It should help learning. Share results kindly and use them for support.
Use consent, limited access and secure storage. Confirm data protection duties with your adviser.
Programme managers with M and E support.