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Kevin Odhier.

MEARL/PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERT

Phone: +254701256403

  • Location:
  • Nairobi Area, Kenya
  • Sector:
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Profile Created:
  • 1 week ago

About me

As a strategic MERL expert with over a decade of experience across humanitarian and development sectors, I specialize in designing and implementing sophisticated monitoring systems that drive program effectiveness and demonstrate measurable impact. My expertise spans conflict-sensitive data collection, adaptive management, and capacity building, having led complex MEL initiatives for USAID, Mastercard Foundation, and other major donors across multiple countries.

Currently serving as Regional MEL Coordinator at Freedom House, I manage comprehensive monitoring frameworks in challenging environments while building partner capacity and fostering organizational learning. My track record includes implementing innovative data collection methodologies, establishing quality assurance systems, and translating complex data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

With a Master’s in Monitoring & Evaluation and advanced proficiency in statistical analysis tools (STATA, SPSS, R) and data visualization platforms, I combine technical rigor with practical implementation experience. My strengths include developing MEL frameworks that balance donor requirements with operational realities, building high-performing teams, and facilitating evidence-based decision-making. I have consistently demonstrated ability to strengthen monitoring systems while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and fostering collaborative learning environments.

Areas of expertise:

  • Strategic MEL framework design
  • Conflict-sensitive research methodologies
  • Data quality assurance systems
  • Capacity building and training
  • Donor compliance and reporting
  • Knowledge management
  • Advanced data analytics
  • Organizational learning

Skills

Education

Experience

  • Freedom House 2024 - Present

    Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator

    ➢ Lead MEL strategy for a critical USAID project supporting human rights and transitional justice amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, continually adapting approaches to meet urgent humanitarian needs and donor requirements. ➢ Develop and implement innovative, conflict-sensitive data collection methodologies to track human rights violations and advocacy efforts in active war zones, prioritizing the safety of informants and staff. ➢ Spearhead adaptive management processes, including regular Pause and Reflect (P&R) sessions with partners, to facilitate rapid learning and programmatic adjustments in Sudan’s highly volatile environment. ➢ Conduct Data Quality Assessments (DQA) on performance indicators per USAID requirements, maintaining data integrity despite the challenges of operating in an active conflict zone. ➢ Design and deliver comprehensive capacity-building programs for partners, including those supporting displaced populations in refugee camps in Uganda and Chad, covering crisis-responsive project management, finance, budgeting, and MEARL practices. ➢ Produce timely, evidence-based reports for USAID, translating complex data from fluid conflict situations into clear narratives that demonstrate project impact on human rights protection and humanitarian assistance. ➢ Oversee the development of adaptable MEL tools for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and Organizations (HROs), enhancing their ability to document ongoing abuses, measure impact in crisis conditions, and secure emergency funding.

  • Lattice Aqua 2024 - 2024

    Head of MEAL - Consultant

    ➢ Developing and Implementing MEAL Frameworks: Designed and executed comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks for Mastercard’s YISA (Youths In Sustainable Aquaculture) and Rockefeller Foundation funded projects. These frameworks specifically focused on measuring the impact of sustainable aquaculture practices on youth employment and economic growth in coastal communities. ➢ Stakeholder Engagement and Management: Cultivated strong relationships with diverse stakeholders in the blue economy sector, including government fisheries departments, aquaculture entrepreneurs, and environmental NGOs. Successfully aligned expectations with project goals, securing ongoing support and funding for sustainable fish farming initiatives. ➢ Team Management and Capacity Building: Managed cross-functional teams of aquaculture experts, environmental scientists, and data analysts. Conducted specialized training sessions on data collection methods for aquaculture yield assessment, water quality monitoring, and fish stock analysis. ➢ Data Management and Reporting: Implemented robust data management systems tailored to track key performance indicators in aquaculture projects. Conducted regular data audits on fish farm productivity, environmental impact assessments, and market demand forecasts. Prepared detailed reports on the sustainability and economic viability of various aquaculture models. ➢ Evaluation Expertise: Conducted a process evaluation for a Rockefeller Foundation funded project and an endline evaluation for an IDH funded project, both focused on sustainable aquaculture and its impact on local economies.

  • Solidarity Initiative for Refugees (SIR) 2023 - 2023

    Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Listening Consultant

    ➢ Conducted a thorough review of current MEAL systems and identified areas for improvement. ➢ Facilitated participatory workshops and consultations with key stakeholders to gather insights and inputs. ➢ Developed a robust MEAL coordination and information management system, including data collection tools and reporting mechanisms. ➢ Led capacity development sessions for MEAL and program staff.

  • Compassion International 2023 - 2024

    Monitoring, Evaluation and Listening Specialist

    ➢ Child Protection: Integrated child protection considerations into the design and implementation of M&E activities. ➢ High-Quality Data Collection: Developed and implemented data collection frameworks focusing on child well-being, education, health, and other key areas. ➢ Performance Analysis: Monitored child-focused dashboards, analyzed program trends, and provided actionable insights to leadership and partnership teams. ➢ Compliance and Quality: Acted as a key resource on partner compliance with standards and policies, focusing on program quality and data integrity related to children and interventions.

  • World University Service of Canada (WUSC) 2022 - 2023

    MEAL Advisor - Consultancy

    ➢ Developed and implemented a comprehensive M&E framework for an international development project (YWFE – Young Women For Employment). ➢ Designed and conducted impact evaluations contributing to evidence-based decision-making. ➢ Led the development and implementation of a research agenda resulting in peer-reviewed articles and increased funding for M&E activities. ➢ Implemented a robust data management system ensuring data quality, security, and accessibility.

  • Lutheran World Federation (LWF) 2022 - 2022

    Programmes Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting Specialist

    ➢ Led successful evaluations of key programs within Kakuma Refugee Camp, providing critical evidence of their impact and effectiveness in enhancing the quality of life for refugees residing in the camp ➢ Played a pivotal role in securing additional funding for programs within Kakuma Refugee Camp by providing compelling monitoring, evaluation, and reporting data that highlighted the significance and value of humanitarian efforts in the camp. ➢ Collaborated closely with program teams and refugee community leaders within Kakuma Refugee Camp, fostering a participatory approach to design and implement innovative initiatives based on evidence from monitoring and evaluation findings, aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by refugees in this unique environment. ➢ Conducted regular data audits and validations to identify and rectify discrepancies, contributing to the credibility of the M&E process in a complex refugee setting; developed and enforced data collection protocols to maintain data integrity and consistency, even in the face of logistical challenges.

  • ADRA Kenya 2021 - 2022

    MERL Consultant

    ➢ Quality Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting: Prepared and coordinated quality monitoring and evaluation reports, highlighting achievements. Shared these reports with staff, stakeholders, and donors, accompanied by recommendations for further improvement. ➢ Training and Capacity Building: Organized and facilitated M&E training and workshops. This includes preparing concept notes, developing training materials, and creating training schedules. ➢ Knowledge Management: Identified and documented success stories, achievements, and lessons learned from monitoring and evaluation efforts. Documented recommendations for integration into broader knowledge management initiatives within the organization. ➢ Collaborative Decision-Making: Facilitated Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) strategies to support the use of data and information from the M&E system for real-time decision-making.

  • Leonard Cheshire 2020 - 2022

    MERL/Project Coordinator

    ➢ Effectively coordinated project activities supporting children with disabilities, ensuring project objectives are met and tracked. ➢ Lead end-line evaluations and provided valuable feedback to participants, donors and other stakeholders. ➢ Collaborated with Marketing and Business Development teams to enhance messaging of monitoring results and impact. ➢ Championed data migration to Microsoft Dynamics CRM database, ensuring smooth functioning and compliance, and managed the database for staff to upload data and reports. ➢ Conducted spot check monitoring to ensure that the project is implemented as planned.

  • NURU International 2017 - 2020

    Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

    ➢ Prepared and coordinated high-quality monitoring and evaluation reports that highlighted achievements. ➢ Processed annual program data collected during annual monitoring events. This included developing surveys, cleaning data, and using statistical software such as STATA/SPSS to validate, analyze, and modify data. ➢ Fostered cross-cultural collaboration by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between local staff, international experts, and stakeholders. ➢ Pioneered participatory monitoring and evaluation approaches, involving project beneficiaries and community leaders in the design and execution of data collection processes.

  • D Light Solar Company 2014 - 2017

    Research Officer

    ➢ Designed survey templates for conducting baseline survey for the newly launched products in the market and basic geo spatial mapping to map the newly identified outlets in the market. ➢ Performed data cleaning and data preparation to support high-quality data and catch errors before processing. ➢ Compiled statistics from source materials such as production and sales records, which I used for designing models that were used for forecasting. ➢ Created first-hand dashboard using Power BI to help on the weekly and monthly reporting. ➢ Undertook routine field checking to ensure that the project is progressing as planned and training and supervised survey enumerators and data entry staff on the data collection tools and methods of data collection when required.

Expertise

Data analysis

Languages

English
Proficient
Swahili
Proficient

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