Evaluation criteria

I am a Results Based Management specialist certified in Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) qualified with a Master of Science in Development and Project Planning. I am passionate about results, results accountability and planning for results and driven by project delivery aptly named 'deliverology' a term coined by Michael Barber in his book: Instruction to deliver. I designed the first ever Presidential Delivery Unit in Malawi which polited results measurement in the Public Service. I have also worked in Monitoring and Evaluation, trained in 11th European Development Fund contractual and financial procedures, the European Union's Practical Guide and managed Programme Estimates and a Multi Annual Programme Estimate. I have a background of budget formulation and reforms so I can manage transitions through change management.

I am a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Professional with over 20 years of experience in Cambodia and the Asia region. I specialise in designing and leading MEAL systems that are strategic, participatory, and purpose-driven — ensuring that evidence leads to learning, adaptation, and impact.

My work spans education, health, child protection, livelihoods, and justice sectors with local and international NGOs. I have led national and regional evaluations, built partner capacity in data systems, and developed learning frameworks that go beyond compliance - helping programs reflect, improve, and meet donor expectations.

I bring a calm, collaborative leadership style and deep experience working with governments, civil society, and cross-functional teams. I am passionate about data for decision-making, strengthening accountability, and promoting learning cultures that serve both people and purpose.

I am a trained journalist and evaluation expert, data specialist and experienced project manager with 18 years of general professional experience, out of which five years working as a journalist, six years managing projects and tenders (mainly with EU agencies), and eight years working as an independent evaluation expert, data and knowledge management specialist. Currently working for the technical assistance Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Design for External Action (meldea) providing support to DG INTPA, DG NEAR and service FPI, previously with the Evaluation Support Service (ESS) of DG INTPA.

I possess over a decade of experience in the development sector. I have expertise in proposal writing, research, quantitative analysis, project management, and communications. I have worked on police reforms, civic education, freedom of information and expression, media safety, and democratic education.

Manuel brings over five years of experience in MEAL framework development, capacity building, and research, helping numerous non-profit organizations adopt an integrated approach to MEAL, Data, and Knowledge Management. He has worked as a MEAL professional in various countries, including Lebanon, India, Moldova, Ukraine, and Italy, with remote support operations in Afghanistan, Palestine, Syria, Tanzania, and Kenya. With expertise in grant monitoring and management systems, data analysis, and visualization, Manuel has worked with a range of donors, including ECHO, EU, AICS, UN OCHA, AFD, WFP, DANIDA. His technical skills and experience span a wide range of sectors, including Humanitarian Aid operations (WASH, Food Security, Education), as well as Development/Nexus interventions (Livelihoods, Water Governance, and Local Economic Development).

I am working as Field Monitor – Team Lead with eHealth Africa as United Nation World Food Programme’s Third-Party Monitor (TPM) in Borno state, Nigeria. As TPM-Field Monitor, I am leading in verifying and monitoring the planned movements and distribution of food or non-food items, reporting issues or discrepancies to ensure that the quantity distributed and the quality of the operation is in line with WFP standards. I am also maintaining the information records and monitoring plan documentation, such as records of commodity movements and programme checklists, in order to assist in the effective delivery and distribution of food items or non-food items. I am executing the monitoring and supervising the food assistance distribution and e-voucher redemption at the WFP contracted retailers’ shops to ensure that the targeted beneficiaries received their entitlements accordingly.
I use to Provide technical feedback to project team on M&E findings and follow up on utilization of monitoring results stated in the “Results Monitoring Framework”, as well as the monitoring plans and Term of References determining Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), minimum standard plans and related mechanisms during project implementation.
In regards to the part of WFP nutrition and health system programming, I use to ensure effective monitoring, and supporting the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) follow up system of all cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) relapse, non-responding & defaulting children during the implementation of the WFP Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) at clinics/OTPs.

I have lived and worked in Canada for the past 14 years, beginning my career with ISANS, where I supported Syrian refugees with settlement, integration, and essential services. I then joined the Government of Nova Scotia as a Case Manager at the Department of Community Services, managing cases for a large cohort of Syrian refugees and providing comprehensive support across financial assistance, healthcare access, housing, and social integration, as well as leading resettlement and reintegration projects. Subsequently, I worked with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. In a separate professional experience in Egypt, I collaborated with the Fund to Combat Irregular Migration, delivering capacity-building and training programs for staff of the three national councils on the risks of irregular migration. Currently, I work at the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, where I have contributed to drafting child protection policies and implementing the Child Empowerment Program.