Date and time: Wednesday 21 June 2023, 12.00 - 1.30pm AEST
Topic:  Communicating Impact Through Online MEL Platforms - Introducing Eval ThinkTank
Presenters:  Charlotte Atherton and Ellie McDonald
Venue: Via Zoom. Details will be emailed to registrants just prior to the start time
Register online by: Monday 19 June 2023

Event overview
Introducing Eval ThinkTank
Eval ThinkTank, hosted via the Design and Evaluation SIG, aspires to bring together evaluators from different sectors to engage in collaborative, dynamic and thoughtful discussions that generate new ideas and perspectives. The intention behind these regular thematic discussions is to create a space for more organic discussions, informal learning and networking to fill the gap that emerged due to the reduction in face-to-face sessions during COVID-19. These provide greater opportunity for dialogue between participants during sessions, and the chance for greater networking.

This is the first Eval ThinkTank in what we hope is an ongoing series.

Session 1 – Communicating Impact Through Online MEL Platforms
This first Eval ThinkTank session will explore the ‘why’ behind using online MEL platforms to manage data and stakeholder relations, and how a human-centred approach can support the journey. With the increasing use of technology to collect, manage and visualise data and with M&E systems becoming ever more complex, this Eval ThinkTank will look at how and why online MEL platforms can be useful to communicate impact.

The presenters will start with TolaData as a case study, and present their journey in defining ‘why’ they decided to use an online MEL platform to automate their impact reporting, and how they navigated the various challenges that came with adopting this approach. The session will also invite the group to discuss their own needs and experiences using online MEL platforms via a mix of break-out discussions and whole-group reflection

Presenter details

Charlotte Atherton
Charlotte holds a wealth of experience in the management of DFAT funded programs spanning the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. With a sharp focus on design, monitoring, and evaluation, she has successfully overseen various nutrition and WASH initiatives across Africa. Presently, Charlotte holds the position of Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator at Mary MacKillop Today, where she lends her expertise to enhance program effectiveness in Australia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, and Peru. Her keen interest in improving outcomes and sharing knowledge across sectors inspired her to collaborate with Ellie McDonald and the AES’ Design Special Interest Group in the launching of Eval ThinkTank.

Ellie McDonald
Ellie brings expertise in monitoring and evaluation and public policy, and is passionate about strengthening organisational M&E capacity across governments and community organisations to enhance evidence-based programs. Ellie’s skills and experience include establishing monitoring and evaluation systems across government portfolios, designing M&E frameworks, and facilitating workshops. Most recently, Ellie has worked as a consultant for UN Women and Tetra Tech International Development to enhance the quality and access of data to inform progress towards gender equality and education outcomes.

This is a special event organised by the Design and Evaluation Special Interest Group. AES free events provide an opportunity for you to meet with AES members and others in the evaluation community and to share and learn from the experiences of fellow evaluators. 

This seminar will not be recorded.

Seminar start times

• VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD: 12.00pm

• SA, NT: 11.30am

• WA: 10.00am

• New Zealand: 2.00pm

For other time zones please go to https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Please ensure you have access to your email address just prior to the start time to access Zoom details. Please also check your email address is correct on your registration form before submitting. Thanks.