Projects, programs, and organizations aim to achieve certain goals -- but unless the proper institutional arrangements are in place, these goals will not be realized to their fullest potential. Monitoring and evaluation is an important part of these institutional arrangements. Unfortunately, sometimes the very mechanisms put in place to monitor and support the achievement of specific targets can lead to goal displacement. Institutions -- both formal and informal ones -- matter a great deal; getting these "right" is an iterative, ongoing process. However, in every case of designing or reforming institutional arrangements, an important consideration is the local socio-cultural context.
Over the past 10+ years, my institutional analysis and development work has been characterized by two broad considerations: first the importance of local cultural context, including both formal and informal institutions, and second, the significance of individual beliefs and values as drivers of behavior. These considerations are evident in my research (see Researcher) but also in my prior work as a member of a project management team.
I was the Institutional Development Advisor (2018-2020) and the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (2015-2017) for a 5-year, 10 million dollar, USAID-funded initiative to establish the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCASW) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Pakistan. Among other contributions, I helped develop the Center's strategic/sustainability plan as well as policies and practices to support ongoing excellence in research and education at the Center. However, perhaps my most significant contribution was regularly facilitating critical reflection for adaptive learning among both the Utah- and MUET-based teams. By being willing to critique ourselves, we were better able to recognize and troubleshoot problems, revise strategies, and stay on track to achieve the most important goal of the project: a sustainable center of excellence. I am proud of the work we did over the course of five years -- and I am happy to see the Center carrying forth on its mission to achieve water security for Pakistan.
Prior to this (i.e., 2011-2014), I made several significant contributions to institutionalizing sustainability curriculum at the University of Utah (for details, see Educator).
These experiences reinforced my deep appreciation for the importance of authentic relationships based upon trust -- in all aspects of life, actually -- but certainly when it comes to international development.
I was the Institutional Development Advisor (2018-2020) and the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (2015-2017) for a 5-year, 10 million dollar, USAID-funded initiative to establish the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCASW) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Pakistan. Among other contributions, I helped develop the Center's strategic/sustainability plan as well as policies and practices to support ongoing excellence in research and education at the Center. However, perhaps my most significant contribution was regularly facilitating critical reflection for adaptive learning among both the Utah- and MUET-based teams. By being willing to critique ourselves, we were better able to recognize and troubleshoot problems, revise strategies, and stay on track to achieve the most important goal of the project: a sustainable center of excellence. I am proud of the work we did over the course of five years -- and I am happy to see the Center carrying forth on its mission to achieve water security for Pakistan.
Prior to this (i.e., 2011-2014), I made several significant contributions to institutionalizing sustainability curriculum at the University of Utah (for details, see Educator).
These experiences reinforced my deep appreciation for the importance of authentic relationships based upon trust -- in all aspects of life, actually -- but certainly when it comes to international development.
MORE EXPERIENCE
RESEARCHER
Impact the real world
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EDUCATOR
Facilitate empowerment
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