Career pathways in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

A networking event on career pathways in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) was hosted on 8 December 2023 in Honiara. The event co-hosted by the Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network (APCAN) and the Solomon Islands Climate Action Network (SICAN) was attended by 24 participants, the majority of whom are early to mid-career professionals.

The main objective of this event was to provide a platform for networking between young and emerging professionals who are interested in MEL to meet, connect and learn from experienced MEL practitioners on how to build, and strengthen their careers.

The event featured a seasoned MEL practitioner and researcher, Ms. Ruth Maetala, Director for Dignity Pasifik (Research) in the Solomon Islands with over 30 years of experience spanning government, NGOs, and her current role managing a research business. She shared her career journey, insights and experiences including tips on useful skills to have for a career in MEL. Some of these include but are not limited to:

• Developing good writing and analytical skills, critical thinking, understanding frameworks and linking those with realities on the ground.
• Communication skills, networking and peer learning skills. These are important to see you through some hurdles along the way and provide a platform for ongoing learning. 
• Having a mentor and maintaining good relationships with people who are interested in your work and have them do reviews for you. 
• Willingness to learn and read up on MEL including types of reports, proposal writing and technical reports. Linkedin has so much free training available, webinars one can sign up for free. Making use of the internet for free online learning. 
• Educate yourself, practice on small projects. 

She commented that: “In the MEL space you will never stop learning.”

Christina Langa'ana, a participant, shared her experience and appreciation for the event:

“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event. I found this session very helpful. As a new graduate and finding my own path in my career, this session on careers in monitoring, evaluation and learning provides me with some clarity on some of the pathways that can be taken in the development sector,” said Ms. Langa’ana.

Recently, there has been increased demand for the MEL roles in the development sector regionally and nationally. However, finding the right candidates for MEL jobs is not always easy. The Pacific MEL Rebbilib report on MEL capacity also highlighted that there is positive demand for Pacific MEL practitioners and for strengthening capacity across the region. With such platforms as this networking event, it is anticipated that there will be more interest in MEL career pathways and that future sharing of capacities and skills in MEL will help to strengthen Pacific islands professionals’ capacities in MEL.