Sylvester Runyanga
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Specialist | Public Policy & Evidence Systems Expert
Zimbabwe| +263773256094| slyrunyanga@gmail.com| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-runyanga
PROFILE
Sylvester Runyanga is a seasoned Design Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERL) Specialist with over 15 years of extensive experience, having successfully led and overseen MERL systems for more than 40 human development programs and policies. He has developed a strong theoretical and practical understanding of both quantitative and qualitative MEL methodologies, with expertise spanning over 20 theory-based evaluations, 15 contribution analyses, 10 outcome mapping, 12 outcome harvesting exercises, and 8 strategy testing methods. His experience includes designing over 30 adaptive monitoring and learning systems, developing more than 25 theories of change (ToCs), and conducting impact-focused evaluations using mixed methods and portfolio analyses across multiple sectors. Sylvester is well-versed in performance monitoring and MEL donor compliance, having led the development of over 40+ MEL Plans/AMELPs and 30+ Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) for a range of international donors, including DRA, FCDO, Irish Aid, Mastercard Foundation, OFDA, WFP, IOM, WFD, UNDP, USAID (DFSA & BHA), and UNICEF. Sylvester possesses advanced skills in various MEL and data science tools and packages, including NVivo, SPSS, STATA, Epi Info, MS Excel, Power BI (for interactive dashboard development), and MySQL (for rational and schema database development and deployment). He is also proficient in using digital and real-time data collection platforms such as ODK, KOBO Collect, Solstics, and CommCare. Sylvester's sectoral experience covers food security, WASH, emergency response and recovery, gender and social inclusion, human rights, governance, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods/market linkages, economic empowerment, protection, and cash/voucher programming. Throughout his career, Sylvester has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and innovate in the MERL field, making significant contributions to the success of various programs across Africa.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
United Nations World Food Programme, Rome Italy
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist 02/2025- 08/2025
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of Theories of Change, performance indicators, logical frameworks, and assessment tools, enhancing evidence-based decision-making for WFP Hunger Prediction projects.
- Led the development and management of case studies and learning activities, contributing to improved program effectiveness and fostering knowledge sharing across regional and global teams.
- Coordinated and delivered MEL capacity-building workshops and webinars, strengthening staff skills in monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodologies.
- Prepared multi-country reports, synthesizing findings, key insights, and comparative analysis and provide actionable recommendations for model refinement, scale-up, and integration into national food security monitoring systems.
- Coordinated closely with global and regional stakeholders including Google.org, Google Research, WFP country offices, and local partners to ensure M&E activities are contextually grounded and strategically aligned with project objectives.
- Provide support to knowledge management activities and collaborate with Google.org, Google Research, WFP country offices, JPAL and lDInsight.
- Prepared all baseline evaluation deliverables (including Terms of Reference, Draft Evaluation Reports, Final Evaluation Report, and presentation slides).
Led project cycle management efforts, including workplan design, budgeting alignment and risk mitigation, for a multi-country AI-driven early warning system pilot in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Yemen.
Graca Machel Trust – Remote (Kenya, Senegal, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa)
Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning Specialist 06/2023- 01/2025
- Led the design and implementation of MEAL plans, including the establishment of monitoring systems, data analysis protocols, and feedback mechanisms to support evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.
- Provided strategic leadership for MEL staff across six (6) African countries (Kenya, Senegal, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa) in MEL program MEL strategy development, drive learning through Pause and Reflect sessions and setting learning agenda.
- Oversaw, reviewing, and interpreting monitoring data for more than eight (8) Women Creating Wealth Programs across six African countries, contributing to the preparation of over 20 performance and donor reports annually, and ensuring that 95% of project reports consistently align with the theory of change and results framework
- Led the digital transformation of MEL systems by integrating Power BI dashboards, CommCare mobile tracking, and SQL-based outcome reporting for youth employment tracking.
- Contributed to knowledge management and learning through collecting and analysing program data from over eight (8) Women Creating Wealth programs, evaluating 5 strategic initiatives, assisting with measuring the impact of programs, capturing and sharing over 40 lessons learned and best practices, and conducting research resulting in 10 internal reports.
- Oversaw MEL workstream budget and managed burn-rate forecasts, vendor contracts, and quarterly accruals.
- Conducted periodic spot-check visits to the project sites, collect M&E information and manage the project trackers. Also, visited the field data collection process (impact evaluation surveys) conducted by the third-party contractors.
- Provided technical support and inputs on the Scope of Works and Terms of Reference of Third-Party Monitoring, conducting assessments of technical proposals based on agreed criteria and selecting the best third party for monitoring. Including coordinating/ liaising with Third Party as required to provide technical inputs for the development of monitoring plans and ensure that performance monitoring, spot checks are being undertaken as per the plan
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery of MERL outputs aligned with project workplans.
PROACT Consulting / Independent Consultant (Zimbabwe)
Associate Consultant - MEL Technical Lead 07/2020- 09/2025
- Led baseline and endline evaluations for Help Germany Action Against Hunger and Food Insecurity (AAHFIS) project in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe projects, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) funded.
- Led mid-term evaluation of the Matibe Area Programme (AP) Beitbridge District, Zimbabwe, being implemented by World Vision Zimbabwe
- Conducted an Assessment on Crops and Livestock, Indigenous Plants, Non-Timber Forest Products, and Social Enterprises in Buhera and Tsholotsho Districts of Zimbabwe for CARE International in Zimbabwe’s Sustainable Roots Program (SRP).
- Supervised data collection and quality control activities to ensure accuracy and reliability of survey findings.
- Draft and finalise the research study or evaluation inception report, including theory of change and stakeholder analysis, and data collection plan.
- Lead the evaluation team’s work, in coordination with the evaluation Team Leader, and ensure that the evaluations final deliverables fully comply with the overall Terms of Reference (ToR) of the final evaluation.
- Co-authored the final evaluation report presenting evidence-based conclusions and recommendations to strengthen program relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.
- Developed the study/evaluation design, sampling framework, and data collection tools integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Utilized survey findings to create effective behavior change communication messages and strategies aimed at promoting increased dietary diversity and food and nutrition security outcomes.
Plan international in Zimbabwe -Supporting Adolescents’ Girl Education Programme
Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning Specialist 10/ 2021- 07/ 2023
- Co-designed, developed, and institutionalised monitoring and evaluation systems and approaches, including the development of over 25 processes and tools for carrying out assessments and collecting data, as well as establishing more than 30 indicators and targets that provided useful data for decision-making, reporting, communications, and organizational learning.
- Direct management of SAGE Consortium eight (8) MERL team members, including recruitment and staff career management. - Development and implementation of capacity training plans for team members; - Day-to-day management of team members, including the development of work plans and performance indicators.
- Led the design and implementation of project design activities, including M&E performance plan, development of project theories of change and strategic M&E frameworks, indicator performance tracking table, data flow map, stakeholders' communication map, and tools for monitoring, research, and learning activities.
- Prepared over 20 periodic reports, including 3 Annual Performance Reports, 12 Quarterly Project Reviews, 26 monthly progress reports, project Implementation Reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, and project briefs for submission and briefing to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
- Oversaw full project implementation cycle for the SAGE program, ensuring deliverables aligned with logframe indicators, and supported project closure documentation including lessons learned and evaluation synthesis.
- Represented Plan International Zimbabwe in the national Education Cluster M&E working group.
- Managed the overall implementation, coordination, and finalization of the project’s endline evaluation, including coordinating with the consortium members and FCDO to compile inputs across the contract period and lead the quality assurance of endline evaluation outputs, including the final evaluation report, project close report, project document archiving, and dissemination materials.
- Provided management, guidance, and technical oversight for SAGE program evaluation events and research, including the development of terms of reference or study protocols that include evaluation/learning questions, a balance of qualitative and quantitative methods, consideration of ethical and data protection standards
- Designed and implemented learning dissemination strategies (e.g., quarterly reflection workshops, internal research briefs).
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Specialist 12/ 2020- 09/ 2021
- Provided technical guidance and leadership as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to establish a standardised data management framework and tools across multiple projects.
- Ensured integrity and robust design for data collection, storage, and analysis to meet monitoring and evaluation plan requirements, program reporting, and information needs.
- Conducted capacity building and training for over 50 staff members across three projects on monitoring and evaluation systems, including data collection, monitoring, and reporting.
- Conducted sound research and analysis at both qualitative and quantitative levels, collaborating with diverse project teams on surveys, assessments, and evaluations.
- Oversaw implementation of VOTER MEAL plan, developed performance monitoring indicators, MEAL Plan, indicators, measures, methods, and tools to ensure the collection of reliable, robust, and verifiable data on numbers of individuals, institutions, benefitting from USAID VOTER activities to capture indirect impacts of USAID VOTER Program, and ensure accurate data capturing.
- Provided overall leadership and management on the coordination, setting-up, establishment, and management of Forum monitoring and evaluation systems, overseeing more than 10 system setups. Was overall responsible for ensuring over 20 Data Quality Assessments (DQA) and conducting data analysis to support the performance improvement of over 10 programs, collaboration, learning, and program adaptation, using data to strengthen Forum capacity to respond to emergencies.
- Developed a plan for Collaborative Learning and Adaptation (CLA) to ensure regular “pause and reflection” and adaptation of plans based on learning and evidence, drawing on the Forum CLA toolkit and adaptive management guidance.
- Supported eight (8) Forum Programmes in the design and implementation of their MEAL systems at programme and project level, including the development of Theories of Change, Evaluation and Learning Questions, and data collection and analysis processes.
SOS Children’s Village International, Zimbabwe (SOSCVZ)
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer 04/2020- 11/2020
- Designed and developed the project’s M&E systems including establishing a learning agenda, refining indicators, setting targets for all indicators, planning of all necessary data collection and analysis.
- Developed over 5 questionnaires and 3 M&E toolkits for capturing most significant change stories, best practices, and other impact stories, and coordinated data collection, analysis, and preparation of more than 20 reports.
- Led 18 staff capacity strengthening of local partners on conducting rapid needs assessment on food security and livelihood, health & nutrition, WASH in emergency, gender and protection, disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, disability and social inclusion and child protection in emergency and development context
GOAL International, Zimbabwe
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer 04/2019 -03/2020
- Developed, maintained, and improved systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, strategic alignment, cost, and overall impact of lean seasonal assistance programming.
- Conduct staff career growth needs assessments (through structural surveys and 1:1 sessions) and liaise with the HR manager to deliver strong professional development sessions internally and externally.
- Oversee and take the lead in the systematic and continuous data collection and analysis of the progress of activities over time, and monitor results in terms of timeliness, quality, and accuracy in line with the logical framework approaches, best practices, and project management
CARE international in Zimbabwe -ENSURE, Lean Season Assistance
Project Field Officer 08/2016 - 03/2019
- Supported in the registration of 40000 food insecure households for the USAID funded Lean Season Food Assistance program (LSA) under the crisis modification model
- Conducted process monitoring at community level on cash and food distributions, gender and compliance issues, market conditions, and anthropometric.
- Supported the implementation of climate smart smallholder resilience building program through capacity building, mentoring, coaching, and joint proposal development and program implementation. Technically led design and establishment of five (5) gravity fed micro-irrigation schemes and two (2) solar powered irrigation schemes. Led linkages to viable markets
GOAL International, Zimbabwe
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer 10/2008 -07/2016
- Provided overall strategic oversight and operational leadership for MEAL through technical guidance, supports and assures the technical quality of all projects, design, and management of MEAL systems. Ensuring the safety and security of the program data.
- Oversee one (1) MEAL assistant, three (3) data capturers and provided training to staff, primary stakeholders, on MEAL components in project design, such as the monitoring plan, assessments, reviews, surveys, and evaluations.
Technical leading all MEAL activities, including data collecting, monitoring, evaluation, analytics, reporting of performance, results and evaluations (baseline, endline and mid-term evaluations)
Provided high quality and timely submission of all required project reports, including documentation of success stories, analysis of data for indicator calculation.
SELECTED EVALUATIONS & RESEARCH
- Coordinated the Baseline Study for the Graca Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth–Intergenerational Program (Mastercard Foundation, 2023), providing technical leadership in research design and M&E strategy.
- Coordinated the Endline Evaluation of the Supporting Adolescent Girls’ Education Programme (FCDO-funded, Oct 2022–Apr 2023), analysing impact on girls’ education and community outcomes.
- Led an in-depth study on Apostolic Community Engagement for Girls’ Education (FCDO-funded, Feb–Apr 2023), producing insights to inform programming on faith-based community dynamics.
- Worked as Online M&E Consultant for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Somalia) (Mar–May 2022), supporting results frameworks, indicators, and alignment with UN priorities.
- Peer-Reviewed Publication (Under Review): “Examining Gender-Based Violence in Public Transport and Bus Terminals in Harare, Zimbabwe.” Currently under review for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Peer-Reviewed Publication (Under Review): “Community Development for Resilience and Sustainability: An Overview” Currently under review for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.