KIRLEEN CAROLYNE ATHIAMBO
Summary
Seeking a challenging role in a humanitarian, development organization or TPM that is committed to improving human development, data management, and promoting sustainability, where I can utilize my passion for humanitarian development, MEAL and experience in community development to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable communities, both locally and globally and also utilize my skills in data analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the effective implementation and impact of projects, and drive continuous improvement in project performance, outcomes, contributing to the organization’s mission and making a positive impact.
Experienced coordinator, Data and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Expert with a proven track record of over 10 years in managing large-scale data initiatives, conducting in-depth data analysis, and leading cross-functional teams. Adept in leveraging advanced data management tools and analytical software (SPSS, STATA, R, Power BI, Excel) to drive program improvements and inform decision-making. Strong leadership abilities in training, mentoring, and building the capacity of staff to ensure effective data collection, management, and reporting processes. Passionate about using data to create actionable insights and enhance program outcomes. An educator, motivational and conference speaker of different diverse audiences. Kirleen has multi donor experience with USAID, BHA, EU, FCDO, BMGF, Irish Aid, SIDA, WFP and UN funded programs having worked and consulted for several international and local humanitarian and development non-governmental organizations designing and implementing M&E plans & frameworks, monitoring tools, evaluating, coordinating and managing large project implementation and research studies in key areas of Agriculture & Natural Resource Conservation, Education, SRSH, Wildlife Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Health System Strengthening, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Child Protection, Gender & Youth Development, Food Security, Financial Inclusion, Graduation, Livelihoods and Resilience. She brings experience in statistical data analysis, report writing, Data Quality Assessments, data verification, CLA, M&E training & capacity building, SBCC, advocacy with key stakeholders and developing robust & sustainable M&E dashboards, databases and learning systems throughout project life cycles. Kirleen have coordinated and managed projects and research assignments in Pan Africa including countries like: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Monitoring Advisor
Integrity Global LTD
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Company Overview: USAID/Somalia Monitoring & Learning Project
- Establish collaborative engagement and communications with BHA and IPs to continuously conceptualize data and learning needs, as well as designing innovative data analysis, presentation and products.
- Developing and adapting custom TPM indicators and analysis frameworks.
- Developed and implement an M&E framework aligned with corporate guidelines and donor requirements.
- Overseeing the development and continuous updating of the BHA Sites/Activities Database.
- Developing and adapting data collection and sampling plans, site visit methodologies, and data collection protocols.
- Developing and adapting data collection tools such as: beneficiary surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions.
- Managed the project performance monitoring systems, including indicators, baselines, and targets.
- Represented Integrity in meetings and training related to M&E.
- Conducting quarterly site selection for TPM site visits.
- Planning and coordinating the implementation of 180 annual site visits across Somalia/Somaliland.
- Developing and adapting data capture and analysis plans.
- Developing and adapting innovative TPM products, including dashboards on the Virtual Reporting Platform, reporting templates, and client-facing presentations.
- Provided support to enhance regular field monitoring visits to assess project progress and ensure compliance.
- Conducting aggregated site visit analysis and prepares four quarterly TPM Reports annually.
- Assessing and adapting to SMLP2’s data and products to ensure the TPM system delivers reliable and actionable findings that enables BHA’s and IPs’ adaptive management.
- Designing and overseeing compliance to data quality standards and procedures.
- Directing and supervising the Task 1 technical staff in Nairobi and Mogadishu, as well as the Somalia-based TPM Subcontractors.
- Sensitizing the Task 1 technical staff in Nairobi and Mogadishu, as well as the Somalia based TPM Subcontractors, to the IPs’ awards and activities that SMLP2 monitors.
- Developing and delivering training, mentoring and capacity building to the Task 1 technical staff in Nairobi and Mogadishu, as well as the Somalia-based TPM Subcontractors.
- USAID/Somalia Monitoring & Learning Project
Data Quality Assessment - Team Lead Consultant for Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative
Social Impact
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Desk review of relevant project documents for each indicator to understand IP indicator reporting systems and patterns; the AMELP; Indicator Performance tracking tables; IP quarterly reports; and Standard/custom indicator lists and definitions.
- Participating in the DQA inception meeting with USAID Activity Managers and Program Office staff to level expectations on the DQA process.
- Development and finalization of data collection tools and protocols for the DQA.
- Conducting DQA training and sensitization for both USAID staff and IPs to refine skills in targeted areas e.g., identifying indicator strengths and weaknesses, provision of feedback, and actionable recommendations on the DQA process and data collection tools.
- Conducting ADS-compliant site-visit preparation and high-quality primary data collection and verification by administering a system assessment protocol both at the IP and sub partners’ level; conducting site visits to selected primary data collection sites.
- Leading DQA data Analysis and writing of findings including analysis of ELMI-captured IP site data against samples previously reported to USAID; Reviewing actions taken by IPs in response to recommendations made in most recent DQAs, including an assessment of successes based on those actions.
- Comparing each indicator against the five quality standards and completing a DQA checklist for each indicator.
- Validation and Dissemination of findings and recommendations; developing an action plan that will be discussed and agreed upon with the IP and USAID to address the identified gaps.
- Drafting and submitting a detailed DQA report to ELMI using a template to be provided.
- Supervisory responsibility of at least one DQA Assistant who will be contracted to support the DQA process with field level data collection.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Deputy Team Lead – CRS Nawiri
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
03.2023 - 09.2024
- Company Overview: USAID/DFSA Programme
- Coordinate with the M&E Lead to design, manage, strengthen, and provide strategic direction to the Kenya food aid Monitoring and Evaluation systems, ensuring cross-learning in M&E among Kenya based projects, as well as collaborating on learning across partners.
- Supported in performance reviews, including annual surveys, baseline and mid-term evaluations.
- Provided technical guidance to thematic units in framing realistic and measurable M&E indicators clearly linked to activity work plans.
- M&E write up in project proposals, and submission to potential donors.
- Capacity building of staff on MEAL systems and components under BHA.
- Led and coordinated the program baseline and Mid-Term evaluations.
- Planned and conducted monthly monitoring of project sites and developed checklist for the activities.
- Coordinate system strengthening for health and MEAL.
- Coordinated site visits, data collection, verification, and validation processes to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Disseminated Nawiri RFSA outcomes through success stories and most significant change briefing papers.
- Developed the Nawiri M&E policy that guides how to measure progress, capture outcomes, impact and lesson learned to guide in implementation of future programmes.
- Led annual participant-based survey to collect reporting data from SoW development, tools development, data analysis plan development, training of field team, coordination of data collection, quality assurance, reviews and daily debrief, data analysis and report writing.
- Oversaw the development of data collection tools and monitoring templates.
- Documenting lessons learned, successes, failures and best practices via Annual Surveys and Outcome Mapping.
- Indicator development, monitoring, and target setting.
- Led the monthly post distribution monitoring for cash transfers.
- Led research of finding issues/underlying causes, interconnectivities and drivers of acute malnutrition in the Nawiri program through the following assessments: Increased stakeholder understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of acute malnutrition and its underlying and immediate causes.
- Increased stakeholder understanding of the interconnectivity of livestock, water, and acute malnutrition.
- What are the barriers to promoting more effective health systems and integrating nutrition, from a stakeholder / community / gender perspective.
- What is the gender, social and cultural norms potentially associated with persistent acute malnutrition.
- Capacity needs assessment for the Ward development planning committees, to identify gaps and areas of support as well as strengths and ideas for improvement for the teams.
- Baseline and Mid-line M&E Capacity Assessment for Isiolo and Marsabit County staff to understand and quantified the current organizational and individual M&E functions and capacity to meet performance objectives, identify gaps, and proposed M&E action plan.
- Gender youth and social dynamics (GYSD) pre and post intervention assessments in relation to addressing some of the systemic causes of malnutrition.
- Rapid socio-economic assessment on the impacts of desert locusts and their control, to understand the risks, barriers and most effective control strategies and the damage to pastoralist and agro-pastoralist livelihoods.
- Led and conducted semiannual Data Quality Assessments (DQA) project routine monitoring indicators in Isiolo and Marsabit.
- Responsible for the day-to-day implementation of all key M&E processes in all areas (counties, sub counties, wards) covered under the project.
- Development of MEAL Plan, logframes, and IPTT; reviewed the TOC.
- Participated in the advocacy forums by county elected and community leaders on campaigns against GBV in the community e.g., community meetings, public gatherings, Community conversations.
- Supported in building capacity of local institutions to help them to improve their information systems, data demand and use.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Social and Behavior Change that effectively engage partners, donors, and governments.
- Helped ensure a cross-sectoral approach integrating gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction.
- Monitored and verified of emergency response activities such as Cash Transfers, health education, provision of feeds, water tracking and usability of these supplies.
- Implemented quality control management policies and processes for checking all incoming and outgoing details of data.
- USAID/DFSA Programme
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator/CIMES Specialist
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
02.2020 - 02.2023
- Company Overview: USAID/DFSA Programme
- Led DQA for consortium data in Isiolo and Marsabit.
- Led Health and Nutrition RDQA process at all levels within the county.
- Led the impact assessment of locust invasion and COVID-19 emergency response in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.
- Monitoring and verification of emergency response activities such as Cash Transfers, health education, provision of feeds, water tracking and usability of these supplies.
- Conducted capacity assessment of M&E structures and systems of 8 implementing partners of the Nawiri program including the county government of Isiolo and Marsabit.
- Led the collaborative (with the organizations) development of action plans to fill gaps realized during the assessments.
- Tailor made training materials for capacity building of the teams.
- Facilitated capacity building sessions with the teams and developed reports and follow-up plans for each partner.
- Oversaw the operationalization for eCIMES in the counties’ of Marsabit and Isiolo.
- Facilitated capacity building sessions for all staff on M&E activities and document (IPTT, PIRS, Logframe, Tools).
- Key conference speaker during dissemination of M&E findings and reports.
- Conducted monthly market price monitoring and post distribution monitoring on a sample of the beneficiaries.
- Oversaw beneficiary selection using the criteria provided and verification of the selected beneficiaries.
- Capacity building of partner staffs on M&E related activities.
- Developed relevant data collection tools and protocols for monitoring and verification that reflect the project’s needs.
- Implemented quality control management policies and processes for checking all incoming and outgoing details of data.
- Conducted data quality checks and internal assessments more so during PaBS, evaluations and PDMs.
- Directly supervise four national MEL staffs, support in supervising all other consortium M&E staffs and 48 survey teams.
- USAID/DFSA Programme
Monitoring, Verification & Reporting Technical Officer/TPM Manager
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
03.2019 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: SPSS
- Overall program management, financial management and implementation of the Monitoring and Verification (M&V) task order, conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs).
- Management of 6 TPM firms working in Somalia (SPSS Program).
- Management of TPM funds and their approval.
- Maintained a thorough knowledge and understanding of all USAID Implementing Partners’ (IP) key activities, target populations and implementation approaches.
- Developed relevant M&V tools and protocols that reflect client’s needs for each Implementing Partner and against the overall USAID activity portfolio.
- Oversaw and ensured regular updating of data collection instruments for TPM activities.
- Worked closely with the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical on-site selection, tool/protocol application and revision as well as MV&R policies and strategy.
- Met implementing partners (IPs) to provide advice on updating and implementing their M&E plans, and ensuring they link to USAID Project M&E Plans and USAID Project Management Plan (PMP) as per the USAID ADS.
- Identified monitoring and evaluation capacity needs for USAID staff and partners and provide technical assistance through developing guidance documents and trainings.
- Submitted quarterly and annual progress reports and implemented a learning system of identifying, analyzing, documenting and disseminating best practices and lessons learnt.
- Facilitated Collaborating Learning and Adapting (CLA) workshops between IBTCI (SPSS), USAID, Implementing Partners and Sub Implementing Partners across Somalia (Mogadishu, Puntland and Somaliland) regions.
- Worked closely with the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical in DQA training and assessment of TPM firm on data.
- Oversaw maintenance and storage of TPM data within appropriate project databases and knowledge management systems.
- Oversaw planning and execution of TPM site visits with USAID, implementing partners, and TPM vendor points of contact.
- Tested all new tools within the mobile data collection (MDC) platform and responsible for final greenlighting of all new tools and sites prior to field work.
- Conducted random back-checking of a sample of data entered onto the MDC platform and conduct random field spot-checking of a sample of verifications conducted by TPMs.
- Directly supervised and managed workload and performance of 10 staffs; SPSS Data Manager, M&V Officers, and M&V Data Administrative Assistants, using dedicated performance management tools and processes / policies and over 15 TPM staffs supporting in data collection and management.
- SPSS
Monitoring, Evaluation, Verification and Reporting Officer
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
10.2018 - 02.2019
- Company Overview: SPSS
- Oversaw the program management, financial management and implementation of the Monitoring and Verification (M&V) task order, conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs).
- Provided technical assistance and leadership in monitoring and Third-party verification of USAID project activities in Somalia to meet work plan targets and achieve of technical requirements.
- Scheduling and conducting partner training and sessions on collecting data for individual indicators.
- Developed and submitted quarterly and annual progress reports and implemented a learning system for identifying, analyzing, documenting, and disseminating best practices and lessons learnt.
- Developed, updated, and reviewed of tools for data collection.
- Worked in complex humanitarian environments in the Somalia.
- Oversaw testing of all new tools within the mobile data collection platforms.
- Carried out induction training of Report Writers on tools / protocols and MVR processes in each round.
- Participated in meetings with implementing partners to discuss selected Sites.
- Tracked and updated IP feedback on all verification reports for USAID reporting.
- Supervised of three MVR staffs and 10 reporting consultants.
- SPSS
Monitoring Evaluation and Research Coordinator
Concern Worldwide
05.2015 - 09.2017
- Company Overview: Kenya in Partnership with Kenya Red Cross & World Vision
- Provided technical support in data collection through designing qualitative and quantitative data collection tools in Open Data Kit (ODK), analysis, reporting and disseminating program outcomes.
- Supported the development and maintenance the program information M&E databases and ran regular reports to FCDO and USAID to monitor progress and track program specific indicators and targets.
- Built M&E competencies of program staff and partners through training and technical assistance in data collection. This improved integrity of reported data to FCDO and USAID to 100%.
- Field monitoring and data verification visits in urban slums of Nairobi (Korogocho, Kibera Mathare & Mukuru), Kisumu (Nyalenda & Obunga) and Mombasa (Muoroto, Kibarani & Bangladesh).
- Ensured health and nutrition data collected was correctly fed into the Kenya District Health Information Systems (DHIS2).
- Ensured documentation of program learning throughout the project lifecycle.
- Coordinated cash transfer activities to identified needy beneficiaries in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.
- Kenya in Partnership with Kenya Red Cross & World Vision
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer
GOAL Ireland
05.2012 - 10.2014
- Company Overview: Kenya
- Engaged in program management, budgeting and reporting to donors and various stakeholders according to European Union (EU) and Irish AID funding policies.
- Supported in the design and Implementation of the Program M&E framework and plan to ensure program activities are implemented in a systematic and timely manner meeting project objective and goals.
- Developed monitoring and evaluation data tools in Survey CTO and trained field officers on the data collection.
- Facilitated baseline, midline and end line surveys on WASH, health, education, child protection and livelihoods.
- Coordinated partners’ field activities, undertook data verification & quality assessments on reported indicators.
- Represented the organization in various results dissemination and learning workshops.
- Adopted a knowledge management system (KM) to capture knowledge at each stage of the project life cycle, enable learning and ensured lessons learnt from evaluations fed back into subsequent programs.
- Kenya
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Associate
AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (APHRC)
01.2012 - 07.2012
- Supported in developing of quantitative and qualitative research tools, sampling, survey strategy design, data collection and analysis in the education and youth development projects in Korogocho and Mukuru Slums.
- Coordinated with the Project Managers to ensure the timely and effective implementation of all programs related interventions towards proposed outcomes and intended impact.
- Engaged in quantitative data collection via household surveys and qualitative data collection via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) in Nairobi informal settlements.
- Facilitated the preparation of project reports by collecting all project data from team leaders and field interviewers and input into the relevant donor reports.
- Facilitated end of project results dissemination workshops to stakeholders and partners working with the community and APHRC programs.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Development Studies
St. Paul’s University
09.2025
Masters - Monitoring and Evaluation of Population and Development Programmes
University of Nairobi
Bachelor - Development Studies
Mount Kenya University
Diploma - Project Management
Kenya Institute of Management
Diploma - Information Technology
The Mombasa Polytechnic
Skills
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- Education systems
- Curriculum implementation
- Teacher training
- Learning assessments
- Accelerated learning programs
- Education in Emergencies (EiE)
- Girls' education
- Inclusive education strategies
- Data Management & Analysis
- Data Quality Assessments (DQA)
- Proposal Writing & Business Development
- Evaluation & Learning Systems
- Capacity Building & Training
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Data Collection & Analysis
- ODK
- Survey CTO
- SPSS
- STATA
- Excel
- Information Systems
- DHIS2
- DevResults
- Visualization
- Tableau
- Power BI
- Reporting
- USAID PIRS
- IPTT
- Logframes
Affiliations
- African Evaluation Association (AfrEA)
- Evaluation Society of Kenya (ESK)
Skype Id
kirleen.athiambo
Personal Information
- Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)& Data Verification Specialist
- Gender: Female
Awards
- Isiolo county earns award for using M&E to improve lives due to CIMES operationalization, 2022
- Second best Supervisor/ Team leader – Nairobi Cross-Sectional Slum Survey 2 (Quantitative), 2012
- Best Female Research Assistant – Mombasa in the Kenya Urban Reproductive Health Survey, 2010
Publications
- Evaluating Factors Associated with Child Malnutrition and Assessing Utility of Mid Upper Arm Circumference in the Urban Informal Settlement of Nairobi, Dissertation, 2017, University of Nairobi
- Population and Health Dynamics in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements: Report of the Nairobi Cross-sectional Slums Survey (NCSS) 2012, 2014, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
- Socio-Cultural Factors and Their Impact on the Vulnerability of Girls to Early Marriage in Pastoralist Communities in Kenya, 2025, Athiambo, Kirleen, Nzengya, Daniel, Otieno, Alfred
Timeline
Senior Monitoring Advisor
Integrity Global LTD
10.2024 - 02.2025
Data Quality Assessment - Team Lead Consultant for Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative
Social Impact
09.2024 - 10.2024
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Deputy Team Lead – CRS Nawiri
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
03.2023 - 09.2024
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator/CIMES Specialist
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
02.2020 - 02.2023
Monitoring, Verification & Reporting Technical Officer/TPM Manager
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
03.2019 - 01.2020
Monitoring, Evaluation, Verification and Reporting Officer
International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.
10.2018 - 02.2019
Monitoring Evaluation and Research Coordinator
Concern Worldwide
05.2015 - 09.2017
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer
GOAL Ireland
05.2012 - 10.2014
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Associate
AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (APHRC)
01.2012 - 07.2012
Doctor of Philosophy - Development Studies
St. Paul’s University
Masters - Monitoring and Evaluation of Population and Development Programmes
University of Nairobi
Bachelor - Development Studies
Mount Kenya University
Diploma - Project Management
Kenya Institute of Management
Diploma - Information Technology
The Mombasa Polytechnic
Accomplishments
· Successfully delivered actionable evidence supporting BHA adaptive management.
· Strengthened capacity of subcontractors through tailored training and mentorship.
· Successfully delivered four high-quality quarterly TPM reports covering 180+ site visits per year.
· Designed innovative data collection and visualization tools adopted by USAID/BHA and partners.
· Streamlined data collection protocols, reducing reporting time by 20%.
Built capacity of 20+ technical staff and subcontractors through tailored training and mentoring
· Led and completed a full DQA cycle within tight timelines (2 months) across multiple partner organizations.
· Developed standardized DQA tools that improved consistency of data verification across IPs.
· Facilitated action planning workshops with USAID and partners to address critical data quality gaps.
· Delivered actionable recommendations that were fully integrated into USAID compliance plans.
· Enhanced partner capacity through targeted coaching during DQA sessions.
· Led design and implementation of M&E systems for a $100M USAID program across Marsabit and Isiolo.
· Developed Nawiri M&E policy adopted consortium-wide, guiding measurement and reporting.
· Managed annual surveys reaching thousands of beneficiaries with 95% response rates.
· Spearheaded semiannual DQAs that significantly improved data integrity across partners.
· Operationalized eCIMES system, enabling real-time reporting across two counties.
· Conducted impact assessments of locust and COVID-19 emergencies, informing USAID response.
· Trained over 50 staff and partners in advanced M&E practices.
· Strengthened data verification processes, reducing errors by 30%.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Swahili
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Similar Profiles
Agatha Nkole Ogbe FCCAAgatha Nkole Ogbe FCCA
Head of finance at Integrity Global LtdHead of finance at Integrity Global Ltd
Gabriel VangGabriel Vang
Technician at Integrity Global SolutionsTechnician at Integrity Global Solutions
Donovan GrauseDonovan Grause
Delivery Driver at Integrity Global Logistics LLCDelivery Driver at Integrity Global Logistics LLC
ELYANU PATRICK EDIKUELYANU PATRICK EDIKU
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor at University Research CO. LLC, USAID - Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in East CentralSenior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor at University Research CO. LLC, USAID - Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in East Central
Lavisha NaidooLavisha Naidoo
Senior Technical Advisor- Heat Rate/Conditioning Monitoring Engineer at Eskom HoldingsSenior Technical Advisor- Heat Rate/Conditioning Monitoring Engineer at Eskom Holdings