Five ways to work with us

Most engagements start with a discovery call to understand the question, your timeline, and the constraints. From there we propose a scope, a deliverable, and a fixed-fee engagement.

01 / Framework

MEL Framework Design

For funds, programmes, and portfolios that need a learning system from scratch.

  • Theory of change developed with the implementation team
  • Indicator framework with output, outcome, and contribution measures
  • Data flow architecture and reporting cadence
  • Learning loops — how evidence feeds back into programme decisions
  • Governance model and review cycle
Engagement: 8–16 weeks Best for: New programmes, fund design

02 / Diagnostic

MEL Diagnostic & Audit

For organisations whose existing M&E system feels broken but they don’t know why.

  • Structured review of indicators, instruments, and data flows
  • Interviews with programme staff, MEL leads, and field teams
  • Quick-wins memo (what to fix in the next 30 days)
  • Roadmap (what to fix in the next 6–12 months)
  • Optional learning case stories per programme arm
Engagement: 4–8 weeks Best for: Mid-cycle programmes, social enterprises

03 / Evaluation

Programme Evaluation

Mid-line, end-line, or summative evaluation of a live programme.

  • Method matched to the question — RCT, quasi-experimental, contribution analysis, or mixed methods
  • Instrument design, sampling, and field coordination
  • Quantitative analysis and qualitative coding
  • Findings report designed for policy uptake (not academic publication)
  • Validation workshop with programme leadership
Engagement: 12–24 weeks Best for: Funded programmes at decision points

04 / Targeting

District & Geography Prioritisation

Composite-indicator methodology for choosing where to invest.

  • Indicator framework anchored on programme thesis
  • Min-max normalisation and pillar weighting
  • Sensitivity analysis with Monte Carlo bands
  • Robust-core shortlist plus full ranked dataset
  • Replication code (R or Stata) so grantees can re-run with new data
Engagement: 6–12 weeks Best for: Funds, portfolio investments

05 / Instrument

Survey Instrument Design

Quantitative surveys built with human-centred design piloting.

  • Question development tied to construct definitions
  • HCD piloting in non-English, programme-heavy geographies
  • Skip-logic mapping and CAPI-ready specifications
  • Codebook, translation memos, and field manual
  • Enumerator training materials
Engagement: 6–12 weeks Best for: Large surveys, multilingual contexts

+ / Other

Strategic advisory & bespoke work

Short engagements, board-level advice, training, retainers.

  • One-off methods consultations and review calls
  • Internal capacity building for programme teams
  • Retainer arrangements for funds with ongoing portfolio needs
  • Workshop facilitation and methodology training
  • Proposal review and methods quality assurance
Engagement: Custom Best for: Talk to us

MEL Framework Starter Kit

Seven questions to ask before commissioning a monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework — or any evaluation work. Drawn from twenty years of designing and auditing MEL systems for funders, INGOs, and social enterprises across South Asia.

Free to download. Free to share with attribution. Use it with your team before your next evaluation conversation.

A simple, predictable process

01

Discovery call

30-minute conversation. We understand the question, your timeline, your constraints, and whether we’re the right fit. No obligation either way.

02

Scope & proposal

If there’s a fit, we send a written scope, deliverables, timeline, and a fixed-fee engagement. You see the full picture before committing.

03

Engagement & delivery

Regular check-ins, draft delivery, validation workshop, and a final artifact you can use directly — not a slide deck that needs translation.

Have a question? Let’s talk.

Discovery calls are free and last 30 minutes. The fastest way to find out if we can help.