Umar Farouk Issah

Current Role/Position: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

Key Responsibilities: The MEL officer is responsible for designing and maintaining monitoring systems and organizational project database, systematically collect data to track project performance against strategic indicators and ensuring data alignment with donor requirements and organizational goals. He supports to strengthen the internal capacity of staff on the use of M&E/MIS tools. He is also responsible for integrating community feedback loops and participatory monitoring to ensure learning directly informs adaptive program management and enhances overall effectiveness and impact.

Areas of Expertise or Professional Interests: A development professional with experience in implementing learning-centered MEL frameworks and community interventions that prioritize evidence-based decision-making and project adaptation. Expertise includes understanding quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, designing and implementing evaluative surveys, managing donor compliance and reporting, leading teams for comprehensive community profiles and facilitating strong community engagement. Passionate about leveraging data visualization and promoting capacity building among stakeholders to foster a strong culture of ownership, accountability and learning. He is currently studying a Master of Science Degree in Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and leverage on research to improve gender-inclusive programming.