Professional Summary

• Lutfunnaher Shimul is an accomplished professional with over 23 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), research, and project management. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in designing evaluation frameworks, conducting research assessments, and managing multifaceted projects across diverse sectors such as gender-based violence, climate change, livelihoods development, health, HIV/AIDS, and non-formal education.
• Her extensive collaboration with government agencies, international NGOs, and global donors, including GIZ, World Bank, ADB, Save the Children, and UNDP, underscores her commitment to delivering impactful outcomes. Currently, she leads the Program and M&E Department at Research and Management Consultants Ltd., where she develops research methodologies, manages technical teams, and ensures project success.

Professional Experience:

Head of Program Operations | Research and Management Consultants Ltd

• August 2023 – Present (1 year 4 months),Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Leading the Program and M&E Department to ensure effective project execution.
• Developing concept notes, research proposals, and business plans.
• Designing research methodologies and data collection tools.
• Coordinating technical teams for data analysis and reporting.
• Writing comprehensive reports, research briefs, and policy papers.
• Managing donor relations and coordinating field studies.

National Long-Term Expert – M&E

• GFA Consulting Group GmbH January 2020 – October 2022 (2 years 10 months) ,Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Designed and implemented M&E systems for skill development and employment projects.
• Developed tools and checklists for data collection and analysis.
• Conducted Beneficiary Needs Assessment Studies and prepared evaluation reports.
• Monitored project indicators and ensured stakeholder engagement.
• Created advocacy materials and social marketing products, including video documentaries.
• Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for donors and partners.

Manager – MEAL | PIACT Bangladesh

• July 2000 – December 2019 (19 years 6 months) ,Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Developed and maintained comprehensive M&E systems and Management Information Systems (MIS).
• Monitored project activities and provided strategic feedback to project management.
• Liaised with government officials to organize meetings and workshops.
• Led mid-term and final evaluations of projects.
• Documented all project reports, publications, and relevant materials.

Education

Master of Public Health (MPH)

• North South University
• Graduated: January 2019
• GPA: 3.93

Master’s in Geography

• University of Dhaka
• July 1996 – June 1998

Bachelor’s in Geography

• University of Dhaka
• June 1991 – July 1995

Skills and Expertise

Project Planning

Extensive expertise in project planning, with a proven ability to design and implement comprehensive project frameworks that align with organizational goals and donor requirements.

• Logical Framework Development: Designing robust logical frameworks (LogFrames) that define project objectives, indicators, and assumptions, ensuring clear pathways to achieve outcomes.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Plans: Crafting detailed M&E frameworks that outline data collection methods, indicators, and reporting timelines, facilitating effective project monitoring and decision-making.
• Sector-Specific Planning: Specializing in diverse sectors such as climate change, livelihoods, gender-based violence, health, and non-formal education, tailoring project plans to sector-specific needs and challenges.

Program Evaluation

Extensive experience in conducting evaluations to ensure the accountability and effectiveness of development programs.

• Mid-Term Evaluations: Measuring the achievement of project objectives and impact, comparing baseline data with outcomes to determine overall success.
• Impact Assessments: Conducting in-depth analyses to evaluate the long-term impact of interventions on target communities, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Participatory Evaluation Approaches: Engaging stakeholders, including beneficiaries, in the evaluation process to capture diverse perspectives and enhance learning.

Project Management

A strong track record of managing large-scale development projects from inception to completion, with a focus on achieving results.

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Leading multidisciplinary teams, including M&E specialists, researchers, field coordinators, and data analysts, to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Coordination of Field Studies: Managing field operations, including data collection, stakeholder engagement, and logistics, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential project risks and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions and maintain project continuity.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining effective relationships with donors, government agencies, and partner organizations to align project goals and expectations.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Proficient in designing and implementing M&E systems that provide real-time insights into project performance and impact.

• Development of M&E Frameworks: Creating comprehensive frameworks that align with project goals and track progress using key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Data Collection Tool Design: Developing tools such as surveys, focus group discussion (FGD) guides, and checklists to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Data Management and Analysis: Implementing systems for data collection, storage, and analysis to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and relevance.
• Outcome Monitoring: Tracking project outcomes and comparing them against planned objectives to assess effectiveness and inform adaptive management.
• Reporting and Dissemination: Preparing detailed M&E reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key findings and lessons learned.