Young Emerging Evaluators Programme

Welcome to SAMEA`s Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) programme, a dynamic initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals. Our programme focuses on providing work immersion, resources, capacity strengthening, mentorship and networking opportunities for YEEs who are passionate about making a difference in the field of M&E.

What is an Emerging Evaluator?

Emerging evaluators is a term used for individuals who have less than 5 years experience in monitoring and evaluation. SAMEA differentiates between two kinds of EEs, namely Young Emerging Evaluators and M&E practitioners in conversion.

SAMEA identifies two types of emerging evaluators – Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) and people entering the field of monitoring and evaluation from another work area.

Learn about the Emerging Evaluators programme

Young Emerging Evaluators

Individuals who have less than 5 years monitoring and evaluation experience and below the age of 35 years.

M&E Practitioners in Conversion

Mid-career professionals who are changing career paths to focus on evaluation, and therefore have less than 5 years experience in the field.

Young Emerging Evaluators Programme

Our mission is to bridge the gap between aspiring evaluators and seasoned professionals. We aim to create a vibrant community that fosters learning, collaboration, and innovation in the monitoring and evaluation sector.

Work Immersion Programme (12 months)

In partnership with United Nations Children`s Fund South Africa (UNICEF SA), United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) and Centre for Learning on Evaluations and Results, Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA), YEEs are placed in work opportunities to gain practical experience, knowledge and networking to become competent professionals in the evaluation space and enhance employability.

Short-Term Work Experience

Short-term work contracts provide YEEs with additional opportunities to gain practical experience. These could be working on a Rapid Evaluation for a government department, evidence mapping for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, supporting the identification of existing indicators and guidelines on M&E for Just Transition, etc.

Emerging Evaluators’ Topical Interest Group

The Emerging Evaluators` Topical Interest Group is a network of EEs conducting monthly online webinars on topics identified by EEs. Topics have included Rapid Evaluations, how to develop a Theory of Change, Quantitative research approaches etc. To find out more contact [email protected]

Capacity Strengthening

SAMEA endeavours to offer reduced fees for YEEs attending SAMEA`s capacity strengthening workshops.

Become part of the Emerging Evaluators

Are you an aspiring evaluator looking to learn from experts and advance your M&E career? Join the EE database for access to exclusive resources, opportunities, and networks to grow your skills.

The EE Programme connects you with work immersion, networking, capacity-building resources, and experienced mentors who will guide you through the challenges and opportunities in M&E. Here’s what you can gain:

  • Apply for placements in reputable organizations offering hands-on M&E experience through the work immersion program (for those under 35).

  • Receive personalised feedback and support from both internal and external mentors in your area of expertise (for work immersion participants under 35).

  • Network with other EEs and mentors, and become part of the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA) community.

  • Participate in training, webinars, events, and other learning activities that will enhance your M&E competencies.

  • Attend the monthly Topical Interest Group for EEs.

Joining the EE database is simple. Just sign up with basic info about yourself and your M&E goals. You’ll then be considered for recruitment, interviews, and placements with a mentor and organization that suit you. Don’t miss this chance to advance your career—sign up today and become part of the next generation of M&E leaders.

Become a Mentor

Are you a seasoned professional who wants to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of monitoring and evaluation practitioners? Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives and careers of young people in your field? If so, you might be interested in becoming a mentor for the Emerging Evaluators (EE) Programme. The Mentorship component of the EE Programme is a unique initiative that connects aspiring evaluators with experienced mentors who can guide them through the challenges and opportunities of the evaluation profession. It seeks to support EEs to become skilled and dependable professionals that can confidently take up M&E roles in their communities and countries, regardless of being an EE in the work immersion stream.

As a mentor, you will have the chance to:

  • Support and inspire an emerging evaluator who is eager to learn from you.

  • Enhance your own skills and knowledge by engaging in a mutually beneficial learning relationship.

  • Expand your network and visibility within the evaluation community.

  • Contribute to the development and quality of the evaluation profession in South Africa.

Becoming a mentor is simple and rewarding. Just fill out a short online form with your expertise, and you’ll be matched with an emerging evaluator who shares your goals. You and your mentee can decide how often to meet (at least once a month) and what topics to focus on.

Make a meaningful impact—sign up as a mentor today and join the EE Programme community.

Become a Host

Becoming a host in the emerging evaluators (EE) Programme is an opportunity to directly contribute to the development of new talent in the field of evaluation.

As a host, you will:

  • Provide a practical environment for EEs to apply their skills and knowledge.

  • Offer mentorship and guidance to help EEs navigate real-world challenges.

  • Facilitate networking opportunities within the professional community.

  • Gain fresh perspectives and insights from the innovative approaches of EEs.

  • Enhance your organisation’s reputation as a supporter of professional growth.

Ready to make a difference?
Sign up now to become a mentor and help shape the future of emerging evaluators.