Ep29 - Evaluation Just Got Smarter: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Awards & What’s Ahead

In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, host Godfrey Senkaba dives deep into the big ideas and latest updates shaping the world of evaluation.

This week’s focus? Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude can support - not replace - evaluators in doing faster, more efficient, and still rigorous work.

He unpacks the World Bank and IFAD’s guidance note on integrating AI thoughtfully in evaluations, spotlighting practical use cases from text summarization to data extraction. He also discusses potential risks- like bias and hallucinated insights - and how to mitigate them with smart workflows and strong human judgment.

But that’s not all — Godfrey rounds up what’s happening across the M&E world:

• AfrEA launches the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE) - a bold move to measure and grow national readiness.
• UNDP’s Evaluation Excellence Awards 2025 - with lessons from award-winning evaluations across Morocco, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and more.
• gLOCAL Evaluation Week 2025 - coming this June with 300+ free events worldwide.
• Claremont Graduate University’s info session - explore doctoral programs that can elevate your evaluator journey.

🎓 Whether you’re early in your M&E career or a seasoned professional, this episode will leave you energized and equipped for what’s next.

🔗 Links mentioned:

• World Bank/IFAD AI Guidance Note: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099136005132515321
• AfrEA INCE Announcement: https://afrea.org/actualites/the-ince-is-introduced-in-africa-launched-at-the-afrea-head-office/
• gLOCAL Evaluation Week: https://www.globalevaluationinitiative.org/glocal-home
• UNDP Evaluation Awards: https://www.undp.org/evaluation/news/evaluation-excellence-awards-2025
• Claremont Graduate University doctoral programs https://www.cgu.edu/school/ssspe/programs/ 

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter: https://x.com/senkaba_g 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ 

Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.