CHARLES MUBELWA
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Results-driven Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning (MERL) and Performance Management professional with over 15 years of experience enhancing donor-funded programs through effective performance management systems and data-driven decision-making. Expertise in developing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems that boost program accountability and adaptive management. Proven track record in leading performance measurement, strategic information systems, and knowledge management to support informed decisions and improve development outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning (MERL) & Strategic Information Consultant
Independent Consultant
Dar es Salaam
08.2025 - Current
- Provided independent technical advisory services to development organizations in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning (MERL), strategic information, and performance management, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Developed and strengthened monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems, performance management plans (PMPs), and research methodologies, ensuring data quality assessments (DQAs) and strategic information management for informed decision-making.
Economic Growth Performance Management, Evaluation & Learning Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Tanzania
Dar es Salaam
11.2014 - 08.2025
- Led the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning (MERL) and Performance Management for USAID/Tanzania’s Economic Growth Office, providing strategic technical support to strengthen programme performance and accountability.
- Led implementation and continuous improvement of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems, enhancing overall effectiveness of Economic Growth portfolio.
- Provided strategic technical guidance on the development, implementation, and review of Performance Management Plans (PMPs), indicators, results frameworks, and performance monitoring systems.
- Worked closely with technical teams, Agreement and Contracting Officer’s Representatives (AORs/CORs), implementing partners, government counterparts, and development stakeholders to improve monitoring systems, strengthen performance measurement, enhance reporting quality, and promote adaptive management throughout the programme cycle.
- Advised technical teams and implementing partners on results measurement, indicator performance, monitoring approaches, and reporting requirements.
- Planned and coordinated Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) to ensure compliance with donor standards and strengthen confidence in programme data reliability.
- Coordinated portfolio performance reviews, assessments, surveys, and learning activities to improve programme implementation and support evidence-based management.
- Prepared analytical reports, performance summaries, and learning products to inform Mission leadership and key stakeholders for strategic decision-making.
- Led implementation of Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approaches, facilitating learning events, after-action reviews, pause-and-reflect sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Strengthened Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning capacities among implementing partners through technical assistance, mentoring, coaching, and formal training.
- Supported modernization of USAID performance information systems through the transition of Feed the Future monitoring processes into the Development Information Solution (DIS).
- Collaborated with cross-functional technical offices to improve programme integration, data utilization, and portfolio performance.
Programme Officer – Monitoring & Evaluation
Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), Tanzania
11.2012 - 11.2014
- Provided Monitoring and Evaluation leadership for grant-funded civil society programmes, supporting programme accountability, organizational learning, and results-based management.
- Oversaw monitoring systems for portfolio of civil society grants, enhancing data accuracy and reporting efficiency.
- Tracked programme progress against work plans, indicators, and expected results.
- Conducted field monitoring, surveys, and programme assessments.
- Developed analytical reports that informed programme management decisions and guided strategic planning.
- Enhanced partner organizations’ monitoring and reporting capacity through targeted technical support and mentoring, leading to improved compliance and program effectiveness.
Youth Project Consultant
International Labour Organization (ILO)
07.2013 - 10.2013
- Delivered technical support for youth employment initiatives via Monitoring and Evaluation training, coaching, and implementation support, enhancing project outcomes.
- Designed and delivered project monitoring and management training to approximately 80 representatives from partner organizations.
- Coached and mentored grant recipients over six months, improving their program effectiveness and accountability.
- Facilitated adoption of practical monitoring and reporting tools to streamline project tracking and enhance data accuracy.
Project Consultant – Monitoring & Evaluation
Legal Services Facility (LSF), Tanzania
11.2011 - 11.2012
- Developed and facilitated Monitoring and Evaluation training programmes to enhance partner skills.
- Strengthened institutional capacity by delivering Monitoring and Evaluation technical assistance to partner organizations.
- Coached and mentored teams to improve institutional monitoring capabilities.
- Supported development of monitoring frameworks and reporting systems.
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Land O’Lakes Inc.
11.2011 - 11.2012
- Developed monitoring frameworks, survey tools, databases, and reporting systems to support data-driven decision-making.
- Coordinated Monitoring and Evaluation activities across three programme regions to enhance program effectiveness.
- Managed Monitoring and Evaluation functions supporting implementation of the Tanzania Dairy Development Programme funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Managed programme data collection, ensuring quality assurance and timely reporting to inform stakeholders.
- Trained programme staff and implementing partners in Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies.
Seed Production Manager
Suba-Agro Trading & Engineering Company
06.2011 - 11.2011
- Managed commercial hybrid maize seed production operations, facilitating agricultural technology transfer to farmers.
- Managed approximately 400 acres of hybrid maize seed production.
- Developed production schedules, enhancing field supervision and ensuring quality assurance.
- Managed production trials and demonstration activities.
- Strengthened market linkages, connecting seed producers with farming communities to improve access to quality seeds.
Researcher & Data Analysis Officer
Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC)
06.2010 - 06.2011
- Conducted statistical analysis of research data to inform evidence-based agricultural practices.
- Designed agricultural research experiments and sampling approaches to enhance data collection and analysis.
- Supported agricultural research through experimental design, statistical analysis, and dissemination of research findings to strengthen evidence-based agricultural practices.
- Prepared technical reports and research publications to share findings with stakeholders and support agricultural development.
- Developed farmer guidance materials based on research findings.
- Now World Vegetable Center
Needs Assessment Consultant
ADRA Tanzania & Under The Same Sun
01.2011 - 03.2011
- Conducted baseline and needs assessments to shape effective program design for interventions supporting people with albinism.
- Developed assessment tools and data collection instruments to enhance data accuracy and reliability.
- Facilitated field data collection and stakeholder consultations to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
- Analyzed assessment findings.
- Developed evidence-based recommendations to guide programme planning and implementation.
Education
Master of Science (MSc) - Research Methodologies
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
Kenya01-2011
Master of Science (MSc) - Tropical Animal Production
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Tanzania01-2009
Advanced Certificate - Applied Statistics
University of Reading
United Kingdom01-2009
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Animal Sciences
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Tanzania01-2008
Skills
- MEL design
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
- Performance management
- Program evaluation
- Data analysis
- Qualitative research
- Strategic information management
Languages
- English, Professional Working Proficiency
- Swahili, Native Proficiency
Executive Profile - Summary
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning (MERL), Strategic Information, and Performance Management professional with over 15 years of progressive experience supporting donor-funded development programmes through strengthened performance management systems, evidence generation, organizational learning, and data-driven decision-making. Demonstrated expertise in designing and strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems that improve programme performance, accountability, and adaptive management. Extensive experience supporting complex development portfolios by strengthening performance measurement, strategic information systems, research, evaluations, data quality assurance, and knowledge management to enable informed decision-making. Served for more than a decade as the Economic Growth Performance Management, Evaluation and Learning Specialist with USAID/Tanzania, providing technical leadership in performance monitoring, Performance Management Plans (PMPs), Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA), partner capacity strengthening, portfolio reporting, and evidence generation across a diverse portfolio of donor-funded programmes. Contributed to the modernization of USAID performance information systems through support to the transition of Feed the Future monitoring processes into the Development Information Solution (DIS), helping strengthen digital performance management and reporting. Combines advanced academic training in Research Methodologies, Applied Statistics, and Animal Sciences with practical experience supporting programmes in agriculture, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, private sector development, infrastructure, policy reform, energy, institutional strengthening, youth development, and civil society. Recognized for analytical thinking, collaborative leadership, technical advisory services, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate complex data into practical recommendations that improve programme quality, organizational performance, and development outcomes.
Timeline
Independent Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning (MERL) & Strategic Information Consultant
Independent Consultant
08.2025 - Current
Economic Growth Performance Management, Evaluation & Learning Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Tanzania
11.2014 - 08.2025
Youth Project Consultant
International Labour Organization (ILO)
07.2013 - 10.2013
Programme Officer – Monitoring & Evaluation
Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), Tanzania
11.2012 - 11.2014
Project Consultant – Monitoring & Evaluation
Legal Services Facility (LSF), Tanzania
11.2011 - 11.2012
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Land O’Lakes Inc.
11.2011 - 11.2012
Seed Production Manager
Suba-Agro Trading & Engineering Company
06.2011 - 11.2011
Needs Assessment Consultant
ADRA Tanzania & Under The Same Sun
01.2011 - 03.2011
Researcher & Data Analysis Officer
Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC)
06.2010 - 06.2011
Master of Science (MSc) - Research Methodologies
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
Master of Science (MSc) - Tropical Animal Production
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Advanced Certificate - Applied Statistics
University of Reading
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Animal Sciences
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)