Motari Ferdnand Ongeta

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (P-MERL) Expert

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About Me

Motari Ferdnand

Data Analytics & MEAL Expert

With a robust 13 years experience in Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (P-MERL) I have led numerous data-driven initiatives, providing strategic insights and actionable recommendations to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency. I excel in leadership and mentorship, coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve common goals and drive impactful results across multiple countries in Africa and Asia.

I have strong experience in the design and implementation of M&E frameworks and systems to track delivery against outputs, outcomes and impact.

Professional Skills

Analytics Tools

  • Stata
  • R
  • Python
  • SQL
  • Microsoft Excel

Technical

  • Logical Framework Development
  • Indicator Development
  • Report Writing
  • Evaluation Design
  • Planning Methodologies

Research & Experimentation

  • Quantitative Methods
  • Qualitative Methods
  • RCT Experimentation
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Sampling Techniques

Visualization

  • PowerBI
  • Qlick
  • ArcGIS
  • Tableau
  • MS PowerPoint & Excel

Database

  • MySQL
  • SQLite
  • PostgreSQL
  • MS Access

Data Capture

  • ODK
  • KoBo Toolbox
  • SurveyCTO
  • CSPro
  • CommCare

Soft Skills

  • Leadership
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cultural & Diplomatic Skills

Professional Experience

Jan 2022 - Present

Manager, Data Analytics and Learning

Evidence Action

Leading data analytics and learning initiatives across multiple projects in Africa and Asia, focusing on Safe Water Now, Deworm the World, Maternal Syphilis Screening, and Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation programs.

Key Achievements:

  • Led the development of MEAL frameworks to guide program expansion into new geographies
  • Designed and implemented a data quality assurance system that improved data quality by 80%
  • Developed a data analytics strategy that improved program efficiency by 50%
  • Conducted research to guide program scale-up in Nigeria, data collection method in Malawi, delivery mechanisms in Kenya and volunteer motivation and retention Uganda
  • Led the publishing of the first externally facing research paper from the MEAL team
  • Built an easily accessible reporting system for all internal reports and dashboards
  • Effectively led the integration of DtW program data into Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health data systems in Kenya and Pakistan
  • Initiated a staff retention program that improved employee retention rates by over 90%
Jan 2019 - Dec 2021

Associate Manager, Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation

Evidence Action

Supported multiple projects including Safe Water Now, Deworm the World, and National Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis(NPELF) in Kenya.

Key Achievements:

  • Researched, piloted, and implemented electronic data collection in Kenya and Pakistan, improving reporting timelines by 85% with over 90% cost reduction
  • Spearheaded and trained the data analytics team to customize data management and analysis scripts that enhanced data quality, compliance and reproducibility.
  • Coordinated and supervised consultants for independent activities ensuring that they adhere to the set quality standards
  • Developed a dynamic data system for the NPELF program that is currently in use by the Kenya Ministry of Health DVBNTD department
  • Supported scoping activities for new programs withing the Africa region providing critical quality data and desk reviews of potential programs and their scalability
  • Researched, tested and specified well-targeted performance indicators for the programs leading to improved decision making by the program and leadership teams.
Mar 2016 - Dec 2018

Senior Associate, Data Management

Evidence Action

Supported projects including Dispensers for Safe Water, Deworm the World, National Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, and Winning Start (G-United) in Kenya.

Key Achievements:

  • Overhauled the existing data management pipeline for DtW data by developing progressive SOPs, checklists, and manuals
  • Digitized complex surveys that previously needed consultants and customized them to fit project needs
  • Developed a placement algorithm to help Winning Start volunteers select suitable counties
Apr 2015 - Feb 2018

Data Analytics Consultant

PAL Network / Twaweza East Africa

Provided data analytics consulting services focusing on education monitoring and evaluation.

Key Achievements:

  • Designed and developed PC and mobile Electronic Data Capture systems (CSPro & KoBo Toolbox)
  • Successfully analyzed, interpreted data, and presented findings for managerial action and strategy
  • Automated progress and descriptive analysis reports generation
Aug 2014 - Mar 2015

Data Manager

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Managed data for Urban Reproductive Health Survey (Tupange Project) and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Utilized STATA and SAS statistical software for descriptive and inferential analysis
  • Linked KEMRI databases with Kenya HMIS for easy data export/import and integration
  • Developed SOPs for the data handling process pipeline
  • Performed data quality assessments by conducting consistency, completeness, and accuracy checks
Jan 2012 - May 2014

Regional ICT Assistant

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

Provided ICT support for electoral processes in the Bungoma region.

Key Achievements:

  • Programmed animated maps of polling stations in Bungoma region using SQL and JavaScript
  • Developed tracking systems and scorecards to monitor the voter registration process
  • Set up and managed the regional tallying center for Bungoma county

Key Projects

Safe Water Now (SWN)

Led data analytics, research and learning initiatives for safe water programs across multiple African countries, developing monitoring frameworks and evaluation methodologies.

Data Analytics MEAL Water & Sanitation Research

Deworm the World Initiative

Managed data analytics for deworming programs across Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India, improving reporting systems and integrating with national health information systems.

Health Data Program Evaluation Data Integration

NTD Database Integration

Built Kenya's inaugural Neglected Tropical Diseases database and integrated it with the Kenya Health Information System, enabling better tracking of WASH impacts on disease prevalence.

Database Design Health Informatics Data Integration

Iron and Folic Acid System

Led the development of a data flow system and dashboard that tracks realtime the process and monitoring activities for effective decision making

Dashboard Monitoring Data Integration

Education & Training

2018 - Current

MSc. Health Economics and Policy

The University of Nairobi

2006 - 2010

BA (Economics) with IT

Maseno University

2021

Results-Based Project Management: Monitoring and Evaluation

Wits University

2020

Mastering Data Analysis in Excel

Duke University

2019

Health Financing Policy for Universal Health Coverage

World Health Organization (WHO)

2017

Measuring Health Outcomes in Field Surveys

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL)

Get In Touch

Contact Information

  • Email

    mongeta5@gmail.com

  • Phone

    +254 (0)700 317 457

  • Location

    Nairobi, Kenya