Emilie SWALENS
NIVELLES
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in monitoring, evaluation, and research for international organizations, focusing on food security, livelihood, and social protection. Demonstrated expertise in conducting strategic research and assessments across various humanitarian and development contexts. Proficient in team management and capacity building, leading to improved monitoring and evaluation practices.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM)
World Food Programme
Manila, Philippines
05.2023 - 12.2025
- Coordinated and implemented research, assessments, and monitoring and evaluation efforts across all Country Strategic Plan activities;
- Provided technical advice and support to WFP and its partners on matters pertaining to food security and nutrition assessments, strategies, policies and programmes;
- Led the development and managed the implementation of M&E and Community Feedback Mechanisms for the Country Office in line with corporate requirements;
- Provided technical support for the CO's evaluation portfolio, providing oversight and ensuring high profession standards in line with WFP Evaluation Policy and Decentralized Evaluation Quality Assurance System (DEQAS);
- Managed a mixed team of 10 people in 2 locations comprising of assessment officers (2), Database Manager (1), M&E manager (1) and Monitoring assistants (6).
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator
Concern Worldwide
Freetown, Sierra Leone
11.2020 - 03.2023
- Supervised the conduct of research, context analysis and needs assessment for new programmes and supported the preparation of project concept notes, proposals and logical frameworks;
- Coordinated MEAL activities across all programmes: development of MEAL plans and tools, data collection, analysis and reporting;
- Coordinated the implementation and maintenance of the country programme learning agenda through quantitative and qualitative monitoring and accountability to beneficiaries of Concern's programmes;
- Managed a mixed team of 10 people in 3 locations comprising of M&E manager (1), M&E officers (7), Gender and Equality Supervisor (1) and Accountability Supervisor (1).
Head of VAM (2017-2019)/ Head of VAM & M&E (2019-2020)
World Food Programme
05.2017 - 07.2020
- Led socio-economic vulnerability analyzes on food and nutritional security and markets to inform strategies, policies, and programmes of WFP country office in Haiti;
- Supported the government in setting up Food Security Monitoring System and conducting Food Security assessments and analysis (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, Emergency Food Security Assessment, Crop and Food Security Assessment, Market Analysis, Food price monitoring bulletins, Remote Food Security Monitoring, …);
- Contributed to the drafting of the National Social Protection and Promotion Policy notably on targeting systems, beneficiaries' management database and shock responsive components;
- Managed a mixed team of 15 people in 3 locations comprising of VAM national officer (1), GIS assistant (1), Survey Specialist (1), COMET assistant (1), Beneficiary Feedback Coordinator (1), Food Aid Monitor (5), Data Analyst (1) and the Information System technical team (4).
Emergency Program Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
International Rescue Committee
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Oversaw the design and implementation of tools and methodologies for the vulnerability assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of humanitarian assistance activities before, during, and after interventions;
- In collaboration with UNICEF, played a key role in the revision and improvement of the multi-sectoral assessment methodology and tools;
- Monitored the humanitarian situation in 3 provinces and contributed to the prioritization of areas of interventions;
- Ensured the correct application of accountability, protection and gender protocols during evaluations and implementation of activities through training of staff and partners and updating of protocols and methodologies;
- Managed a mixed team of 14 people in 3 locations comprising of the multi-sectoral assessment team (4), M&E managers (2), M&E officers (5), Protection and accountability officers (2) and Data Analyst (1).
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Aide au Développement Gembloux (ENABEL Junior Programme)
Thies, Senegal
10.2013 - 09.2015
- Developed and implemented Monitoring and Evaluation systems and processes for all ADG projects;
- Contributed to the development and management of an integrated knowledge management system on food security for smallholder farmers;
- Ensured the systematic collection of data, interpretation, analysis, and dissemination of data for reporting and learning purposes.
Education
Master - Public Health (guidance policy and system in developing countries)
University of Brussels (ULB)
01.2009
Master - Anthropology/Sociology
University of Brussels (ULB)
01.2007
Skills
- Food security and Livelihood
- Social Protection
- Data analysis and Reporting
- Evaluation and Research
- Adaptive Programming
- Team Management
- Communication and Coordination
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking
- Facilitation and Training
- Capacity Building
Languages
French
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
Computer Skills
- Proficient : Word, Excel, Powerpoint, ODK and Kobo Collect.
- Intermediate : Tableau, Iform builder, Q-GIS.
Timeline
Head of Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM)
World Food Programme
05.2023 - 12.2025
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator
Concern Worldwide
11.2020 - 03.2023
Head of VAM (2017-2019)/ Head of VAM & M&E (2019-2020)
World Food Programme
05.2017 - 07.2020
Emergency Program Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
International Rescue Committee
09.2015 - 05.2017
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Aide au Développement Gembloux (ENABEL Junior Programme)
10.2013 - 09.2015
Master - Public Health (guidance policy and system in developing countries)
University of Brussels (ULB)
Master - Anthropology/Sociology
University of Brussels (ULB)