Lutfiyа Farhodova
Broadlands,VA
Summary
Data-driven professional with 15+ years of experience in program analysis, data analytics, monitoring, evaluation, and project management. Skilled in managing MEL systems, performance monitoring, and evaluations for major donors, including USAID, USDA, DFID, World Bank, and the European Commission.
Experienced in quantitative (surveys, data quality assessments, trend analysis) and qualitative (interviews, focus groups) methods to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decision-making. Proficient in tools like Excel, Power BI, SPSS, DevResults, and Airtable to analyze, visualize, and report data insights.
Strong background in project planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination. Ensures data integrity, compliance, and actionable insights to improve program performance and operational efficiency
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist
USAID Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS), Center for Resilience
07.2024 - 02.2025
- Improved resilience and climate adaptation strategies by delivering data-driven insights that influenced USAID-funded programs.
- Enhanced reporting accuracy and data integrity by conducting 60+ Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) for USAID Missions.
- Developed tools, dashboards, and data visualizations to streamline performance monitoring and reporting.
- Identified critical performance trends that informed strategic planning and optimized resource allocation for climate adaptation efforts.
- Refined key metrics in collaboration with USAID Missions and Implementing Partners, driving better alignment between data and program impact.
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Associate
Tetra Tech
09.2018 - 07.2024
- Wrote MEL sections/plans for 25+ proposals, contributing to new business development.
- Led MEL initiatives for a diverse portfolio of 15+ development programs across agriculture, economic growth, environment, water and sanitation, driving data-informed decision-making across Africa, Asia, and Central Asia.
- Increased program effectiveness by designing MEL Plans and performance monitoring systems that improved data tracking and outcome measurement.
- Improved overall project efficiency with the development of user-friendly databases for tracking progress against key indicators.
- Strengthened data integrity and reporting accuracy by conducting data quality assessments, leading to improved compliance with donor requirements.
- Enhanced program evaluations by designing assessment protocols, developing data collection instruments, and ensuring rigorous data analysis and reporting.
- Strengthened MEL capacity across teams by designing and facilitating targeted training sessions on data management, performance monitoring, and adaptive learning, improving staff proficiency and program effectiveness.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USDA/Winrock International (CLEAN Project)
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Developed an M&E system with 6 data collection tools, performance tracking, and a standardized manual, improving data consistency across 12 program target districts.
Led a baseline study covering 1,000+ respondents, ensuring methodological rigor and accurate data collection.
Improved data quality by conducting verification checks, reducing reporting errors by 30%.
Trained 15+ staff and partners on data collection tools, increasing reporting accuracy and efficiency.
Analyzed baseline data, generating insights that informed strategic decisions and improved program outcomes.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USDA/Winrock International (SAFETI Project)
12.2017 - 02.2018
- Designed a counterfactual study aligned with USDA evaluation standards, strengthening program impact assessment.
- Revised the Evaluation and MEL Plans to meet USDA requirements and improve program tracking.
- Developed a Data Management Manual to standardize data collection and reporting across five target regions.
- Optimized data collection by reviewing and refining 10+ forms and templates, improving data accuracy for the program and local partners.
- Provided MEL training and capacity building for the SAFETI M&E team to ensure knowledge transfer.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
Freedom House
10.2017 - 11.2017
- Conducted Data Quality Assessment (DQA) for USAID/Uganda Rule of Law Activity, ensuring data integrity.
- Performed dataset assessments on 36+ key indicators, ensuring data integrity for decision-making
- Identified data inconsistencies, assessed trends, and provided recommendations for system improvements
- Prepared DQA report and collaborated with stakeholders to implement data quality enhancements.
MEL Director/Consultant
USAID/DAI Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI)
08.2017 - 09.2017
- Managed the project's MEL system in DAI TAMIS, ensuring effective data collection and reporting.
- Designed and implemented a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Assessment to evaluate program impact.
- Supported the development of the FY3 work plan, integrating MEL insights into strategic planning
- Enhanced decision-making processes with data-driven insights.
- Analyzed data to identify trends and provide actionable intelligence for business growth.
Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Freedom House
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Designed MEL frameworks for five programs, including results frameworks, indicator selection, and data collection methodologies, improving performance tracking.
- Developed and validated 15+ data collection instruments, enhancing reporting accuracy and data reliability.
- Established data validation and reporting systems for global democracy and governance programs, improving data integrity and compliance.
- Trained 50+ field team members on MEL methodologies, strengthening data management capacity and reporting quality.
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USAID/DAI Integrating Nutrition in Value Chain Program
09.2016 - 10.2016
- Conducted comprehensive data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in program performance.
- Incorporated data visualization techniques in the presentation of complex programmatic information, facilitating stakeholder understanding.
- Prepared a comprehensive progress reports for senior management, highlighting key achievements and challenges faced by programs.
Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
USAID/DAI Agriculture Credit Enhancement Program
08.2015 - 02.2016
- Developed an information management system to streamline monitoring and reporting
- Designed MEL plan, including results frameworks, indicators, and systematic data collection methodologies
- Managed databases and data analysis, ensuring accurate tracking of program indicators
- Developed surveys and administration protocols to assess program impact
- Analyzed data for donor progress reports and produced performance reports, newsletters, and activity updates.
- TAMIS systems, ensuring efficient data reporting and accessibility
- Consistently met tight deadlines in a fast-paced and challenging environment, ensuring timely delivery of progress reports.
Monitoring and Evaluation Director
USAID/VEGA/IESC Capacity Building Change Management Program
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Developed a comprehensive MEL Plan, including the Results Framework, 30+ indicators, and performance reference sheets, improving program tracking and accountability.
- Designed data collection tools and standard operating procedures ensuring effective data collection and reporting.
- Trained 60+ staff members and civil servants on MEL methodologies and best practices, strengthening data management and program evaluation capacity.
- Contributed to project deliverables, including annual work plans and quarterly performance reports, supporting donor compliance and strategic planning.
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
USAID/DAI Feed the Future Family Farming Program
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Designed study methodologies and data collection instruments, ensuring data accuracy.
- Managed data reporting in USAID TraiNet and Feed the Future Monitoring System.
- Conducted baseline and midterm assessments with 2000+ participants, data analysis and prepared reports.
- Enhanced data reporting by integrating advanced analytical tools.
- Facilitated workshops to train staff on evaluation techniques.
- Conducted rigorous data analysis to inform evidence-based recommendations for program improvements.
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation/Grants Manager
Mountain Societies Development Support Programme, Aga Khan Foundation
04.2011 - 08.2012
- Managed grants and donor reporting for 15+ organizations, including USAID, USDA, Oxfam Novib, MCF, EC, NFG, TCF, UNU, KfW, World Bank, and ADB
- Monitored program activities, focusing on WASH, humanitarian assistance, and economic development
- Led design & implementation of surveys, case studies, and impact assessments
- Tracked, aggregated, and analyzed data across multiple sources
- Prepared donor reports on program outcomes and outputs
Evaluation, Research and Learning Coordinator
Aga Khan Foundation (Afghanistan)
06.2010 - 03.2011
- Led baseline studies, impact assessments, and program evaluations to measure project effectiveness.
- Monitored program performance, ensuring alignment with grant objectives and expenditure tracking.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to review data insights and inform decision-making.
Cross-Border Program Manager
Aga Khan Foundation (Afghanistan)
11.2008 - 05.2010
- Managed a $10M program portfolio, overseeing planning, implementation, and progress monitoring
- Conducted performance data tracking and analysis to assess program impact and alignment with work plans
- Facilitated cross-border collaboration, engaging stakeholders and government officials from Tajikistan and Afghanistan
- Led diverse teams to achieve project milestones, delivering high-quality results.
- Developed comprehensive project plans for optimizing resource utilization and tracking progress.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Strengthened project outcomes, monitoring performance metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
Policy and Evaluation Coordinator/Officer
Aga Khan Foundation (Mountain Societies Development Support Program)
11.2000 - 07.2006
- Collected, analyzed, and consolidated program data to assess impact and inform decision-making.
- Designed and conducted evaluations, case studies, surveys, and focus group discussions to support evidence-based programming.
- Developed M&E methodologies and trained local staff on data collection and analysis
- Monitored and evaluated program interventions, ensuring alignment with project goals
- Led a team of enumerators to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement by presenting findings in clear, accessible formats.
Education
M.A. - Social Work, Concentration on Social and Economic Development
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Linguistics
Khorog State University
Khorog , Tajikistan06.2000
Skills
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Performance Monitoring/ KPI tracking
- Research and Evaluation
- Data Quality Assurance
- Data Collection and Management
- Data Analysis and Visualization
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- SPSS, Airtable, DevResults, KoboToolbox, Power BI
- Knowledge management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
Geographic Experience
DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Consultancies
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 04/01/14, 05/31/14, Conducted Baseline and End-line Surveys on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Afghan refugees in Tajikistan.
- Afghanaid, Kabul, Afghanistan, 08/01/14, 08/31/14, Conducted an impact study on domestic violence against women in Baharak District, Badakhshan Province.
- UNICEF, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 11/01/12, 12/31/12, Led an Impact Assessment on Khutbas/Sermons regarding public knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards violence against women and children.
Professional Development
- Training on Results-Based Management (RBM), Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva, Tajikistan, 06/01/12
- Training on Developing Research and Grant Proposals, Central Asia & Caucasus Research & Training Initiative, Central European University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 10/01/11
- Training on Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods, Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva, UAE, 05/01/11
- Summer School - Pro-Poor Policy & Social Inclusion, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary, 07/01/04
Selected Affiliations
- Graduate Intern, International Institute, Saint Louis, MO, USA, 07/01/07, 12/31/07
- Graduate Intern, Washington University (Dr. Gautam Yadama's Research Team), 01/01/07, 06/30/07
Languages
Tajik
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Russian
Full Professional
Timeline
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist
USAID Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS), Center for Resilience
07.2024 - 02.2025
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Associate
Tetra Tech
09.2018 - 07.2024
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USDA/Winrock International (CLEAN Project)
05.2018 - 08.2018
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USDA/Winrock International (SAFETI Project)
12.2017 - 02.2018
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
Freedom House
10.2017 - 11.2017
MEL Director/Consultant
USAID/DAI Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI)
08.2017 - 09.2017
Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Freedom House
05.2017 - 08.2017
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist/Consultant
USAID/DAI Integrating Nutrition in Value Chain Program
09.2016 - 10.2016
Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
USAID/DAI Agriculture Credit Enhancement Program
08.2015 - 02.2016
Monitoring and Evaluation Director
USAID/VEGA/IESC Capacity Building Change Management Program
09.2014 - 06.2015
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
USAID/DAI Feed the Future Family Farming Program
08.2012 - 08.2014
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation/Grants Manager
Mountain Societies Development Support Programme, Aga Khan Foundation
04.2011 - 08.2012
Evaluation, Research and Learning Coordinator
Aga Khan Foundation (Afghanistan)
06.2010 - 03.2011
Cross-Border Program Manager
Aga Khan Foundation (Afghanistan)
11.2008 - 05.2010
Policy and Evaluation Coordinator/Officer
Aga Khan Foundation (Mountain Societies Development Support Program)
11.2000 - 07.2006
M.A. - Social Work, Concentration on Social and Economic Development
Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Linguistics
Khorog State University
Similar Profiles
OMEGA JACQUELINE JUMAOMEGA JACQUELINE JUMA
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Malawi Food Security and Resilience Program (MFSRP)Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Malawi Food Security and Resilience Program (MFSRP)
Mariam FuseiniMariam Fuseini
Manager- Administration & Facilities Manager at USAID Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning (IRRP) Project implemented by ICF (Macro)Manager- Administration & Facilities Manager at USAID Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning (IRRP) Project implemented by ICF (Macro)
Olivia ScuderiOlivia Scuderi
Policy Intern at Montgomery County Office of Food Systems and ResiliencePolicy Intern at Montgomery County Office of Food Systems and Resilience