EAFIT University, situated in Medellín, Colombia, serves as S²Cities’ global monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) partner, contributing to the creation, synthesis, and dissemination of new knowledge to support research and learning. As an organisation recognized for its public utility and dedication to activities of general interest, EAFIT University is deeply committed to fostering knowledge in all its forms and expressions.
In its role as S²Cities’ global MEL partner, the university will be responsible for various tasks, including the development of the program’s global MEL framework, ensuring that implementing and management partners, as well as key sub-partners, are well-informed about MEL activities and processes, and overseeing the timely delivery of evaluation reports as outlined in the workplan.
In this interview, researcher and team leader, Juan Carlos Munoz Mora talks about various aspects related to EAFIT University’s involvement in the S²Cities programme. As we complete 2 years of S²Cities, he also shares insights from comprehensive data collected across all programme cities.
1. City Collab (CCO): What is your organisation’s role in the S²Cities programme? What is the expected outcome of your organisation’s contribution to the programme?
Juan Carlos (JC): The role of EAFIT’s team is to develop and facilitate the implementation of the integrated Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (iMEL) framework, characterised by its flexibility, adaptability, and firmly grounded evidence-based practices. This framework serves as a reference guide for all programme partners, and we also provide training to ensure that programme partners fully grasp and apply the MEL Framework.
The expected outcome of our organisation’s contribution is to empower every programme stakeholder, including the young participants, with the essential tools and knowledge they need to monitor and evaluate their initiatives effectively. Through this guidance, our primary goal is to amplify the overall impact of the S²Cities programme, fostering cities as safer and more secure environments for young people. We strive to ensure that data-driven decision-making and a commitment to continuous improvement are firmly ingrained in the core of programme activities.
Here are some insights from the comprehensive data collected across all programme cities.
2. CCO: Could you describe your organisation’s plan of action for its contribution to the programme?
JC: Our organisation’s plan of action for contributing to the programme involves several key steps. Firstly, we focus on the theorization of the iMEL framework. We also engage in co-creation by gathering feedback from partners to develop the Indicator Reference Sheet and framework guides. Additionally, we’re committed to the development of a Mentorship program aimed at helping local grantees and young individuals effectively implement the MEL Framework.
Furthermore, we’re creating an iMEL toolkit to streamline data collection, analysis, and sharing. We maintain ongoing support for local grantees as they work towards their objectives, scaling up lessons learned. Lastly, we emphasise knowledge transfer between partners and other stakeholders for a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
3. CCO: What is the process that your organisation usually undertakes when conceptualising and carrying out projects?
JC: Based on the capacities and knowledge built on previous projects, EAFIT establishes a proposal that satisfies the needs of its stakeholders. EAFIT studies the proposal and consolidates an ideal professional team considering the strengths of the University and its members.
A good practice of EAFIT’s projects is the collaborative nature between projects. We focus on giving our mark and developing innovative initiatives.
5. CCO: What do you love about working at your organisation and its process?
JC: Projects such as S²Cities allow the generation of knowledge, methods, and tools that influence society positively and satisfactorily, improving populations’ economic and social development, which helps find mechanisms to transform lives.
6. CCO: What excites you the most about the S²Cities programme? What do you look forward to the most?
JC: The construction of new knowledge, skills, and experiences using innovative techniques and tools, finding new methods to analyse and understand the diverse population contexts, and evidence that guarantees paths of change and transformation for young people.
7. How does iMEL align with the Theory of Change for S²Cities programme?
JC: The iMEL Framework is the practical tool operationalising the Theory of Change for S²Cities programme. It provides the means to measure progress, make informed decisions, and adapt strategies to achieve the programme’s goals and objectives.
The iMEL framework aligns with the Theory of Change in several key ways. First, it enhances the clarity of goals by defining specific objectives within the S²Cities programme, ensuring that partners’ activities align with the desired outcomes outlined in the Theory of Change. Second, iMEL promotes evidence-based decision-making, in line with the Theory’s principle that data and evidence should underpin actions for maximum impact. Third, it facilitates continuous learning and improvement, a central tenet of the Theory of Change, by offering a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation, enabling partners to assess effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Finally, both iMEL and the Theory emphasise accountability and transparency; iMEL provides a structured approach to track and report progress, ensuring partners are responsible for their contributions and outcomes.
