From Projects to Portfolios: How FCDO is Shaping Collective Learning and Coherence (Episode #01)
Abt Global Britain
Global leaders in research & implementation, specialising in climate, global health, governance, MERL & equity.
Welcome to Episode 01 of Systems Practice in International Development. We are delighted to introduce this limited series produced by the Portfolio MEL (PMEL) programme in Nepal, funded by the British Embassy Kathmandu and implemented by Abt Global.
We talk about systems practice through an action-oriented lens and see what has and has not worked in practice. The episodes will debunk complexities around systems thinking, portfolio approaches, adaptive management, PEA in action and evidence use for impact.
In short, some of the deceptively simple or surprisingly complex approaches used today in our sector.
Please note that the views expressed through this podcast reflect those of the hosts and guests only.
Listen to the episode here:
Apple: https://apple.co/3B3CUnD
Meet Your Hosts
Alexandra Nastase is the Lead Technical Director for Abt Global Britain , and the Programme Director for the FCDO-funded Portfolio MEL (PMEL) programme in Nepal. With over 15 years of experience, Alexandra has led large reform and technical assistance programs aimed at improving public sector performance and strengthening civil society. In the past few years, Alexandra worked closely with several development partners, advising on development effectiveness by facilitating learning journeys for Thinking and Working in Systems, transformational partnership building and capacity strengthening, designing and delivering adaptive programmes for addressing complex problems. Alexandra holds a Master’s degree in International Security and Public Policy from the University of Oxford. Reach her at [email protected].
Ankeeta Shrestha is the Deputy Team Lead for FCDO Portfolio Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) Programme implemented by Abt Global Britain . Ankeeta brings over a decade of experience in strategic learning, contributing to high-impact projects in health, education, and inclusion sectors. Her passion lies in translating theories and policies into actionable solutions that drive meaningful change. Ankeeta holds a Master’s in Social Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Reach her at [email protected].
This Episode's Guests
Craig Irwin is the Data, Evidence and Learning Lead for the British High Commission, Nigeria. Dr. Craig Irwin has dedicated over 15 years to advancing the use of statistics, data and evidence for the UK government with experience ranging from Defra, UK department of health, Department for International Development (DFID) Bangladesh and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development office Nepal. He was pivotal in shaping the innovative Portfolio Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) programme in Nepal its initial years and now serves as the lead for the British High Commission in Nigeria.????
Dr. Federica Di Battista?is the Evidence and Knowledge Team Leader at BEK, FCDO. After obtaining her PhD in economics from the University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Federica worked on research projects at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and poverty estimation at the World Bank. She joined Innovations for Poverty Action as research manager for a portfolio of impact evaluation projects focusing on rural and agricultural development in Ghana. And from 2018 she joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK as evaluation expert for the evaluation unit first and then for the Middle East and North Africa regional department. She is currently the evidence and Knowledge team leader at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Nepal also known as the British Embassy Kathmandu.?
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This podcast is produced and hosted by the Portfolio Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) programme in Nepal, funded by the British Embassy Kathmandu and implemented by Abt Global.? Please note, the views expressed through this podcast reflect those of the hosts and guests only.??