The introduction of The Molly Hageboeck Award for Excellence in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) is a heartfelt tribute, marking a significant moment in honoring the enduring legacy of an exceptional figure in the field of MEL, the late Molly Hageboeck.
This award is established to honor and continue the legacy and impact of Molly Hageboeck’s work in the field. It seeks to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions in MEL, covering areas of methodology, practice, and capacity building. It is designed to acknowledge those who mirror Molly’s commitment to practical, rigorous, and impactful work in MEL, offering a platform for professionals, teams, and organizations globally to showcase their innovative approaches and achievements in the field. Through this award, her dedication to excellence in MEL will inspire current and future generations, fostering a continued evolution and improvement in international development practices.
Award Categories
Key Dates
Commencement of Award Submissions and Review Committee Applications.
November 10
Closure of Award Submissions and Review Committee Applications.
January 15
Shortlisting Phase.
February 1 - February 15
Public Voting Phase (For Scholarships).
February 16 - March 1
Final Review and Selection.
March 15
Award Ceremony and Cocktail Reception.
April (TBA)
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries, reflecting the innovative spirit of Molly Hageboeck. Submissions will be evaluated on innovation, potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with Molly Hageboeck’s values. The award ceremony in April will honor the awardees, echoing Molly Hageboeck’s profound contributions to MEL.
About Molly Hageboeck
Molly Hageboeck, who served as I4DI’s MERL Director Emerita and was a recipient of USAID’s Excellence in Evaluation Award, leaves behind a profound legacy as an expert in MEL system design and improvement. Her distinguished career was marked by pivotal roles, including providing technical leadership for USAID’s MEL projects across Uganda, South Sudan, and within USAID’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment. Her seminal works, notably “Meta Evaluation of the Quality and Coverage of USAID Evaluations” and “Evaluation Utilization at USAID,” stand as key resources in the MEL domain. Her critical evaluation of the U.S. government’s major trade capacity initiatives led to significant policy reforms and the development of Project Starter, an extensive online MEL training tool. Her unwavering commitment to advancing MEL practices through her groundbreaking research and educational programs at leading universities has left an indelible mark on the field.
