MALINTLE LEHATA Resume
-/- *- * Maseru, Lesotho
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ama-amekye-lehata-49668a1b3/
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dynamic Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and researcher with over 8 years of experience leading M&E initiatives. Expertise in data collection, analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, visualization, designing comprehensive M&E systems and developing SMART indicators. Skilled in developing research methodologies, managing large datasets. Successfully supervised diverse teams, ensuring data quality and integrity across various platforms, and created impactful visuals for donor reporting. Proven track record in conducting performance audits and capacity building with partner organizations. Committed to driving the long-term strategic goals of any organization through evidence-based insights and efficient data management.
WORK EXPERIENCE
1.Research Specialist, Sonke Gender Justice, Johannesburg (South Africa) remotely from Maseru, Lesotho
April 2025- Current
Key Achievements
Led a project titled “Intersectional Synergies: Advancing SRHR and GBV through Transdisciplinary Innovation”.
Developed the project’s foundational Terms of reference which were used to guide implementation of the project.
Developed project surveys, interviews and other relevant data collection tools.
Led the project learning agenda framework development
Supervised five field cadre remotely
Developed project research protocol and oversaw approval process.
Completed the following trainings: “Introduction to ethics”, “research ethics evaluation”, “Public health research ethics”
Supported programming team with the development of research articles, best practices documents, surveys and case studies.
Assisted the organisation with descriptive analysis.
Conducted Data quality Audits and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assisted with the writing of funding proposals.
2. Research Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (RMEL) Specialist, Sonke Gender Justice, Maseru
September 2023 – March 2025
Key Achievements
Led the project M&E and provided technical support to four Implementing Partners (IPs).
Contributed to and updated the project Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP), including SMART, gender-sensitive, and inclusive indicators.
Designed and led research initiatives to generate new evidence on emerging project issues, through the development of the project learning agenda.
Provided M&E guidance and support to three implementing partners (LPPA, Seinoli Legal Centre and Phelisanang Bophelong) during project implementation, which led to the successful RDQA commissioned by the USAID.
Contributed to policy development, including reviewing and revising the National GBV referral tools
Led the project team and IPs in the transition from manual paper-based reporting to real-time data collection and reporting.
Developed project risk register which was used to identify, track and mitigate potential risks the project had control of.
Contributed to the organization’s long-term strategy and operational plan.
Engaged in resource mobilization efforts and led M&E components of two proposals.
Finalized and documented formative research findings to inform strategic decision making and project implementation.
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Maseru
March 2021 – September 2023
Key Achievements
Provided guidance and support to two implementing partners under four (4) projects funded by CRS, UNICEF, and USAID.
Conducted qualitative and quantitative data analysis, producing reports for stakeholders and donors.
Led M&E for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Child and Nutrition, and Faith and community initiative projects.
Enhanced learning within CRS through learning events, learning reports presented and shared with key government stakeholders and donors.
Contributed to the formulation of the organization’s M&E policies and strategies specific to data management and reporting.
Trained CRS partner staff in conducting field-based M&E activities and utilizing online/remote data collection applications.
Introduced participatory M&E methodologies for data collection and analysis.
Created and documented Feedback, Complaints, and Response Mechanism for project implementation.
Executed quarterly Data Quality Assessments in collaboration with partner organizations.
Ensured compliance with international M&E standards during project implementation.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL), Thaba Tseka
January 2020 – March 2021
Key Achievements
Collected, collated, and analyzed site/programmatic data, ensuring accuracy prior to reporting.
Created patient tracking register/template to aid in identifying and tracking HIV+ patients to be linked into care and treatment.
Supported programmatic teams in data collection, management and visualization for strategic reporting.
Maintained the project's database to ensure all data was current and accurate.
Periodically presented quantitative project progress to the Thaba Tseka district health partners.
Completed code of Ethics training with PSI (Population Services International)
5. Lead Project Enumerator and Data Assistant, Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), Maseru
September 2016 – January 2020
Key Achievements
Lead a team of enumerators in the collection of household data for the development of the Climate Change Policy (Funded by EU).
Conducted household surveys and democratic research across Lesotho’s 10 districts.
Managed data entry, cleaning and analysis to track environmental and social indicators
Regularly gathered data to evaluate the achievement of performance indicators
EDUCATION
1. Doctor of Philosophy- Development Studies, Specialization in Human Development- Africa Research University, Zambia
June 2025- Current
2. Master of Philosophy, Monitoring and Evaluation - Stellenbosch University (SUN), Western Cape, South Africa
January 2023 – March 2025
3. Postgraduate Diploma, Monitoring and Evaluation - Stellenbosch University (SUN), Western
Cape, South Africa
January 2018 – March 2019
4. Bachelor of Arts, Social Science, Majoring in Sociology and Development Studies - National University of Lesotho (NUL), Maseru, Lesotho,
August 2012 – September 2016
5. General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) - Machabeng International College, Maseru, Lesotho
August 2007 – July 2012
Data collection and management
Data visualization
M&E methodologies
Familiarization with international M&E standards (OECD-DAC criteria)
Data analysis: Atlas.ti, Commcare, Power Bi, SPSS & Microsoft packages
Excellent problem-solving skills
Report writing and communication
Familiar with donor reporting systems
Data Quality Assessments
Capacity building
Use of online tools i.e survey monkey, google forms
Critical thinker, flexible and patient
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Sesotho (Fluent)
French (Basic)
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Mr. Makhetha Moshabesha
Sonke Gender Justice
Program Manager
Maseru, Lesotho -
-
Dr. Jacob Segale
Sonke Gender Justice
RMEL Unit Manager
Johannesburg, South Africa-
+27 -
Dr. Mosiuoa Ramakoele
Millenium Challenge Corporation
Gender expert
Maseru, Lesotho -
-