Senior Strategic Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Areas of expertise include:

• Fragility, conflict and violence prevention

• Change management & capacity strengthening

• Program and evaluations design

Ms. Valentini is a Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (MEL) professional with over 16 years of experience leading MEL activities for international programs in human rights, democracy and governance, and countering violent extremism (CVE) across Central Asia, MENA, and West and East Africa. A proven leader in change management and digital transformation, she has successfully designed and institutionalized MEL systems, integrating AI-driven tools, web-based platforms, and data analytics to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and drive adaptive learning.

Ms. Valentini has a strong track record of securing funding, developing standardized MEL frameworks, ensuring data quality, and equipping staff with tools for evidence-based decision-making. She has designed and conducted evaluations for US and EU-funded projects and served as a key liaison for externally managed evaluations. Throughout her career with Washington, DC-based and international organizations, she has strengthened MEL capacity through strategic planning, performance measurement, and digital innovation, ensuring sustainable impact.

She holds a Master of Science in Peace Operations (International Security) from George Mason University, specializing in international interventions, post-conflict reconstruction, security, human rights, and diplomacy. An alumna of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET), she also holds multiple certifications in MEL methodologies and emerging technologies for evaluation.