Abuelqasem Ali
MEAL · Data · Humanitarian Programmes

Abuelqasem Ali

MEAL & Data Analysis Professional

I bring more than ten years of experience across MEAL and data analysis in humanitarian and development sectors, combining strong monitoring systems with practical data analysis to turn complex information into clear evidence for decision-making, learning, and programme improvement.

qasemalshiakhali@gmail.com +34 622 342 213 Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
Scroll
About

I am a MEAL and Data analysis professional with more than ten years of experience working across humanitarian and development programmes. I work across the full data cycle — from designing MEAL frameworks, indicators and data-quality processes to cleaning, analysing and visualising data. My experience across different international NGOs and multi-partner programmes has helped me combine strong programme knowledge with practical analytical skills, turning complex data into clear insights that support decision-making and programme improvement. I work with tools including Power BI,Excel, KoboToolbox, CommCare, SPSS, SQL and Python.

0
Years designing & running MEAL systems
0
MEAL roles across four organisations
0
Institutional donors behind the programmes I've led
European Union (EU) ECHO USAID AECID GIZ Embassy of France
0
Independent evaluation & MEAL consultancies
Experience

Sixteen Years, One Thread: Turning Programme Data Into Decisions.

Key Achievement

Produced a fully automated prototype, EU SEE, designed to turn multiple source products into structured, connected analysis.

  • Conducted a needs assessment of the EU SEE monitoring system, research products and dashboard, reviewing data formats, consistency, volume, security considerations and analytical usability.
  • Consulted with CIVICUS, Hivos, consortium partners and network members to understand their monitoring needs, data‑collection challenges, reporting gaps and priorities for the new system.
  • Reviewed EU SEE monitoring products, including Early Warning Alerts, Enabling Environment Snapshots and Country Focus Reports, to assess how information was collected, organised and presented.
  • Developed a multi‑layer analytical framework and coding system to organise qualitative data by Enabling Environment principle, theme, region, type of development, severity and trend.
  • Recommended data structures to support cross‑country comparisons, time‑series tracking, thematic analysis and aggregation across different EU SEE products.
  • Developed a prototype concept for a structured database connected to a dashboard to organise data, analyse patterns and generate insights for research, grant‑making and advocacy.
Key Achievement

Led data collection, analysis and insight-generation for ACF initiatives, and led MEAL consortium coordination for an ECHO‑funded WASH & FSL project jointly implemented by ACF and ACTED.

  • Consolidated and quality‑assured MEAL data from multiple projects and country teams, improving the accuracy and consistency of information used for reporting, advocacy and management decisions.
  • Led qualitative and quantitative analysis for the ECHO‑funded Hunger and Conflict initiative, implemented across several countries in the MENA region.
  • Cleaned and combined multi‑country datasets, produced statistical summaries and cross‑tabulations, and identified regional patterns, information gaps and emerging trends.
  • Translated findings from the Hunger and Conflict initiative into clear evidence for advocacy campaigns, analytical reports, communication products and policy discussions.
  • Designed and refined indicators, data‑collection tools and Results Measurement Frameworks in line with organisational and donor requirements.
  • Produced accessible dashboards, charts, analytical summaries and impact narratives for technical teams, management, headquarters and non‑technical audiences.
  • Supported field and technical teams through coaching, onboarding and practical guidance on data quality, analysis, documentation and the use of evidence for programme learning and adaptive management.
Key Achievement

Built a fully automated beneficiary (BNF) data‑tracking system for the Gaza emergency response.

  • Designed and implemented mission‑level MEAL systems for multi‑donor and multi‑sector programmes, including MEAL Frameworks, results frameworks, indicators, survey tools, data‑management workflows and reporting schedules.
  • Led the implementation and standardisation of KoboToolbox for Action Against Hunger teams in Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory, supporting digital survey design, testing, data collection and data management.
  • Maintained indicator‑tracking systems across concurrent projects and monitored progress against targets, workplans and donor commitments.
  • Conducted routine data‑quality reviews to identify missing information, inconsistencies, duplication and reporting gaps, and coordinated corrective actions with programme teams.
  • Developed and maintained centralised databases, dashboards and visual summaries to support real‑time monitoring, management decisions and donor reporting.
  • Strengthened accountability and community‑feedback mechanisms, ensuring that feedback from communities and partners informed programme improvements.
  • Developed MEAL guidance, capacity‑building materials, data‑management protocols and system documentation, and coached staff and local partners on their use, supporting progressive partner ownership of the system.
  • Facilitated review and reflection sessions with programme teams and partners as part of the learning agenda, documenting lessons and agreeing on adaptive programme changes.
Key Achievement

Led the rollout of the Automated Digital System (ADS) initiative across ACF's Palestine field bases.

  • Led MEAL activities across more than three EU‑funded projects and other institutional donor‑funded programmes, ensuring consistent monitoring, data quality and donor reporting.
  • Served as Consortium MEAL Lead for the three‑year EU‑funded PEOPLE project, coordinating MEAL activities with consortium members and local implementing partners.
  • Developed the Terms of Reference for the Consortium MEAL Working Group and led its coordination, technical discussions and follow‑up actions.
  • Led the development and implementation of the full PEOPLE project MEAL plan and Results Measurement Framework, including EU indicator definitions, data sources, collection methods, targets, responsibilities and reporting timelines.
  • Developed and implemented the project accountability and feedback system jointly with local partners, helping strengthen partner ownership and community participation.
  • Consolidated and reviewed partner data, monitored progress against EU indicators and targets, and identified data‑quality issues and implementation gaps.
  • Supported the management of project information through the relevant EU grant‑monitoring system and prepared evidence for EU progress reports.
  • Led the project's mid‑term review, coordinated data collection and analysis, and contributed to the preparation of findings and recommendations for EU reporting.
  • Conducted joint monitoring visits and partner capacity‑strengthening coaching, using data‑review sessions to address performance and data‑quality gaps and support partners' progressive ownership of the MEAL system.
  • Facilitated learning sessions and documented lessons as part of the project's learning agenda, supporting evidence‑based, adaptive programme management.
Key Achievement

Designed and developed a MEAL project‑tracking tool used across the mission's active projects.

  • Contributed to the design and implementation of project MEAL frameworks, annual reviews, participatory assessments, process monitoring and lessons‑learned activities.
  • Designed and maintained a Beneficiary Information System that integrated beneficiary records, sector indicators, project indicators, data‑quality controls and reporting requirements.
  • Developed digital data‑collection tools using KoboToolbox and CommCare and supported tool testing, field‑team training, data collection, cleaning and validation.
  • Built Power BI and advanced Excel dashboards for WASH and Food Security and Livelihoods projects, enabling field teams and headquarters to monitor indicators and implementation progress.
  • Produced maps, graphs and visual summaries for programme teams, headquarters, donors, clusters and advocacy colleagues.
  • Analysed monitoring data to assess project performance, identify implementation bottlenecks and recommend corrective or adaptive actions.
  • Conducted routine data checks to identify missing values, inconsistencies, duplicate records and data‑entry errors before information was used in dashboards and reports.
  • Trained staff on database management, digital data collection, data‑quality procedures and the use of monitoring information for decision‑making.
  • Oversaw daily project implementation with partner staff and field teams, providing technical support to ensure timely, high‑quality execution.
  • Led the pre‑screening and verification process for beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with programme targets and MEAL standards.
  • Planned and monitored entrepreneurship support activities for small‑business beneficiaries, including mentoring sessions and grant follow‑up, to track progress and ensure programme effectiveness.
  • Analysed beneficiary data and verification results to inform MEAL indicators, support decision‑making, and prepare reports for the Project Manager.
  • Reviewed and maintained documentation and reports to ensure compliance with programme guidelines and donor accountability requirements.
Key Achievement

Played a key planning role in a UNRWA initiative that set 5 Guinness World Records.

  • Led the design and implementation of MEAL frameworks and digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox), ensuring effective monitoring and donor‑compliant reporting across multiple projects.
  • Designed and managed integrated database systems to track beneficiary data, school counsellor records and case management, enabling efficient data analysis and reporting.
  • Supervised the full project cycle of large‑scale child registration initiatives, including web system development, data flow management and training of field clerks.
  • Developed work plans, managed daily field operations, and ensured timely delivery of project activities in coordination with cross‑functional teams.
  • Prepared and analysed data for monthly, quarterly and donor reports, contributing to evidence‑based decision‑making and performance evaluation.
  • Managed administrative and financial reporting tasks, including documentation of in‑kind donations and performance appraisals, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Skills & Toolkit
Core Competencies
MEAL Framework & Results Measurement Design
Baseline & Evaluation Design
Partner Capacity Strengthening
Adaptive Management & Learning Agendas
Information & Data Management
Operational Oversight & Quality Assurance
Data Collection
KoboToolboxCommCareActivity Info
Analysis
Excel (advanced)SPSSRPower BITableau
Database
SQL ServerOracle
Business Analysis
MiroConfluenceVisioDraw.ioFigma
Communication
Microsoft TeamsZoomSlack
Consultancies
Current
coculture e.V.
Independent M&E Expert
Tap for details
coculture e.V. · Independent M&E Expert
The Little Syria project, funded by GIZ — retrospective data review, master beneficiary database, results framework mapped to the TAKAMUL II Indicator Performance Tracker, bilingual EN/AR tools, and eight monthly QA cycles with the field MEAL function.
Aug 2026 – Jun 2027
Alianza por la Solidaridad (APS)
Co‑Lead, Final Evaluation
Tap for details
Alianza por la Solidaridad (APS) · Co‑Lead, Final Evaluation
Strengthening the protection and resilience of women, girls and survivors of/at risk of sexual and gender‑based violence, Jabalia.
Dec 2024
Teacher Creativity Center
MEAL Team Leader, Final Evaluation
Tap for details
Teacher Creativity Center · MEAL Team Leader, Final Evaluation
Promoting the rights of Gazan children to education & socio‑emotional wellbeing, funded by UNESCO.
May 2024
GSMA
Financial Inclusion Indicators Update, MENA Region
Tap for details
GSMA · Financial Inclusion Indicators Update
Regional update of financial‑inclusion indicators across the MENA market set.
Mar 2024
Teacher Creativity Center
MEAL Team Leader, Baseline Study
Tap for details
Teacher Creativity Center · MEAL Team Leader, Baseline Study
Promoting the rights of Gazan children to education & socio‑emotional wellbeing, funded by UNESCO — third monitoring party.
Jan – Mar 2024
Nawa Association
MEAL System Analyzer
Tap for details
Nawa Association · MEAL System Analyzer
Responsible for developing a full system analysis document for the organisation's MEAL system, laying the groundwork for its conversion into an automated system.
Aug – Oct 2021
Right to Play
Data Specialist, Evaluation Study
Tap for details
Right to Play · Data Specialist, Evaluation Study
Data specialist support to a programme evaluation study.
Feb – Jun 2020
Education & Languages
Master's in Business Analytics & Data Science In progress
Cambridge International Diploma in Business, Advanced Level May 2011
Bachelor of Science — Computer Engineering Jan 2009
ArabicNative
EnglishFluent
SpanishIntermediate
Get In Touch
qasemalshiakhali@gmail.com +34 622 342 213 Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
Email copied to clipboard