Olvan López Ferrera
Independent Consultant In International Cooperation
El Progreso
Summary
Dr. Olvan López Ferrera is a MEL and Knowledge Management expert with 20+ years of experience in international development across Central America. He has led MEL strategies in labor rights, migration, agribusiness, rural development, and governance. Skilled in RBM, ToC, LogFrame, and IRMF/MAF-aligned systems, he designs MEL frameworks, indicators, and KPIs for proposals and implementation. Dr. Ferrera builds internal monitoring systems with real-time dashboards and leads adaptive management through AARs and learning events. He enhances MEL capacity in local partners and promotes sustainability. His expertise includes data analytics, impact modeling, and ex-ante projection tools. As a regional MEL Officer for a USDOL-funded project, he provides cross-country technical support. Bilingual and a published consultant, he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and mentors graduate research.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Consultant in International Cooperation
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
01.2022 - Current
- Currently, collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the development of a baseline study and a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MELA) system for the Reintegration Plan, ensuring a data-driven approach to reintegration.
- Comprehensive study for CARE Honduras on the situation of women employed in domestic work, analyzing the challenges they face and providing actionable recommendations to improve their labor rights and working conditions. His work contributed to evidence-based advocacy and policy discussions on gender equality and labor protections.
- Systematization of the PROCACAHO project for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC/COSUDE), documenting best practices, lessons learned, and the impact of the initiative on the cacao value chain in Honduras. His analysis provided valuable insights for future interventions in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Pan American Development Foundation (PADF)
04.2022 - Current
- Responsible for establishing robust MEL processes for a USDOL-funded regional project addressing child labor, forced labor, and unacceptable working conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
- I design and implement MEL strategies that support dignified work and capacity-building among vulnerable populations.
- My work includes developing MEL frameworks, generating technical reports, and conducting statistical analyses to guide evidence-based decisions.
- I serve as the liaison for the project's mid-term performance evaluation, applying OECD-DAC criteria and ensuring methodological rigor.
- I lead stakeholder engagement, including interviews, focus groups, and validation workshops to promote participatory learning.
- I have developed tools and guides for co-creative evaluation processes and support multi-stakeholder engagement, including steering committees and global learning networks.
- I apply results-based management tools such as Logical Frameworks and PMFs and integrate digital tools like Power BI and survey platforms for efficient data collection and analysis.
- I also manage IKM systems, SharePoint hubs, and regional learning agendas that align with donor reporting standards.
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Associate
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2021 - 03.2022
- As a member of the programs department, I led strategic planning for the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, aligning product indicators with effect and impact indicators using the RBM approach.
- I bring expertise in program design, annual work plans, and donor-aligned documentation.
- I develop IKM plans and apply tools like Logical Frameworks and PMFs to ensure effective monitoring.
- I lead data-driven MEL processes and learning agendas supported by digital tools.
- I also provide technical guidance across multi-country teams for strategic alignment and impact.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager
Banyan Global
11.2016 - 10.2021
- I led the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes for a project focused on increasing employment opportunities and protective factors for at-risk youth, contributing to the reduction of violence and irregular migration.
- I was responsible for designing and implementing the MEL plan, tracking over 20 indicators.
- My work included the development of strategies aimed at increasing employment opportunities, particularly for youth at risk of migration.
- I monitored activities with various stakeholders, including training centers, private sector partners, and public institutions.
- I promoted knowledge sharing, the adoption of best practices, and the management of learning products.
- I also evaluated results and impacts, as well as collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) programs.
- As the focal point for the performance evaluation of a $19.8M, five-year workforce development project in Honduras, I provided critical insights for quantitative and qualitative analysis, enhancing data interpretation.
- I worked collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to ensure a participatory approach, guaranteeing that gender-transformative frameworks were embedded in the evaluation process to ensure inclusivity.
Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
Creative Associates International
02.2014 - 05.2016
- I led the planning and monitoring of activities for a multisectoral citizen security project in the northwestern region, collaborating with civil society, municipal governments, and state institutions.
- I managed the monitoring plan, overseeing data collection, evaluating results, and analyzing lessons learned.
- I prepared quarterly and annual reports, success stories, and technical presentations.
- I fostered synergies between MEL, communications, gender, and grants departments to support the learning agenda.
- Additionally, I facilitated knowledge sharing across teams, provided strategic guidance on results-based management tools, and contributed to the development of learning resources to enhance project impact.
Partnerships and Grants Coordinator
Fintrac Inc.
04.2011 - 10.2012
- I supported activities to build strategic partnerships with government, civil society, NGOs, and the private sector to develop agro-industrial strategies addressing poverty and improving health in the dry corridor.
- I facilitated partnerships to attract additional resources such as grants, donations, and funding.
- Additionally, I analyzed collaboration proposals, budgets, and investment plans for project activities.
- I led the development and monitoring of agreements and memoranda of understanding with various partners.
- I also managed the closure of grant programs and contracts with public, private, and cooperative partners.
- I contributed to organizational learning by sharing lessons learned in management meetings.
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Fintrac Inc.
09.2006 - 04.2011
- I managed the overall monitoring and evaluation strategy for a rural development project focused on increasing income and employment opportunities through agricultural initiatives, agribusinesses, and agroforestry.
- I led the project performance plan and monitoring system, ensuring high data quality.
- I analyzed monitoring indicators to assess goal achievement and project impact.
- I strengthened the capacity of staff and stakeholders in Results-Based Management and knowledge management via training sessions.
- I designed learning resources and visual tools like infographics, success stories, and monthly newsletters, contributing to knowledge product generation.
- I collaborated in preparing technical reports for donors and provided technical insights for proposal designs.
- I also conducted literature reviews and statistical analyses to ensure that data and evidence effectively guided project decisions.
- Additionally, I played a key role in fostering cross-team collaboration to drive continuous learning and project improvement.
Municipal Development Specialist
Dutch Cooperation Development Service (SNV)
10.2004 - 09.2006
- I provided technical assistance and guidance to local governments on local development procedures and the management of internal systems to measure municipal performance.
- I promoted innovative management practices tailored to the needs of each municipality.
- I trained nearly 100 municipalities on topics including municipal planning, decentralization, transparency, public service management, and citizen participation.
- I monitored and followed up on municipal interventions, focusing on investment processes between local governments and international cooperation.
University Professor
University of Central American Technology (UNITEC)
07.2005 - Current
- Teaching graduate-level courses (master's) covering local development, project planning and management, research methodology, international cooperation, and thesis development.
Education
Ph.D. - Business
Atlantic International University
USA 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Business
University of Central American Technology (UNITEC)
Honduras 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business
Montana State University
Honduras 05.2001 -
Skills
Data collection
Performance monitoring
Report writing
Quantitative research
Results-based management
Data analysis
Monitoring frameworks
Capacity building
Indicator development
Qualitative research
Tool development
Effective communication
Team collaboration
Problem-solving
Adaptability and flexibility
Teamwork
Certification
Monitoring and Evaluation Certification, ILO
Timeline
Monitoring and Evaluation Certification, ILO
11-2023
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Pan American Development Foundation (PADF)
04.2022 - Current
Independent Consultant in International Cooperation
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
01.2022 - Current
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Associate
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2021 - 03.2022
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager
Banyan Global
11.2016 - 10.2021
Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
Creative Associates International
02.2014 - 05.2016
Partnerships and Grants Coordinator
Fintrac Inc.
04.2011 - 10.2012
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Fintrac Inc.
09.2006 - 04.2011
University Professor
University of Central American Technology (UNITEC)
07.2005 - Current
Municipal Development Specialist
Dutch Cooperation Development Service (SNV)
10.2004 - 09.2006
Ph.D. - Business
Atlantic International University
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Business
University of Central American Technology (UNITEC)
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business
Montana State University
05.2001 -
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