About Us
The Systems Monitoring Learning and Evaluation initiative, launched in 2023 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Strategic Innovation Unit and the Food Systems team (formerly known as the Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems), with the support of the Gates Foundation, aims to strengthen learning and adaptation in complex systems.
By equipping development actors with tools to navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and achieve more sustainable impact, Systems MEL offers a practical response where traditional, linear approaches fall short.
At a time when development efforts are under increasing pressure to deliver better results with fewer resources, this initiative provides a timely response by fostering adaptive, systemic approaches.
Since its launch, this initiative has generated a wide range of resources — including case studies, reflection blogs and practitioner notes from the field — that showcase innovative and transformative approaches to MEL in complex systems. It has also convened a growing MEL Sandbox Community, in which we held a series of participatory events fostering peer learning, experimentation, and shared insights across diverse contexts. These resources are available here.
The journey culminates with the release of this digital MEL 360: bringing together approaches, tools, and insights in one evolving resource designed to support adaptive practice in complex environments.
Guidance Co-Development and Contributions
The guidance was co-developed by Andrea Estrella Chong and Zazie Tolmer (equal contributors), together with Andrea Bina, Suzane Muhereza, Charles O’Malley, Ida Uusikyla, and Federica Fregolent.
Communications
Davide Carrino, Lucia Caldeiro, Maria Fernandez Del Moral
Design
Rafael Poloni, Simone Uriartt, Valeria Estrella Chong, Beatriz Janoni
Editorial Support
Ngozi Finette
Initial Conceptualization
Charles O'Malley, Hannah Read, Søren Vester Haldrup
Project Coordination
Bianca Tejada
Project Direction
Andrew Bovarnick
Project Management
James Leslie (previously Christian Sieber), Xoan Fernandez Garcia
Its development was made possible through the generous support of the Gates Foundation, with special thanks to Hannah Reed.
A special thanks to the Centre of Public Impact for their collaboration in the early phase of the development of the guidance, with particular gratitude to Beatriz Cano Buchholz, Naja Nelson and Pravallika Valiveti. Also, thank you to Saumya Shruti, Javiera Godoy, Carolin Schramm, Courtney Lawrence and Sandra Andraka for facilitating engagement spaces. Dorcas Mutheu, Paula Chang, Pascal Olinga, Adrian Laurentiu Caicut, and Alan Hudson for focused reviews and input.
Developed through a highly collaborative process, this guidance ultimately brought together more than 160 practitioners from 77 organizations across five key engagement spaces.
More:
A Highly Collaborative Process
How We Work with Partners
Explore our services in systems Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), adaptive learning, and experimentation.
We strengthen the ability of implementers and funders to apply systems-based MEL approaches that drive real-world change.Through training, mentorship, experimentation, and collaboration, we help teams and organizations turn learning into action.
Tailored Learning & Training
We design and deliver interactive learning experiences that respond to participants’ needs and contexts.
Hands-on workshops and clinics introducing systems MEL principles and tools.
Custom training programmes for teams and organizations seeking to embed adaptive learning in their work.
Blended learning modules combining live facilitation, practical exercises, and reflection sessions.
Coaching & Mentorship
We offer direct guidance and technical support to help teams translate theory into practice.
One-on-one or group coaching for project teams and MEL leads.
Mentorship for funders and programme managers seeking to design adaptive portfolios.
Ongoing accompaniment to strengthen learning culture and experimentation
Applied Learning & Experimentation
We turn learning into measurable change through real-world application.
Co-design and implement pilot applications in countries to test and adapt Systems MEL approaches in practice.
Facilitate learning via the MEL Sandbox Community to experiment, test and refine MEL tools and practices.
Support project teams to document, share, and scale successful practices.
Guide organizations in using insights to inform strategy and decision-making
Learning with Partners
We partner with funders and institutions to strengthen Systems MEL across portfolios.
Co-create frameworks for portfolio management.
Support cross-portfolio learning and coherence by connecting initiatives, surfacing patterns, and amplifying what works.
Facilitate reflection and dialogue between implementers and funders to surface insights and improve practice.
Ad-hoc Support
We partner with funders and institutions to strengthen Systems MEL across portfolios.
To explore collaboration or request support, please contact us at mel360@undp.org.
Implemented by:
United Nations
Development Programme
FUNDED BY:
MEL 360 is part of the Systems, Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation initiative (SMLE) of UNDP funded by the Gates Foundation.
CONTACT US AT:
WEBSITE DESIGNED IN 2025 BY RAFA POLONI FOR UNDP