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I work on digital development research, strategy and evaluation with an emphasis on responsible data use, inclusion, gender, and children and young people. I support organizations to develop, implement, and engage staff and partners in responsible data policy and practice. I enjoy facilitating and moderating convenings, workshops and learning-focused events.

I’m affiliated with:

The MERL Tech Initiative: The MERL Tech Initiative sits at the intersection of digital technology and the social sector. We support thoughtful tech-enabled program design, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). We convene communities to share good practice and improve programmatic outcomes. We advocate for responsible, ethical, realistic approaches that center people, communities and societies. My consulting practice is under The MERL Tech Initiative umbrella.

Technology Salon: Technology Salon is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion among information and communication technology experts and international development professionals. Technology Salons happen in various cities. I convene the NYC Technology Salon. Technology Salon is the non-profit arm of The MERL Tech Initiative, enabling The MERL Tech Initiative to accept 501c3 funding.

White Save Me: the app that helps white men deliver privilege with a simple tap of the finger.

Safety First: Safeguarding in a Digital Environment on the Girl Effect Podcast (May 2024)

REvaluation Podcast: Episode 18 – How plurality strengthens evaluation: interview with May Pettigrew about the EES Autumn Event (April 2024)

Innovation and ethics in evaluation on the European Evaluation Society (EES) EvalEdge podcast (July 2020)

A chat about the Responsible Data Maturity Model with Amos Doornbos (June 2020)

Is informed consent possible in humanitarian cash and voucher assistance? with the Cash Learning Partnership (December 2019).

Digital Ethics on the International Rescue Committee’s Tomorrow’s World podcast (November 2019).

Considering ICT4D with Linda Raftree on Aidpreneur (May 2015).

2023

Large language model applications for evaluation: Opportunities and ethical implications (paywalled)

Designing Safe Digital Mental Health and Psycho–Social Support (MHPSS) for Displaced and Stateless Adolescents

2022

Responsible Data Governance for M&E in the African Context. Part 1: Overview of Data Governance

Responsible Data Governance for M&E in the African Context. Part 2: Practical Guidance

2021

Getting remote M&E right: Ethics, challenges and gaps

The Case for Better Governance of Children’s Data: A Manifesto

Data Responsibility Toolkit: A Guide for Cash and Voucher Practitioners

Case Study: Data Responsibility and Digital Remote Targeting during COVID-19

Case Study: Responsible Data Sharing with Governments

2020

Digital Safeguarding for Migrating and Displaced Children

COVID-19: A spotlight on child data governance gaps

MERL Tech State of the Field: The Evolution of MERL Tech

What We Know About Traditional MERL Tech: Insights from a Scoping Review

Big Data to Data Science: Moving from “What” to “How” in the MERL Tech Space

2019 

Responsible Data Maturity Model

Exploring the soft side: Ethics, inclusion, bias, and privacy in ICT-enabled evaluation 

Digital and Social Media for Social and Behavior Change Communications (literature review)

Head to Head: Biometrics and Aid (Article in the New Humanitarian)

Considerations for Using Data Responsibly at USAID

Responsible Data Practices: Literature Review for USAID (available on request)

2018

Digital Safeguarding Tips and Guidance

2017

The Nexus of Microwork and Impact Sourcing: Implications for Youth Employment

2016

The role of new information and communication technologies in equity-focused evaluation: Opportunities and challenges

SIMLab’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

Girls Digital Privacy, Safety and Security Principles and Guidelines

2014

Emerging Opportunities: Monitoring and Evaluation in a Tech-Enabled World

2013

Mobiles for Youth Workforce Development

Girls, C4D and ICTs

Modern Mobility: The role of ICTs in child and youth migration

This is a personal blog that does not represent official views of my current, past or future employers, affiliates or other organizations with whom I engage. Any opinions expressed herein are my own, and I take responsibility for them.

lindaraftree [at] gmail [dot] com