aes26 International Evaluation Conference: Full Schedule

This is the draft aes26 program, subject to change. To register for workshops and the conference, go to: https://www.aes26.aes.asn.au/

11:30am ACST

Staying Grounded in Complexity: Designing an M&E System for Counter-Trafficking in Persons

Friday September 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm ACST

Waterfront 1

Authors: Anne Stephens, Ethos of Engagement, Jill Thomas
This presentation explores the design of a systemic Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system for counter-trafficking in persons (CTIP) in the ASEAN region. Developed in 2023, the system supports the adoption and implementation of three victim-centred and gender-sensitive guides for counter trafficking in persons, in use across ASEAN member states. The presentation focuses on how systemic, participatory approaches to evaluation design can enhance uptake of evaluation and the role of a well-designed framework to support the capacity of individuals to monitor and evaluate their work.

The objective of this presentation is to present the process used to develop a simple to use M&E system within a complex setting; show the public facing guidance documents and tools used to support novice and highly skilled evaluators to use the system; and describe our challenges and learnings.

This presentation offers a timely and practice-grounded contribution to the evaluation field by demonstrating how evaluators can design for relevance, capacity development and impact in complex, real-world settings. It provides actionable insights for practitioners seeking to strengthen the value and use of evaluation in increasingly uncertain and contested environments.

Speakers

Anne Stephens

Director, Ethos of Engagement

Anne is the Director and Co-Founder of Ethos of Engagement Consulting a global and women-led research and evaluation firm. We work in Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Central America, UK and USA. We use Inclusive Systemic Thinking to guide our methodology and approaches and diversity is... Read More →

Jill Thomas

Senior Consultant, J.A Thomas & Associates

Jill is an experienced evaluator and analyst, having worked in the health, higher education and finance sectors in major cities and far northern Queensland. Jill specialises in working with organisations to design and implement performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks, conduct... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm ACST
Waterfront 1 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT, Australia

Roots and routes

Format Long paper
Audience Level Intermediate, Advanced
Industry Education and training, Public administration and safety, Health and disability, International development, Community and social services
ID 180

aes26 International Evaluation Conference

11:30am ACST

Anne Stephens

Jill Thomas

Get help with the event