IPDET and GEI Announce Dr. Candice Morkel as IPDET’s New Head of Program

Dr. Morkel will assume her new role in February 2025, ushering in an exciting new phase for IPDET as it continues to evolve into “IPDET 3.0.”

Since its founding in 2000, IPDET has equipped over 4,000 M&E practitioners, policymakers, and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to champion evidence-based policymaking. As part of its ongoing growth, IPDET will expand its offerings in 2025 through two new regional training programs. Hosted by the University of Bern, these programs will cater to professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa, with the first training taking place in Kenya and the second in Morocco. These initiatives complement IPDET’s flagship summer program in Switzerland and underscore its commitment to enhancing accessibility and regional relevance.

Dr. Morkel’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for IPDET. Her leadership builds on a distinguished career of over 25 years, during which she has become a globally recognized expert in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), public sector governance, and capacity building. As Director of CLEAR Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA), Dr. Morkel has led numerous initiatives across the Global South, co-creating national evaluation plans, strengthening institutional M&E capacity, and delivering targeted technical assistance in collaboration with governments and local partners.

Her extensive experience also includes curriculum development and training for prominent programs like IPDET, CLEAR-AA’s Development Evaluation Training Programme in Africa (DETPA), and United Nations initiatives. She has published extensively on evaluation capacity development and has held leadership roles with the African Evaluation Association and the International Evaluation Academy.
“Dr. Morkel brings unmatched expertise, and an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by countries in the global south,” said Dugan Fraser, GEI Program Manager. “Her leadership will enable IPDET to grow its global impact while ensuring its programs remain responsive to regional priorities.”

Dr. Christina Cuonz, Director of the University of Bern’s Center for Continuing Education (ZUW), also welcomed Dr. Morkel’s appointment. “We are delighted to partner with Dr. Morkel as she takes on this vital role. Her vision and experience will strengthen IPDET’s offerings and reinforce its position as a global leader in evaluation training. We look forward to collaborating closely with her to deliver innovative programs that empower M&E professionals around the world.”

Dr. Morkel’s appointment aligns seamlessly with IPDET’s ongoing transformation. In 2025, the University of Bern will become the sole implementer of the IPDET program, marking a new chapter for this globally renowned training initiative. Dr. Morkel’s strategic vision will play a key role in ensuring that IPDET continues to lead the way in building evaluation capacity worldwide.

Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Morkel shared, “I am honored to join IPDET at this pivotal time. Its legacy of advancing evidence-based policymaking aligns with my own dedication to strengthening M&E systems, particularly in the global south. I look forward to collaborating with GEI, the University of Bern, and the IPDET community to build on this remarkable foundation.”

Dr Takunda Chirau, Deputy Director of CLEAR AA will act as Director while Candice's successor is recruited.

For more information about IPDET and GEI, visit www.globalevaluationinitiative.org and www.ipdet.org.