Systematic change in government organizations doesn’t happen overnight. It takes structure, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Kohari, Principal at Kohari Consulting, LLC, and former Chief for Planning, Performance, and Learning at the US Department of State. She shares how the 18 FAM 300 policy transformed monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices across the State Department, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:34 The evaluation policy showed bureaus lacked clarity on project goals.
05:33 Many staff already supported 18 FAM 300 and welcomed the rollout.
11:17 The policy now drives ownership and program design at every bureau level.
14:56 Diplomatic results take years, from curbing narcotics to advancing cybersecurity laws.
16:54 Monitoring feels slow, but evaluations show what drives success.
21:33 AI can help organize decades of bureau project data.
25:25 Faster analysis tools now turn complex data questions into quick insights.
28:45 Strong leadership and clear expectations make monitoring sustainable.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/
US Department of State | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/
US Department of State | Website
https://www.state.gov/
https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM
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