Eleanor is a monitoring and evaluation specialist and brings a wealth of experience in qualitative and participatory research methods to Mthente. She received an Honours degree in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia, UK in 2001 and a Masters in Development Studies (cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in 2009. She recently received a Post Graduate Diploma in monitoring and evaluation methods from the University of Stellenbosch (summa cum laude) in 2011.

At Mthente, Eleanor is responsible for managing a wide range of research projects and oversees a range of deliverables for clients, the most recent being an evaluation of the Craft Sector Innovation and Development Programme for the Cape Craft and Design Institute.

Eleanor has been involved in research since 2005. Prior to joining Mthente, she was a Senior Researcher at MIET Africa, responsible for monitoring, evaluation and research of the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning Initiative implemented in five Southern African countries on behalf of the SADC Secretariat. This entailed developing a monitoring and evaluation framework for the programme, conducting a baseline study and providing technical assistance to monitoring and evaluation coordinators in five countries.

Eleanor has also conducted monitoring and evaluation for education and OVC programmes in South Africa and was the lead researcher on a study investigating school-based perceptions and responses to learner sexual abuse. She has also researched water issues in rural and urban areas for UKZN, eThekwini Municipality and the Water Dialogues. Before moving into research, Eleanor spent three years working as a fundraiser for WaterAid International.