Busaracenter4h ago

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MEL Specialist – Qualitative Expertise

Uganda·KampalaContractmid

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Overview

About Busara Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization.

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Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance, and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.

This role requires strong evaluation design, research, and analytical skills to generate high-quality evidence and improve decision-making across Busara’s behavioral science projects. It is well-suited for someone who is highly comfortable working with data, leading the design, planning, execution, analysis, presentation, and publication of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation projects at Busara, and can translate complex findings into clear, visual, and actionable insights.

The Specialist will support and lead evaluation design, conduct rigorous analysis, and develop practical Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tools and processes to strengthen internal systems. The role also involves working closely with project teams to ensure evidence is effectively connected to strategy, implementation, and adaptive management across our portfolio.

The ideal candidate is a strong analytical thinker and clear communicator, with technical confidence in MEL practice. They will be able to design and lead learning reviews, conduct MEL assessments and trainings, synthesize evidence across multiple countries, and support teams in using data and insights to drive continuous learning and improvement.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Design evaluations and reviews, including sampling plans, analytical frameworks, and fit-for-purpose methodologies.

Lead the design and strengthening of Theories of Change, learning frameworks, and measurement strategies.

Design and apply appropriate evaluation designs, such as theory-based, qualitative comparative analysis, or contribution analysis.

Incorporate qualitative methods, behavioral science, psychology, and economics into projects.

Lead or support data collection, including designing qualitative tools and protocols.

Conduct rigorous analysis of primary and secondary datasets to generate actionable insights.

Ensure all evaluations meet quality, ethical, and learning standards and are tailored to decision-making needs.

Conduct qualitative analyses using multiple data sources (e.g. indepth interviews, focus group descriptions, key informant interviews, etc)

Rapidly analyse data from qualitative interviews conducted by others using thematic analysis and qualitative comparative analysis (using NVivo or any other qualitative software),.

Develop clear, engaging visualizations (charts, dashboards, summary visuals) that help teams understand patterns quickly.

Present findings visually in ways that support rapid learning and decision-making.

Develop MEL plans, indicator definitions, and practical measurement frameworks.

Create user-friendly tools such as interview guides, templates, and checklists.

Strengthen internal data management systems, including data flows, documentation practices, and verification steps.

Lead the design of data quality assessments (DQAs) and recommend improvements.

Produce clear, well-structured evaluation reports, evidence summaries, and learning briefs.

Support learning sessions, reflection workshops, and sense-making meetings.

Write case studies, short briefs, and presentations tailored to internal and external audiences.

Strengthen MEL capability across Busara by guiding associates and analysts.

Build and maintain tools, templates, and internal guidance notes.

Support MEL-related business development by contributing to the scopes of work and proposals.

Provide ad-hoc technical support to all projects that have qualitative research within them, including research being conducted by other organizations. This can include training other members of staff to conduct high-quality research and providing support with analysis.

Keep abreast of developments in qualitative research and design, and promote qualitative research capability within Busara through knowledge sharing and training activities and the development of new approaches.

Minimum Requirements;

Master’s degree in a relevant field such as inclusive finance, public policy, social sciences, or other related fields

Proven experience designing evaluations and selecting methodologies.

Proven experience with MEL capacity strengthening efforts across vast teams.

Experience designing and conducting qualitative research studies in development

Ability to design data collection instruments, sampling approaches, and analysis plans.

Strong qualitative analysis skills (NVivo required).

Demonstrated experience with qualitative coding and synthesis.

Demonstrated experience managing field teams.

Skilled in creating clear, compelling data visualizations.

Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills.

Excellent writing skills and ability to simplify complex information.

Confidence working with data and presenting findings visually.

Organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks.

Collaborative, patient, and able to support teams with varying MEL experience.

Curious, adaptive, and able to work across different types of projects.

Busara is an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse, inclusive teams.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in the communities and contexts we work in.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Data Privacy Statement

As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.

By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.