The Busara Center for Behavioral Economics is an advisory and research organization focused on evaluation and implementation of behavioral interventions in understudied countries and populations. Busara's mission is to work with researchers and organizations to advance and apply behavioral science in pursuit of poverty alleviation. This involves the applicat...

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MEL Specialist – Evidence, Evaluation & Analytics

Job Type

Full Time

Qualification

BA/BSc/HND

Experience

Location

Nairobi

Job Field

Data, Business Analysis and AI , ICT / Computer , Project Management

The MEL Specialist will work closely with Busara Project Leads and the research team to perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:

Evaluation Design, Research & Evidence Architecture

• 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 mixed-methods, theory-based, quasi-experimental, or contribution analysis.
• Lead or support data collection, including designing qualitative and quantitative 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.

Data Analytics & Data Visualization

• Conduct quantitative analyses using multiple data sources (descriptive statistics, trends, segmentation, simple modeling).
• Develop clear, engaging visualizations (charts, dashboards, summary visuals) that help teams understand patterns quickly.
• Create simple dashboards using tools like Google Sheets, Excel, Data Studio, or similar.
• Present findings visually in ways that support rapid learning and decision-making.

MEL Systems, Tools & Data Quality

• Develop MEL plans, indicator definitions, and practical measurement frameworks.
• Create user-friendly tools such as surveys, 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.

Learning, Synthesis & Reporting

• 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.

Internal MEL Capacity Building

• 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 scopes of work and proposals.

• 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 mixed-methods, theory-based, quasi-experimental, or contribution analysis.
• Lead or support data collection, including designing qualitative and quantitative 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 quantitative analyses using multiple data sources (descriptive statistics, trends, segmentation, simple modeling).
• Develop clear, engaging visualizations (charts, dashboards, summary visuals) that help teams understand patterns quickly.
• Create simple dashboards using tools like Google Sheets, Excel, Data Studio, or similar.
• 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 surveys, 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 scopes of work and proposals.

• Data Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Evaluation Design
• Research Methodologies
• Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection
• Mixed-Methods Analysis
• Theory of Change Development
• Measurement Strategies
• Data Quality Assessment
• Report Writing
• Presentation Skills
• Capacity Building
• Business Development Support
• Google Sheets
• Excel
• Data Studio

• BA/BSc/HND