MEL SYSTEMS

I have designed and operationalised MEL systems for several leading NGOs, including BBC Media Action, Girl Effect, and the IDP Foundation. This means I bring extensive experience in designing, managing, and evaluating MEL systems, having worked from both a grantee and funder perspective. I thrive in creating comprehensive end-to-end MEL frameworks and can also offer expert support on specific monitoring and evaluation components as needed.

KEY SKILLS:

  • MEL SYSTEM DESIGN: I design project-specific and organisation-wide monitoring systems tailored to health, social development, and gender-focused programmes.

  • IMPACT EVALUATIONS: I lead evaluations to attribute or causally demonstrate the impact of development initiatives using both quasi-experimental and experimental methods.

  • PROCESS EVALUATIONS: I conduct assessments to evaluate the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of development programmes, having led and collaborated on multiple DAC and learning evaluations.

  • MEL FRAMEWORKS: I develop and co-create Theories of Change and Log Frames, produce customised measurement and results frameworks and support clients in identifying Key Performance Indicators.

  • MIXED-METHODS: While specialising in quantitative research, I have experience with various qualitative methods, including Most Significant Change, Outcome Mapping, and participatory approaches.

QUANTITATIVE DESIGN & ANALYSIS

I specialise in advanced quantitative research, using experimental and quasi-experimental methods to estimate the impact of development programmes or apply statistical models to understand social phenomena and individual behaviours.

My strength is creativity. I bring added value to clients by blending deep technical expertise with innovative, big-picture thinking. For example, applying an innovative approach of using contraceptive commodity data to evaluate the impact of a global family planning initiative at a very low-cost.

My technical expertise covers all components of the research process.

KEY SKILLS:

  • EXPERIMENTAL AND QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL METHODS: Cluster, step-wedge, and randomised controlled trial (RCT) designs; Difference-in-Difference (DiD); Interrupted Time Series (ITS); propensity score matching (PSM); pre-post tests; and other discontinuity approaches.

  • STATISTICAL MODELLING: Logistic regression, OLS, probit, Cox regression, Poisson regression, conditional regression, multilevel modelling (GLMM, HLM), pathway analysis, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), factor analysis (EFA and CFA), complex sample weighting, bootstrapping, meta-analysis (fixed and random effects), and time-series analysis (ARIMA, segmented regression).

  • SURVEY DESIGN AND MEASUREMENT: Expert in psychometrics, cognitive interviewing, cross-cultural adaptation of instruments, question design, and measuring complex constructs such as social norms and agency. Experienced in developing standardised tests and ensuring robust construct validity.

  • DATA MANAGEMENT: Experienced in health management information systems (HMIS), data cleaning, transformation, verification, restructuring, and developing data flow and quality assurance protocols for large-scale datasets.

  • SURVEY ANALYSIS: Proficient in cluster analysis (K-means, hierarchical, and two-step), robust standard error modelling, and probability weighting for complex samples.

  • RESEARCH MANAGEMENT: Skilled in overseeing large-scale fieldwork, developing ethics proposals, pre-testing and piloting tools, and training enumerators and research staff in low-resource settings.

  • SOFTWARE: Stata, SPSS.

INSIGHTS FOR STRATEGY & DESIGN

Rather than presenting just results, I identify meaningful insights by distilling key findings and considering them in light of diverse perspectives and operational realities. With expertise in visual data communication and leveraging experience using research to inform branding and the behavioural design of communications—gained through my time at BBC Media Action and Girl Effect—I excel at using evidence and learning to refine approaches to social impact.

KEY SKILLS:

  • BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS: Skilled in blending behavioural modelling with participatory feedback methods to identify and address key determinants of behaviour change, supporting evidence-based interventions.

  • RESEARCH COMMUNICATION: Proficient in transforming complex data and evidence into clear, actionable insights through advanced analysis, storytelling, and visualisation techniques.

  • EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS AND LITERATURE REVIEWS: Experienced in synthesising best practices and reviewing evidence to guide strategic decision-making and inform interventions.

  • LOGIC DESIGN: Extensive experience designing intervention logic for organisations such as Girl Effect, Fairtrade International, and TCI, using participatory methods to ensure alignment with programme objectives.

  • CO-CREATION AND PARTICIPATORY METHODS: Skilled in using participatory approaches to validate findings, engage stakeholders, and disseminate research in ways that drive meaningful action.

  • DATA VISUALISATION: Proficient in visual communication of data using tools such as Tableau, translating complex findings into engaging, user-friendly formats.

LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY BUILDING

With experience as a research director and principal investigator, I bring expertise in project management, budget oversight, and team leadership. I excel at operationalising MEL systems, embedding teams, and setting actionable plans.

My skills include capacity building, developing training toolkits, and equipping non-research specialists with a clear understanding of the evaluation ecosystem—for example, the Test, Learn, Adapt training I delivered for the British Council.

I also provide research capacity-building and drawdown support as part of long-term client assignments.

KEY SKILLS:

  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Successfully led multi-million, multi-country evaluations and large-scale studies, ensuring timely delivery and in chaining settings.

  • ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP: I can design and implement MEL strategies that align with organisational and programme-wide objectives, integrating them into operational systems.

  • CAPACITY BUILDING: Developed training toolkits and conducted workshops to strengthen research and evaluation capacity, particularly in low-resource contexts.

  • PROPOSAL WRITING & FUNDRAISING: I have secured funding from major multinational and philanthropic donors, including USAID, FCDO, and the Gates Foundation.

  • TOOLS AND PROTOCOLS: Designed and implemented research tools protocols, including ethics and safeguarding, data collection tools, fieldwork operations manuals, and set up data flow and management frameworks.

  • RESEARCH MANAGEMENT: Extensive experience managing fieldwork operations, pre-testing tools, piloting methods, and training enumerators teams in low- and middle-income countries.