Acumen is seeking a detail-oriented and organised Senior Associate with at least 5 years of work experience in MEL data systems in an international development context, strong technical skills across data management and visualisation platforms, and a growing interest in AI-powered solutions. for a transformative business and economic empowerment programme across Africa, with a strong focus on young women, leadership, and organisational growth and development.

This role will be based out of Acumen’s office in Nairobi or Lagos, with an expectation of working from the office 3 days a week. Remote from other geographies is not an option.

This role will be based out of Acumen office in Nairobi or Lagos with an expectation of working from office 3 days a week. Remote from other geographies is not an option.

About Acumen

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. We were founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. We invest in transformational companies, build sustainable markets, and prepare leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Since 2001, we have scaled companies and shaped markets in some of the hardest-to-reach communities on the planet, impacting over half-a-billion lives. To learn more visit acumen.org.

About the role

Reporting to the Impact Manager: Data, Systems and Reporting, the Senior Associate will play a hands-on role in implementing and maintaining the technology solutions that underpin the programme & the MEL framework. This includes maintaining data collection and management systems, producing routine reports and dashboards, and building the data capacity of partners and team members across the region.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in MEL data systems in an international development context, strong technical skills across data management and visualisation platforms, and a growing interest in AI-powered solutions.

Accountabilities include:

MEL Technology and Reporting

• Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the programmatic MEL technology platform (including Salesforce, Power BI, Airtable, or equivalent tools) to enable efficient data collection, management and reporting
• Contribute to the development of quarterly reporting processes and produce routine reports and dashboards on key metrics and KPIs, including financial KPIs, for a range of stakeholders
• Carry out data analysis to support insight generation, working closely with the Impact Manager: MEL
• Develop infographics and data visualisations using appropriate software and tools
• Support close collaboration with Finance to quality assure and integrate financial data with impact data, including reporting on Impact Linked Finance initiatives
• Advise on AI solutions to support MEL activities

Programme Data Management

• Ensure data is collected, stored and managed in line with best practices and programme standards
• Liaise with the Compliance and Legal team to ensure adherence to data consent, use, retention, protection and security requirements
• Integrate data from multiple sources to produce consolidated reports (e.g. through Power BI or similar)
• Support the Impact Manager as a point of contact for impact data requests from internal and external stakeholders

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Support the set-up and maintenance of the programmes internal knowledge management system
• Work closely with the Programme Insights team to ensure lessons are captured and qualitative data is managed in line with best practices
• Support programmatic evaluations by ensuring all data needs are met in a timely manner

Capacity Building — Team and Partners

• Build the capacity of team members to use technology for MEL implementation
• Support partners to engage with programme technology and reporting systems, including developing training materials and delivering training sessions
• Assist lower-capacity partner organisations to develop their own internal reporting systems in line with programmatic requirements
• Conduct site visits to monitor partner data management and reporting systems
• Contribute to quarterly reporting on data quality from partners

Essential Criteria

Candidates must be able to demonstrate at least five years of relevant experience, including:

• Practical experience in project or programme monitoring and evaluation
• Experience working across multiple countries in an international development context
• Knowledge of and experience with a range of MEL database tools and systems
• Experience using IT to support MEL objectives in country and field locations
• Experience developing or maintaining IT products or tools to support data collection, management, analysis and reporting
• Experience building and using Salesforce for data management and reporting
• Experience in data analysis, analytics and data visualisation
• Experience with mobile data collection approaches
• Experience setting up routine reporting (actuals vs. targets) for quarterly and annual reporting cycles
• Experience advising organisations or teams on best practices in data management and reporting
• Experience working with Compliance teams on data management best practices
• Understanding of AI tools, agents and solutions

Desirable Criteria

• Formal training in MEL methodologies, data analysis or project evaluation
• Experience on Impact Linked Finance initiatives, Value for Money approaches, SROI or benefit-cost analyses
• Project management qualification
• Experience working in a multi-country programme
• Experience working in gender and youth-inclusive programmes, or with private sector businesses seeking to grow and scale
• Experience working in a matrix-managed environment with multiple reporting lines and cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with Power BI, Airtable, Salesforce or similar platforms

Location: This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya or Lagos, Nigeria. Occasional travel within the East and West Africa region is expected.

Acumen is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, differential ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.

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