Busara

MEL Specialist – Qualitative Expertise

Busara

Uganda Full time Administration
Posted: Jun 17, 2026 2 days ago 5 views

Job Description

 


Busara is hiring for a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist role.
About Busara
Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. The team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries works across 50+ countries in sectors such as agriculture, health, governance, and inclusive finance.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Busara now operates in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.
Role Purpose Statement
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.
The MEL Specialist will lead and support:
  • Evaluation design and research
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems development
  • Translation of complex data into clear, actionable insights
The role focuses on connecting evidence to strategy, implementation, and adaptive learning across multiple projects and countries.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities
Evaluation Design, Research & Evidence Architecture
  • Design evaluations, sampling plans, and analytical frameworks
  • Develop theories of change and learning frameworks
  • Apply qualitative, theory-based, and contribution analysis methods
  • Integrate behavioral science, psychology, and economics into research
  • Design and support data collection tools and protocols
  • Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Ensure ethical, high-quality evaluation standards
Data Analytics & Data Visualization
  • Conduct qualitative analysis (interviews, FGDs, KIIs)
  • Use NVivo and other tools for thematic analysis and synthesis
  • Develop clear visualizations (charts, dashboards, summaries)
  • Present insights for decision-making and learning
MEL Systems, Tools & Data Quality
  • Develop MEL plans, indicators, and measurement frameworks
  • Create data collection tools (guides, templates, checklists)
  • Strengthen data systems and documentation processes
  • Lead data quality assessments (DQAs)
Learning, Synthesis & Reporting
  • Produce evaluation reports, briefs, and learning documents
  • Facilitate reflection and learning workshops
  • Write case studies and presentations for different audiences
Internal MEL Capacity Building
  • Build MEL capacity across teams and associates
  • Develop internal tools, templates, and guidance notes
  • Support MEL inputs for proposals and business development
  • Train staff in qualitative research and analysis
  • Promote continuous learning and research innovation
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
  • Master’s degree in social sciences, public policy, inclusive finance, or related field
  • 3–5 years MEL, evaluation, or research experience
  • Experience designing evaluations and methodologies
  • Strong qualitative research experience
  • Proficiency in NVivo (required)
  • Experience with data collection tools and sampling design
  • Experience managing field teams
  • Strong data visualization skills
Core Competencies
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to simplify complex information
  • Strong data interpretation and visualization ability
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks
  • Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
  • Adaptive and research-driven thinking
Application Details
Busara is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY


About Company

Busara

Busara

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Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 1
  • Category: Administration
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: External Website