MEL Specialist – Busara | Evidence, Evaluation & Analytics

About Busara

Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. With a diverse team of over 130 staff from more than 15 countries, Busara has delivered projects across 50+ countries in sectors including agriculture, health, governance, and inclusive finance.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Busara also operates offices in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America. The organization advances behavioral science research and advisory services across the Global South.

About the MEL Specialist Role

The MEL Specialist will support and lead evaluation design, conduct rigorous data analysis, and develop practical Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tools and systems across Busara’s behavioral science portfolio.

This role requires strong research design, analytical thinking, and data visualization skills. The Specialist will work closely with project teams to ensure evidence is connected to strategy, implementation, and adaptive management.

The position is suited to someone comfortable working with data, designing evaluations, leading learning reviews, and translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluation Design, Research & Evidence Architecture

• Design evaluations and reviews, including sampling plans and analytical frameworks.

• Develop and strengthen Theories of Change and measurement strategies.

• Apply mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, theory-based, or contribution analysis approaches.

• Design qualitative and quantitative data collection tools.

• Conduct rigorous primary and secondary data analysis.

• Ensure evaluations meet quality, ethical, and learning standards.

Data Analytics & Visualization

• Conduct quantitative analysis including descriptive statistics, trends, and segmentation.

• Develop dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, and Data Studio.

• Present findings visually to support rapid learning and decision-making.

MEL Systems & Data Quality

• Develop MEL plans and indicator frameworks.

• Create practical tools such as surveys, interview guides, and templates.

• Strengthen data management systems and documentation practices.

• Design and conduct Data Quality Assessments (DQAs).

Learning, Synthesis & Reporting

• Produce evaluation reports, learning briefs, and summaries.

• Support reflection workshops and sense-making sessions.

• Write case studies and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Internal MEL Capacity Building

• Support and mentor associates and analysts.

• Develop internal MEL templates and guidance notes.

• Contribute to business development by supporting MEL-related proposals and scopes of work.

Data Privacy Notice

As part of Busara’s recruitment process, applicant data will be collected and stored for recruitment purposes, including information from applications, interviews, assessments, and referees. Data will be retained only for the required record period.

Busara may use AI tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, such as reviewing applications or analyzing responses. Final hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.