Associate Manager, Program Data Analytics at Evidence Action

Direct Reports: Senior Associate, Program Data Analytics

Job Purpose

• The Associate Manager, Program Data Analytics (PDA) leads the analysis of cleaned program data - handed off by the Program Data Management (PDM) team - to generate insights, evidence-based recommendations, and decision-ready reports for Evidence Action's programs across West and Central Africa (WCA).
• While PDM is responsible for digitizing data collection tools and cleaning program data, PDA is responsible for analyzing that data: designing analysis plans, running statistical analysis, interpreting results, and translating findings into program improvements.
• S/he will contribute to the design of measurement, sampling, and survey strategies, and ensure analytical outputs are communicated clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports, dashboards, and visualizations.
• The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, methodologically rigorous, and able to manage multiple analytical workstreams while mentoring junior analysts.
• This position will be an integral part of the Data Analytics and Learning team that operates within Evidence Action's broader Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) team for the WCA Sub-Region.
• In this role, the Associate Manager will supervise the Senior Associate, Program Data Analytics.

Duties and responsibilities
Lead Data Analysis:

• Direct the statistical analysis of cleaned program data received from the Program Data Management team, ensuring rigorous, well-documented, and reproducible analysis.

Examples of activities:

• Design and review analysis plans, including choice of statistical methods, for program monitoring and evaluation questions
• Conduct and review descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (e.g. summary statistics, regression analysis, hypothesis testing) using Stata, R, or Python
• Interpret analytical results and translate them into clear, actionable recommendations for program teams
• Identify and flag data patterns, anomalies, or emerging trends that warrant program attention
• Contribute to Measurement and Survey Design
• Provide analytical input into the design of surveys and measurement strategies, working closely with the Program Data Management team on instrument design.

Examples of activities:

• Advise on sampling strategy, indicator definitions, and survey structure to ensure data will support planned analysis
• Review draft survey instruments for analytical soundness before they are digitized and deployed
• Support the design of appropriate measurement frameworks for new programs and grants
• Produce and Oversee Reports, Dashboards, and Visualizations
• Lead the translation of analytical output into reports, dashboards, and visualizations that inform program and donor decision-making.

Examples of activities:

• Oversee the development of donor and program reports by interpreting and triangulating analytical findings from across the MLE team
• Maintain oversight of MLE dashboards, working with dashboard developers to ensure accuracy and the most up-to-date data are reflected
• Review and edit analytical reports and presentations for accuracy and clarity, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences
• Guide the development of infographics and visualizations that clearly communicate analytical findings
• Ensure Information Flow Between MLE and Programs
• Fully understand program needs for analysis and translate that back to the Program Data Analytics team, including developing tools that enable clear and effective analytical requests
• Seek out, prioritize, and communicate analytical requests from program teams to the MLE team
• Extract learnings from analysis and research products that enable program teams to make evidence-based decisions
• Team Management
• Supervise the Senior Associate, Program Data Analytics, reviewing analytical deliverables for rigor and accuracy
• Coordinate and manage Program Data Analytics work plans and priorities to ensure timely delivery
• Support the professional development and technical skill building (e.g. statistical methods, coding practices) of the Program Data Analytics team
• This job description is intended to convey essential functions and requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.
• As Evidence Action's portfolio expands to include new grants and programs, employees may be assigned additional or modified responsibilities to support emerging initiatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to evolving organizational priorities are expected.

Requirements
Key performance indicators:

• Timely delivery of analytical outputs and donor/program reports
• Analytical rigor: documented, reproducible analysis with minimal errors identified in review
• Delivery of quality dashboards for the program and MLE in coordination with the IS team
• Actionable recommendations that are adopted or referenced in program decision-making
• Well-coordinated professional development and mentorship of the Program Data Analytics team.

Qualifications And Experience

• Master's Degree (preferred) or Bachelor's (with additional work experience) in a data-oriented field (i.e. statistics, economics, quantitative political science, data science, public health, epidemiology, or a related field)
• A minimum of 5 years' work experience conducting quantitative data analysis, including experience managing or mentoring junior analysts
• Strong working knowledge of statistical software packages such as Stata, R, or Python, with demonstrated experience running descriptive and inferential statistical analysis on program or survey data
• Experience in data visualisation and/or building infographics and/or using design and infographic software (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, Gapminder, StatSilk, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, OmniGraffle, etc.)
• Working knowledge of geospatial analysis (ArcGIS/QGIS) an advantage
• Fluency in English required; working proficiency in French desirable for engagement in Francophone WCA countries

Skills Required:
A successful Associate Manager, Program Data Analytics will have the following attributes:

• The ability to work independently with minimal instruction
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a team that is geographically dispersed
• Self-directed/self-motivating personality, with proven ability to manage demands from multiple supervisors while adhering to program deadlines and priorities
• Strong critical, analytical, and quantitative reasoning skills
• An active approach to problem-solving and an orientation toward practical knowledge-seeking through learning, questioning, and experimentation
• A belief that timely, rigorous analysis is a requirement for strong decision-making and high-quality service delivery
• Highest quality, professional writing and communications skills, with the ability to make technical findings accessible to non-technical audiences
• Intellectual flexibility and willingness to form and adjust opinions based on evidence
• Quick to learn, motivated to self-teach and capable of independently translating new knowledge into practice
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools and technologies to enhance analytical workflows, automate routine processes, and improve overall productivity

Working conditions:

• Typical working hours are from 8.00am to 5.00pm with a one (1) hour lunch break, between 1.00pm and 2.00pm.
• However, due to the nature of the job, there might be times when you will be expected to work outside office hours.

Position location:

• This role will be based in any of the WCA countries.
• This position is open only to citizens or permanent residents in any of Evidence Actions Countries with WCA (Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria)
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in in a WCA country.

Benefits

• Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide
• Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations
• Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Pension/ Retirement savings options
  • Paid leave
  • Avenues for engagement and recognition
  • Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the individual's credentials, experience, and internal pay scale
  • Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to representation and inclusion.
  • All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.