Senior Associate, Insights - Acumen Academy at Acumen

About The Role

• As the Senior Associate, Insights, you will support the execution of the program’s learning agenda, working across program teams and partners to generate actional insights that inform program delivery and strategy.
• This role sits within the Insights function, focusing on the ‘why’ and ‘so what’ behind program results. You will lead qualitative and mixed-methods data collection and analyze findings. You will also synthesize findings into clear insights and contribute to learning outputs that shape adaptive management and thought leadership.
• You will report to the Program Insights Lead and program teams across multiple workstreams. The role requires strong execution, structured thinking, and the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.

Accountabilities Include

Execution of the Program Learning Agenda

• Support the implementation of the Program’s multi-year learning agenda, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of learning activities
• Coordinate and execute qualitative and mixed-methods data collection across Program pillars, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and feedback tools
• Support the design and development of data collection tools (e.g. surveys, interview guides, tracking tools) aligned with learning questions
• Manage data collection processes across multiple stakeholders, including program teams, partners, and enterprises
• Ensure data is collected, documents, and organized in a structured and usable way

Insight Generation and Analysis

• Conduct qualitative and mixed methods analysis to identify patterns, trends, and key insights across program data
• Synthesize findings across multiple data sources to answer core learning questions
• Translate data into clear, concise, and actionable insights that inform program decision-making
• Identity emerging signals and insights to support adaptive learning and continuous program improvement

Adaptive Learning and Program Support

• Provide input into adaptive learning processes, including after-action reviews and periodic learning sessions
• Support program teams in understanding and applying insights to improve program delivery
• Contribute to tracking learning questions and ensuring alignment between data collection and program priorities
• Surface insights to support strategic reflection and decision-making

Knowledge Products and Thought Leadership

• Support the development of internal and external learning deliverables, including reports, briefs, and blogs.
• Contribute to drafting sections of program learning outputs, ensuring clarity, rigor, and strong narrative
• Help translate insights into compelling stories and evidence that contribute to broader conversations on green entrepreneurship, work quality, and women’s economic participation
• Ensure learning outputs are grounded in high-quality evidence and aligned with program priorities

Skills And Qualifications

• 5 – 8 years of relevant experience in consulting, development, research, or a related field
• Experience in qualitative or mixed-methods research, including designing tools and conducting interviews and surveys
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear insights and recommendations
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to contribute to reports and structured outputs with guidance
• Experience working on complex programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently with guidance, while contributing to team thinking and problem solving
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across teams and functions
• Good presenter in public, strong voice in meetings

Desirable

• Experience in entrepreneurship, MSMEs, or private sector development programs
• Familiarity with climate, green economy, or sustainability-related sectors
• Exposure to large, donor-funded, or multi-stakeholder programs
• Experience supporting the development of knowledge products or thought leadership outputs