Jobs at Acumen

About The Role

• As the Impact Manager: Reporting, Data and Analytics you will be responsible for designing and implementing the technology solution for the programmatic MEL framework.
• That is potentially adapting existing solutions like Salesforce and Google sheets, or creating/identifying new technology solutions, to ensure that the MEL framework has a functioning and efficient technology platform, routine reporting on key data points.
• We expect the role to focus on continual identification of system and data management and reporting improvements. We expect candidates to be highly technically efficient with data and software solutions with growing skills in the use of AI.
• You will work closely with the Impact Manager: Monitoring, Evaluation and learning. The Impact Manager: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning will focus on MEL framework design and implementation and adaptive learning.
• Additionally, you will work closely with other Impact & Insight staff based in the UK and in East and West Africa.
• The postholder is expected to travel occasionally within the region.

Accountabilities 
MEL framework design and implementation:

• Support the implementation of the programmatic MEL framework (including MEL plan, data collection plan, data management plan, quality assurance protocols, results framework) through providing a functioning technology solution to support data collection, management and reporting
• Work collaboratively with the Impact Manager: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning to co-develop quarterly reporting processes and reports on key metrics and KPIs (including financial KPIs for companies), for sharing with a range of stakeholders (This role to focus on the technology platform e.g. Power BI or Airtable and develop dashboards)
• Carry out data analysis to derive insights in collaboration with the Impact Manager: MEL
• Develop infographics using data visualisation software and tools
• Close collaboration with Finance to quality assure and integrate finance data with impact data - including reporting on Impact Linked Finance initiatives

Programme data management:

• Ensure that data is collected and managed in line with best practices
• Liaise with Compliance and Legal team to ensure we are following best practices on data consent, use, management, retention, reporting, protection and security approaches.
• Integrate data, from a range of data sources, to produce reports (through Power BI or similar)
• Be the point person for all impact data requests

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Set up an internal Knowledge Management system for the programme and co-develop the programme knowledge management system.
• Work closely with Programme Insights team to ensure lessons are captured and knowledge management processes are followed.
• Work closely with the Programme Insights team to ensure qualitative data is managed in line with best practices.
• Actively support any programmatic evaluations that are required by donors by ensuring all data needs are met

Capacity building - team and partners:

• Capacity building team members to use technology for MEL implementation
• Capacity building partners (organisations) to engage with technology for reporting.
• Development of training materials and training sessions to upskill staff and partners with a range of skills in this space
• Support lower capacity organisations to develop their own internal reporting systems in line with programmatic needs
• Site visits to monitor partner data management and reporting systems
• Quarterly reporting on data quality from partners

Skills And Qualifications

• At least 8 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of experience in developing and managing data systems, MEL databases, and reporting tools
• Strong hands-on experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for complex, multi-country programmes
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen the use of data for decision-making across different organisational levels
• Strong skills in data analysis and data visualisation
• Experience setting up routine reporting systems (actuals vs targets) for quarterly and annual reporting
• Experience using technology to support MEL in field and country contexts, including mobile data collection
• Experience working with compliance teams on data governance and best practices
• Experience building or using Salesforce-based data management and reporting systems
• Interest or experience in AI solutions or AI agents for MEL
• Experience in Impact Linked Finance / Value for Money / SROI / Cost–Benefit analysis
• Project management qualification
• Experience working in multi-country, matrix-managed environments
• Experience in gender and youth programmes or working with private sector partners
• Familiarity with Power BI, Airtable, Salesforce or similar tools.

go to method of application »

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
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

go to method of application »

About the role

• As the Impact Manager you will be responsible for designing and implementing the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework, ensuring adherence to the design and alignment with donor and organisational standards.
• Working as part of the East and West Africa regional teams, you will coordinate MEL activities with programme staff and implementing partners and organisations, ensuring that data collection, analysis, and reporting are conducted to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and inclusivity, and supporting high-quality project delivery.
• Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring that MEL activities are adapted to align with private sector financing approaches to Impact measurement and management. 
• The role will report into the Academy Impact lead and work closely with the Impact Manager: Reporting, Data and Analytics.
• The role Impact Manager: reporting, Data and Analytics is a role with a strong focus on data and software analytical skills, growing skills in the use of AI and ability to develop data management systems and processes.  
• Additionally, you will work with other Impact & Insight staff based in the UK and in East and West Africa.

Accountabilities
Oversight of the MEL framework design and implementation:

• Support the design and implementation of the programmatic MEL framework (including MEL plan, data collection plan, data management plan, quality assurance protocols, results framework).
• Work collaboratively cross functionally with the Impact Manager: Reporting, Data and Analytics to co-develop quarterly reporting processes and reports on key metrics and KPIs (including financial metrics), for sharing with a range of stakeholders
• Translation of data into understandable and clear insights for action
• Set up processes and practices and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen MEL processes, tools and data quality
• Monitor use of the regional MEL budget and ensure efficient use of resources
• Develop and maintain the Impact issues log – to ensure overall management of any Impact issues.

 Oversight of Programme monitoring and adaptive management:

• Oversee the day-to-day MEL of the programme 
• Support the design and rollout of data collection plan for a range of SMART indicators
• Support the design and rollout of data collection tools and surveys 
• Conduct monitoring visits and gather feedback from participants and partners, including private sector companies 
• Lead in the analysis framework and presentation of regional level data
• Ensure the highest standards of data quality, including accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
• Liaise with compliance team to ensure data management is compliant with best practices.

Oversight of Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Work closely with Programme Insights team to ensure lessons are captured and knowledge management processes are followed. 
• With Programme Insights, oversee adaptive learning activities. 

Evaluation:

• Co-ordinate and Support ad hoc research and evaluation activities as per the MEL plan. 
• Lead on the compilation of the Annual Impact Report for the project. 

Capacity building - team and partners:

• Capacity building and training the team on Logical Framework approach, use of templates and tools and providing ongoing support to regional teams to use the tools.
• Lead in the development of the development of the Impact and MEL Implementation Manual (Impact section) for partners 

Skills and qualifications

• Experience implementing an adaptive management approach.
• High level of experience with collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Understanding of data privacy, ethics and safeguarding in MEL.
• Strong technical MEL skills including developing indicators, designing tools and managing data quality processes.
• Experience of MEL on large donor funded projects such as with FCDO, UN, large Foundations, bi-laterals or similar
• Experience of MEL activities as part of private sector initiatives with enterprise support orientation
• Ability to translate data into clear language with actionable insights
• Ability to implement MEL frameworks with fidelity while adapting to regional contexts
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesise learning into recommendations for change
• Capacity building teams on MEL .

Desirable:

• Experience in working on investments for private sector organizations
• Experience in working on impact linked finance initiatives
• Formal training in MEL methodologies, data analysis or project evaluation.
• Project management qualification.
• Experience working in a multi-country programme.
• Experience of working in gender and youth inclusive programmes OR working with businesses who want to grow and scale
• Experience working in a matrix-managed environment, demonstrating the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple managers and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity and experience in using Power BI/Airtable/Sales Force and similar.

go to method of application »

About the role

• As the Impact Manager you will be responsible for designing and implementing the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework, ensuring adherence to the design and alignment with donor and organisational standards.
• Working as part of the East and West Africa regional teams, you will coordinate MEL activities with programme staff and implementing partners and organisations, ensuring that data collection, analysis, and reporting are conducted to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and inclusivity, and supporting high-quality project delivery.
• Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring that MEL activities are adapted to align with private sector financing approaches to Impact measurement and management. 
• The role will report into the Academy Impact lead and work closely with the Impact Manager: Reporting, Data and Analytics.
• The role Impact Manager: reporting, Data and Analytics is a role with a strong focus on data and software analytical skills, growing skills in the use of AI and ability to develop data management systems and processes.  
• Additionally, you will work with other Impact & Insight staff based in the UK and in East and West Africa.

Accountabilities
Oversight of the MEL framework design and implementation:

• Support the design and implementation of the programmatic MEL framework (including MEL plan, data collection plan, data management plan, quality assurance protocols, results framework).
• Work collaboratively cross functionally with the Impact Manager: Reporting, Data and Analytics to co-develop quarterly reporting processes and reports on key metrics and KPIs (including financial metrics), for sharing with a range of stakeholders
• Translation of data into understandable and clear insights for action
• Set up processes and practices and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen MEL processes, tools and data quality
• Monitor use of the regional MEL budget and ensure efficient use of resources
• Develop and maintain the Impact issues log – to ensure overall management of any Impact issues.

 Oversight of Programme monitoring and adaptive management:

• Oversee the day-to-day MEL of the programme 
• Support the design and rollout of data collection plan for a range of SMART indicators
• Support the design and rollout of data collection tools and surveys 
• Conduct monitoring visits and gather feedback from participants and partners, including private sector companies 
• Lead in the analysis framework and presentation of regional level data
• Ensure the highest standards of data quality, including accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
• Liaise with compliance team to ensure data management is compliant with best practices.

Oversight of Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Work closely with Programme Insights team to ensure lessons are captured and knowledge management processes are followed. 
• With Programme Insights, oversee adaptive learning activities. 

Evaluation:

• Co-ordinate and Support ad hoc research and evaluation activities as per the MEL plan. 
• Lead on the compilation of the Annual Impact Report for the project. 

Capacity building - team and partners:

• Capacity building and training the team on Logical Framework approach, use of templates and tools and providing ongoing support to regional teams to use the tools.
• Lead in the development of the development of the Impact and MEL Implementation Manual (Impact section) for partners 

Skills and qualifications

• Experience implementing an adaptive management approach.
• High level of experience with collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Understanding of data privacy, ethics and safeguarding in MEL.
• Strong technical MEL skills including developing indicators, designing tools and managing data quality processes.
• Experience of MEL on large donor funded projects such as with FCDO, UN, large Foundations, bi-laterals or similar
• Experience of MEL activities as part of private sector initiatives with enterprise support orientation
• Ability to translate data into clear language with actionable insights
• Ability to implement MEL frameworks with fidelity while adapting to regional contexts
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesise learning into recommendations for change
• Capacity building teams on MEL .

Desirable:

• Experience in working on investments for private sector organizations
• Experience in working on impact linked finance initiatives
• Formal training in MEL methodologies, data analysis or project evaluation.
• Project management qualification.
• Experience working in a multi-country programme.
• Experience of working in gender and youth inclusive programmes OR working with businesses who want to grow and scale
• Experience working in a matrix-managed environment, demonstrating the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple managers and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity and experience in using Power BI/Airtable/Sales Force and similar.