Senior Associate - Reporting, Data and Analytics (Acumen East Or West Africa) at Acumen

Description


We are seeking a detail-oriented and organised Senior Associate with at least 5 years of work experience in MEL data systems in an international development context, strong technical skills across data management and visualisation platforms, and a growing interest in AI-powered solutions. for a transformative business and economic empowerment programme across Africa, with a strong focus on young women, leadership, and organisational growth and development.


About the Role


Reporting to the Impact Manager: Data, Systems and Reporting, the Senior Associate will play a hands-on role in implementing and maintaining the technology solutions that underpin the programme & the MEL framework.
This includes maintaining data collection and management systems, producing routine reports and dashboards, and building the data capacity of partners and team members across the region.
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in MEL data systems in an international development context, strong technical skills across data management and visualisation platforms, and a growing interest in AI-powered solutions.


Accountabilities Include

MEL Technology and Reporting:


Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the programmatic MEL technology platform (including Salesforce, Power BI, Airtable, or equivalent tools) to enable efficient data collection, management and reporting
Contribute to the development of quarterly reporting processes and produce routine reports and dashboards on key metrics and KPIs, including financial KPIs, for a range of stakeholders
Carry out data analysis to support insight generation, working closely with the Impact Manager: MEL
Develop infographics and data visualisations using appropriate software and tools
Support close collaboration with Finance to quality assure and integrate financial data with impact data, including reporting on Impact Linked Finance initiatives
Advise on AI solutions to support MEL activities.


Programme Data Management:


Ensure data is collected, stored and managed in line with best practices and programme standards
Liaise with the Compliance and Legal team to ensure adherence to data consent, use, retention, protection and security requirements
Integrate data from multiple sources to produce consolidated reports (e.g. through Power BI or similar)
Support the Impact Manager as a point of contact for impact data requests from internal and external stakeholders.


Knowledge Management and Learning:


Support the set-up and maintenance of the programmes internal knowledge management system
Work closely with the Programme Insights team to ensure lessons are captured and qualitative data is managed in line with best practices
Support programmatic evaluations by ensuring all data needs are met in a timely manner.


Capacity Building — Team and Partners:


Build the capacity of team members to use technology for MEL implementation
Support partners to engage with programme technology and reporting systems, including developing training materials and delivering training sessions
Assist lower-capacity partner organisations to develop their own internal reporting systems in line with programmatic requirements
Conduct site visits to monitor partner data management and reporting systems
Contribute to quarterly reporting on data quality from partners.


Requirements

Essential Criteria:


Candidates must be able to demonstrate at least five years of relevant experience, including:
Practical experience in project or programme monitoring and evaluation
Experience working across multiple countries in an international development context
Knowledge of and experience with a range of MEL database tools and systems
Experience using IT to support MEL objectives in country and field locations
Experience developing or maintaining IT products or tools to support data collection, management, analysis and reporting
Experience building and using Salesforce for data management and reporting
Experience in data analysis, analytics and data visualisation
Experience with mobile data collection approaches
Experience setting up routine reporting (actuals vs. targets) for quarterly and annual reporting cycles
Experience advising organisations or teams on best practices in data management and reporting
Experience working with Compliance teams on data management best practices
Understanding of AI tools, agents and solutions.


Desirable Criteria:


Formal training in MEL methodologies, data analysis or project evaluation
Experience on Impact Linked Finance initiatives, Value for Money approaches, SROI or benefit-cost analyses
Project management qualification
Experience working in a multi-country programme
Experience working in gender and youth-inclusive programmes, or with private sector businesses seeking to grow and scale
Experience working in a matrix-managed environment with multiple reporting lines and cross-functional teams
Familiarity with Power BI, Airtable, Salesforce or similar platforms.