About Busara
Since 2014, Busara has grown from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a specialized research and advisory firm. Our team of more than 130 staff from over 15 countries has delivered a wide range of projects in more than 50 countries, working across sectors such as agriculture, health, governance, and inclusive finance. Although our headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded with offices in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.

About the role
Busara Center for Behavioral Economics is seeking an Associate (Data Systems and MEL Specialist) to support complex, multi-partner program evaluations and data quality initiatives. This hybrid technical role is ideal for someone trained in data science, statistics, or information systems who has developed their career within monitoring, evaluation, and learning settings, and who understands the practical interaction between data systems and program implementation.

The Associate will contribute across the full project lifecycle: receiving and reviewing partner datasets, supporting data quality assessments, contributing to analysis, and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. This is not solely an analytical position. The role requires independent management of workstreams, direct engagement with partners, and full ownership of deliverables.

Role purpose
The Associate will ensure that program data is securely received, properly evaluated, cleaned, and made ready for analysis, while also supporting MEL processes that turn data into insights and program decisions. This role combines data systems management, data quality assurance, and evaluation practice, requiring someone adept at both identifying structural dataset issues and producing clear findings for program teams.

Key Responsibilities

Data Systems Management and Governance
• Receive, log, and securely store partner datasets in line with project data governance processes.
• Set and manage data access permissions, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive or identifiable information.
• Maintain clear handling procedures for raw, cleaned, and anonymized datasets across teams.
• Keep version control and detailed audit trails for all data processing steps.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and ethical data use standards, including relevant East African regulations.

Data Quality Assessment and Diagnostics
• Review dataset structures, variable names, coding, and formatting against project standards.
• Conduct data quality checks on key variables such as demographics, participation dates, intervention types, and contact information.
• Assess the presence and accuracy of unique identifiers and identify duplicate or inconsistent records.
• Run internal consistency checks across variables, categories, and timelines.
• Compare partner dataset counts with reported figures and document discrepancies.
• Produce clear technical summaries of dataset limitations affecting analysis, sampling, or verification.

Data Preparation and Analysis
• Clean and prepare datasets for analysis, sampling, and verification.
• Support quantitative analysis of program and research data, including large administrative datasets.
• Contribute to designing and implementing sampling processes for surveys and verification activities.
• Support data visualization and create summary dashboards and analytical reports.
• Work with analysts and senior staff to ensure analyses are rigorous, appropriate, and well documented.

Project and Workstream Management
• Contribute to inception reports, analytical briefs, and final evaluation reports with clarity and rigor.
• Independently manage assigned workstreams, including planning, progress tracking, and timely delivery.
• Coordinate with internal data, research, and operations teams to ensure alignment.
• Communicate regularly with project leads about risks, blockers, and emerging issues.
• Support partner and client engagement, including preparing for meetings, workshops, and reviews.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
• Five years of relevant experience combining data management or data systems work with MEL practice in development programs.
• Experience working with large administrative or partner datasets in multi-partner environments.
• Experience supporting or leading evaluations, data quality assessments, or program monitoring systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects or workstreams, including timelines and partner relationships.
• Experience producing written analytical outputs such as reports, briefs, or technical summaries for different audiences.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and at least one statistical or data management tool such as Stata, R, Python, or SQL.
• Ability to identify structural dataset issues and systematically diagnose data quality problems.
• Familiarity with digital data collection tools such as KoboToolbox, CommCare, or DHIS2.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau is an asset.
• Understanding of data protection and privacy requirements, including within East Africa.

We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and we encourage early applications.

Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, we collect and store personal information provided by applicants through various channels. This includes information provided in the application and profile, assessment data, interview information (including video interviews), and references. This information is used to evaluate applications, communicate with candidates, and—if the candidate opts in—consider them for future opportunities. All information is treated as part of the application record and retained only for the required period.

By applying for this position, you consent to Busara processing your personal data as described. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.