Research and Evaluation Associate

Position Summary

The Research and Evaluation Associate plays a key role in conducting, managing research and organizing, curating, and sharing knowledge across the organization. This role supports the implementation of the learning agenda, ensures documentation of key findings, and helps institutionalize learning through structured platforms. Working closely with the MERL, impact communication, and program teams ensures insights and lessons are accessible and actionable for decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Evaluation

• Support the development, revision of the learning agenda and research list in collaboration with programs, internal MSP units and partners.
• Support implementation of research works (short term, long team, periodic, thematic, etc.) to create evidences – includes both conducting research and managing research as an individual as well as in a team
• Identify research/evaluation expertise nationally and internationally to support internal research and evaluation activities and support knowledge management activities.
• Support research initiatives aligned with the learning agenda, including designing or commissioning internal and external studies using AI where applicable
• Ensure the learning agenda/study list is updated regularly in collaboration with program teams and MERL staff to reflect strategic learning needs.
• Coordinate implementation and follow-up of research activities across field and HQ teams, and document learning from studies.
• Support in translating research findings into actionable recommendations and feed them into adaptive management processes.
• Co-facilitate internal learning processes and adaptive management practices.

Knowledge Organization and Management Support

• Support in structured repositories of research and evaluation reports, success stories, case studies, and internal learning documents.
• Support in developing and managing content libraries and archives for MERL and program-related outputs.
• Ensure version control and document management standards are followed.

Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination

• Support the production and dissemination of knowledge products such as briefs, snapshots, insights, and synthesis reports and work closely with the Impact communication team.
• Support the impact communications team to prepare internal newsletters, digital bulletins, and other knowledge-sharing formats.
• Support planning and documentation of learning events, workshops, and knowledge exchange sessions.

Collaboration and System Support

• Collaborate with MERL, Impact communications teams, Business units and other MSP units to ensure consistency in messaging and learning capture.
• Support the use and administration of digital knowledge platforms (e.g., SharePoint, knowledge dashboards).
• Support development and maintenance of metadata and tagging systems for easy retrieval of documents.

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance/banking, Development Studies.
• At least 5 years of experience in conducting and managing research works independently as well as in a team
• Clear Understanding of knowledge management, documentation, or learning support role.
• Familiarity with private sector activities specially in fintech, Financial solution donor-funded programs and development sector reporting standards is an advantage.
• Experience working with cross-functional and decentralized teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proven understanding on conducting and managing research activities, project and impact evaluations
• Knowledge of M&E frameworks and the role of KM in program learning and adaptation.
• Strong ability to apply AI in research and learning activities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing digital content and documents.
• Experience using content management systems and digital repositories.
• Strong written and visual communication skills for preparing user-friendly learning materials as well as knowledge products
• Ability to coordinate across teams and maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Willingness to travel to the field locations at least 25% in a month
• Comfort with digital tools and platforms including MS Office, SharePoint, or equivalent knowledge management systems.