Research Evaluation and Knowledge Management (KM) Manager

Team: Market Solutions Practice (MSP)

Reports to: MSP Director

Location: Kifiya HQ, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position Type: Full-time

About Kifiya Financial Technology PLC

Kifiya Financial Technology PLC is an Ethiopian-born, pan-African financial technology company. Our vision is to enable equitable access to financial services and markets for Africa. Our mission is delivering data-driven, intelligent financial and market solutions, making them within reach for all.

Market Solutions Practice (MSP)

MSP addresses market failures using Kifiya’s four core infrastructures—intelligent data & decisioning, intelligent financial services, digital agriculture, and smart mobility—to enable access to finance and markets for MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and low-to-middle income individuals. The team drives job creation, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment through scalable, digital-first solutions.

Position Summary

The Research Evaluation and Knowledge Management (KM) Manager is a strategic role responsible mainly for conducting and Managing research and evaluation activities; developing and managing Kifiya’s Learning agenda, Knowledge product, Pause and Reflect and all types of Research/Study/Survey related activities. It will also support the MERL activities in establishing digital-first Monitoring under the MSP. The Manager will lead the design and implementation of performance measurement frameworks, oversee learning agendas, and manage the team responsible for conducting research, developing learning documentation, and stakeholder engagement. The role ensures that evidence from the field informs program design, donor reporting, and internal decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Evaluation and Knowledge Management

• Lead the development, revision of the learning agenda in collaboration with programs, internal MSP units and partners.
• Lead implementation of research works – both by conducting and managing agencies/consultants for short term, long team, periodic, thematic, etc research works to create evidences.
• Lead research initiatives aligned with the learning agenda, including designing or commissioning internal and external studies.
• Ensure the learning agenda 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.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations and feed them into adaptive management processes.
• Facilitate internal learning processes and adaptive management practices.
• Work with Impact Communication team and other units of MSP and Kifiya and ensure all knowledge products (briefs, insights, stories) are produced and curated for learning and visibility.

MERL System Design and Oversight

• Support the development and refinement of a digital-first MERL framework and tools across all MSP programs, aligned with Foundation partner requirements and internal decision-making.
• Support Monitoring and Reporting manager for data collection and reporting systems to ensure quality, timeliness, and alignment with KPIs and learning agendas.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Support development and management of Monitoring and reporting system from engaging HQ and Field team
• Conduct/Oversee quantitative and qualitative evaluations, including baseline, midline, and end line assessments.
• Support digital integration of MERL processes including automation of dashboards, AI-driven analytics, and reporting pipelines.
• Conduct monitoring visits to the field and maintain plan for other officials for field visits.
• Ensure all reports meet internal standards and donor compliance, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual submissions.

Impact Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support Impact communication team to generate high-quality impact stories, digital content, and donor communications.
• Ensure insights from MERL are effectively communicated to stakeholders through the right platforms.

Team Management and Capacity Building

• Coordinate with Monitoring and Reporting Officers (in the field).
• Build staff capacity in research, evaluation and MERL tools, storytelling, and digital platforms.
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with program leads and external partners.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proven experience leading MEL/CLA or KM teams in development or donor-funded programs.
• Deep understanding on conducting and managing research activities, project and impact evaluations
• Strong ability to facilitate review and learning sessions for internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding of digital MERL tools (e.g., DHIS2, Kobo, Power BI, Tableau) and AI-driven decisioning models.
• Strong knowledge of participatory evaluation, GESI frameworks, and adaptive programming.
• Excellent writing and communication skills for both technical and general audiences.
• Strategic thinker with operational efficiency and leadership capability.
• Experience managing decentralized teams across HQ and field locations.
• Willingness to travel to the field locations at least 25% in a month

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, Public Policy, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Research and evaluation with including 5 years in a managerial role.
• Experience with large-scale programs, preferably in financial inclusion, MSME support, or agriculture.
• Familiarity with the Mastercard Foundation or other large development partners is an advantage.