Context and Role
This role sits at the intersection of data ownership and program adaptation, operating across SEG’s full portfolio of programs rather than any single unit. The Manager - Data and Insights will hold end-to-end responsibility for the data pipeline feeding into SEG’s programs, not limited to what flows through the dashboard, but extending to dedicated sampling exercises and research agendas designed specifically to answer live MEL questions. Equally important, this role is responsible for closing the loop: ensuring that quantitative and qualitative insights are actively fed back into program teams, tested against each program’s Theory of Change, and used to inform real-time pivots in design and delivery — rather than sitting in static reports. This is a role for someone with a solid MEL/data track record who can own the technical rigour of the data function while also working credibly with program managers and leadership on what the evidence means for program design, and who can mentor junior data/MEL staff along the way.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Own the end-to-end data pipeline across SEG programs: sampling design, data collection, and first-level analysis.
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Manage and strengthen the flow of data through the GRID platform, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
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Design and execute dedicated sampling strategies and primary research exercises tied to specific MEL questions — beyond what routine monitoring data captures.
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Build and maintain data quality protocols: validation checks, cleaning routines, and documentation of survey instruments and sampling frameworks.
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Coordinate with field teams and enumerators to ensure data collection is executed to protocol and quality standards.
Adaptive Management & Insights Feedback Loop
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Work with program managers to map insights back against each program' s Theory of Change — identifying where evidence confirms, challenges, or complicates existing assumptions.
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Translate quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, actionable recommendations for program design, targeting, and delivery pivots.
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Facilitate periodic insight-sharing and reflection sessions with program teams to build an ongoing culture of adaptive management, rather than one-off reporting.
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Flag emerging patterns early enough in the program cycle that they can inform mid-course correction, not just end-of-program learning.
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Support the development and upkeep of dashboards tracking enterprise and ecosystem-level outcomes — formation, survival, income, job creation, and gender/social group disaggregation.
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Ensure GRID data and primary research data are integrated coherently for consistent, reliable reporting.
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Data Analysis & Synthesis
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Lead analysis of program data and prepare periodic insight briefs for program and leadership review.
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Support preparation of donor-facing reports, translating raw data into a clear, funder-relevant narrative
- Field Research & Engagement
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Participate in field visits and surveys to validate data quality and stay grounded in on-the-ground realities.
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Engage directly with entrepreneurs and local stakeholders to contextualise quantitative findings.
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Train field and program teams on data collection tools, quality protocols, and how to read and act on dashboards.
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Mentor junior data/MEL colleagues and contribute to building a shared data literacy across SEG.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
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Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Economics, Development Economics related field.
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Experience: 5-7 years of experience in applied economic analysis, livelihoods/entrepreneurship programs, or MEL
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Strong quantitative and analytical skills; confident with Excel, and working familiarity with at least one of R, Python, or Stata
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Understanding of sampling methods, survey design, and primary data collection protocols
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Comfort working with both quantitative and qualitative data, and translating both into program-relevant insight.
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An instinct for program logic and Theory of Change — able to connect a data point back to “so what does this mean for how we run the program.
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Fieldwork experience or strong willingness to travel and engage directly with entrepreneurs and field teams.
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Sensitivity to gender, caste, and social equity considerations; ability to engage respectfully with communities.
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Good written and verbal communication skills — able to write a clear insight brief as well as walk a program team or funder through it.
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Demonstrated ability to engage credibly with program managers and leadership on what data means for program design decisions.
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Experience mentoring or building the capacity of junior data/MEL colleagues and field teams
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A collaborative, ownership-driven mindset; comfortable owning a pipeline end-to-end across multiple programs at once.
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Strong problem solving, analytical skills, and proven strategic thinking.
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Excellent interpersonal skills with high level of proficiency in English and the ability to work well autonomously.
How to Apply?
Please submit your updated curriculum vitae (CV), including 200 words cover letter explaining why you think you are suitable for the job of “Manager – Data & Insights”.
Applications can be e-mailed to [email protected]. The last date to submit your application is 16 August 2026 with subject Job Application – “Manager – Data & Insights”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
