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Our mission is to provide evidence that leads to improvements in people’s lives, wherever they live.
Our Team
​Our team is built on a small and mighty core structure, supported by a network of seasoned researchers and thematic experts. With a wealth of experience from diverse disciplines, geographies and sectors, we are dedicated to delivering actionable insights for you.
Managing Director
Shireen Issa
Over 20 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research and programme implementation. Former Head of M&E at Aga Khan Foundation - Rural Development and Seefar Foundation, overseeing a portfolio of programs that spanned Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including extensive field experience in Pakistan, Tanzania and Mozambique. Deep sectoral knowledge of displacement & migration, livelihoods, and peacebuilding & social cohesion.
Languages: English, French, Urdu, Hindi
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Research & Insights Lead
Sanghamitra Mazumdar
Based in India, with over 12 years of field based monitoring, evaluation and research experience across India, Nigeria, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Led MERL and research for programmes in Afghanistan, Western Balkans, India, South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Deep knowledge of livelihoods, agriculture, and displacement & migration.
Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu
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Research & Insights Lead
Jana Sakakini
​A public health professional with over 5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation and research, focused in the Middle East, on public health, livelihoods, education and protection. Experienced in field data collection in complex settings, and technically strong in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
Languages: Arabic, English
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Projects Coordinator
Blessing Oladunjoye
A research and communications professional with nearly 10 years of experience covering and advising governments, NGOs and corporates on issues related to displacement & migration and gender & social inclusion. A project and operations manager at Nurai, coordinating quantitative and qualitative research projects.
Languages: English, Yoruba
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Thematic Experts
Randy Hatfield
Education Thematic Expert
An education expert with over 25 years of experience designing and leading international programmes, evaluations, and policy analyses on primary, secondary and tertiary education, teacher training, and resilient learning environments. Regional experience in South Asia, the Middle East and East Africa, with USAID, World Bank, FCDO, World Vision, Aga Khan Foundation, UNICEF and UNESCO.
Languages: English, Spanish, Urdu
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Loksan Harley
Migration & Displacement Expert
A migration expert with over 15 years of experience in supporting governments globally on migration-related policy development, research, capacity building and monitoring, evaluation and learning projects; including for United Nations agencies, governments, regional communities and NGOs in 30+ countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Languages: English, Chinese, French, Spanish
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Andrea Menefee
Public Health, Nutrition & Food Security Expert
A public health, nutrition and food security professional with over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing multi-sectoral programs in development and fragile contexts. Track record of leadership in project design, implementation, advocacy and MERL in leading INGOs such as CARE, Save the Children and IRC. Wide ranging and in-depth field experience in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, India, Laos, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Malawi, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Languages: English, Thai
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Karen Pilgrim
Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert
Climate change adaptation and disaster risk management expert with 6 years of experience with leading INGOs and consultancy, including Save the Children, Relief International and the Global Climate Adaptation Partnership, developing and implementing climate and resilience strategies and programs that strengthen the rights and capacities of vulnerable populations to cope with and adapt to the impacts climate change, and reduce disaster risk.
Languages: English, German, Swedish
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Consultants
Maria Jargon
AI-enabled Data Analytics & Visualization
Research and MERL specialist with expertise in using Python and large language models for research and analysis.
Languages: English, German
Rawand Hanna
Developer & Analyst
Quantitative analyst and developer with expertise in R, Python, and no-code software development.
Languages: English, Arabic
Rio Jones
Mixed methods Researcher and MERL Specialist
Specialist research consultant, with multi-sectoral and broad geographical experience.
Languages: English, Spanish, Russian.
Catherine Galloway
Education MERL and Research Specialist
Education specialist with experience in implementing randomized-controlled trials, research and MERL in East Africa.
Languages: English
Ellie Mendez Sayer
Child Protection Research Specialist
Experienced research specialist, with specific focus on policy, practice and the experiences of children and young people.
Languages: English, Spanish
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Tatenda Mzezewy
Policy, Advocacy and Urban Economics Consultant
Senior MERL consultant, with focused expertise across Sub-Saharan Africa and in governance and advocacy.
Languages: English
Nuchnalin Leerasantana
Mixed Migration and Human Rights Consultant
Qualitative researcher with expertise in facilitating MERL systems’ roll-out, CSO capacity strengthening and independent review of advocacy frameworks.
Languages: English, Thai, German
Leonel Peya
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and Field Coordinator
10 years' experience in MERL and managing field operations and mixed-methods data collection in West and Central Africa.
Languages: English, French
Strategic Advisors
Carlos Barahona
25 years as a senior statistician specializing in quantitative research design, capacity strengthening and converting data to information.
Rico Natali
10 years as a researcher, practitioner and advisor in emerging markets.
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