List of Projects
Since 2018, our portfolio of projects has been built upon our commitment to adaptive development and policy innovation, addressing social development challenges for the most vulnerable communities. We have conducted in-depth political economy analyses, facilitated the design of transformative change strategies, and developed robust monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems that support adaptive development. Through these experiences, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to collaborate effectively with diverse partners and tailor our support and advice to specific contexts and needs.
01/2021 - To date
Role: Strategic Learning Lead
As part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team of the BRAC Ultra Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI), we manage the Strategic Learning component. UPGI operates in seven countries—Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and the Philippines—focusing on government-led extreme poverty reduction through the Graduation approach. Our contributions include designing and updating the adaptive MEL system of the programme, facilitating strategic discussions with country teams to address challenges in poverty governance using systems thinking and sensemaking, documenting and harvesting outcomes, and supporting strategic decision-making to adapt strategies, approaches, and work plans.
Funder: Ted Foundation Audacious Project
05/2024- 03/2025
Role: Team Lead
I collaborated with Cecilia Luttrell on a comprehensive capitalisation (Capex) of lessons learned from the Mekong Region Land Governance (MRLG) programme, which aims to improve land tenure security for smallholder farmers across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Over its three phases of implementation, MRLG has utilized innovative approaches, such as fostering multi-stakeholder alliances and adapting strategies to complex political contexts. My role included providing insights into how MRLG’s interventions influenced policy processes, addressed tenure insecurity, adopted and adapted the principles for adaptive development, and supported sustainable reforms. The review aimed to identify critical factors behind MRLG’s successes and challenges, offering lessons for similar programmes globally.
Funder: Swiss Development Cooperation
08/2024
Role: MEL Systems Specialist
We led the review and design of MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) processes for the Global Risks and Resilience (GRR) programme at ODI Global. Our work focused on developing tailored systems and processes that enable the team to systematically document and capture their contributions to policy changes and their influence on risk and resilience policy systems globally. This approach ensures the GRR team can effectively track progress, adapt strategies, and demonstrate their impact in addressing complex, systemic challenges across diverse contexts.
Funder: ODI Global
10/2024-02/2025
Role: Strategic Learning Expert
As Strategic Learning Expert, we contributed to discussions organized by the Strategic Learning and Evaluation (SLE) team at Fondàtion Botnar, providing expert advice, ideas, and feedback on advancing strategic learning for the foundation. We have contributed to conceptualize a learning support structure that could strengthen learning networks and enhance intra- and inter-organizational learning at the Foundation.
10/2024 - 02/2025
Role: Technical Lead
As technical lead, we worked with MEL expert Tiina Pasanen to support Fingo in developing its Theory of Change (ToC) and Results Framework for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) proposal. Our process included document reviews and iterative consultations with the programme team to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with MFA requirements. Through review sessions, we provide technical advice, share feedback, and guide discussions on key attitudinal and behavioural changes, meaningful indicators, and how these elements can effectively reflect Fingo’s goals in a complex context.
Funder: Fingo
08/2024
Role: Lead Facilitator
We led the design and facilitation of two online strategic workshops between the Global Risks and Resilience (GRR) team and the FCDO team in Chad, focused on climate financing and resilience. The workshops aimed to identify key barriers within Chad’s climate financing system, leveraging insights from ODI’s research, and to develop actionable entry points for systemic improvement. Deliverables included a problem map summary, a strategic action plan, and comprehensive documentation of the workshop discussions, ensuring a clear pathway for advancing climate financing practices in Chad.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
05/2024
Role: Lead Facilitator
As lead facilitator for the Global Risks and Resilience (GRR) programme away day, I guided the team through strategic discussions to align on the programme’s mission and unique value proposition. The session explored the concept of risk-informed development, clarified the systemic problems GRR aims to address, and assessed the alignment between the programme’s strategic intent and its portfolio of work. The facilitation provided the team with a clearer understanding of GRR’s overarching goals, the connections within its portfolio, and actionable next steps to refine its approach and enhance policy influence and impact.
Funder: ODI Global
03/2024
Role: Co-facilitator
As co-facilitator, we supported a workshop between Matter Group and Fondàtion Botnar to explore possible collaborations. The session introduced Matter’s methods and tools, identified key areas for further work, and developed strategic questions to guide a collaborative approach based on Botnar’s emerging learning agenda.
02/2024
Role: Lead Facilitator
As lead facilitator, we guided a structured political economy conversation with the Global Risk and Resilience team to prepare for high-level policy discussions on climate resilience in fragile contexts at the Wilton Park event. This facilitation ensured alignment on desired outcomes, drew insights from ongoing research to map barriers and enablers of coordinated approaches, and identified key messages for engaging policymakers, development partners, and international actors. The process equipped the team to strategically influence discussions and advance collaboration on climate resilience and vulnerability policy in fragile contexts.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
02-07/2024
Role: Team Lead
Designed and managed the implementation of a second Outcome Harvesting exercise for the Kemitraan Indonesia Australia untuk Infrastruktur (KIAT)) programme, aimed at assessing its contributions to strengthening the quality of infrastructure investments policies in Indonesia. This involved developing tailored tools and frameworks for the exercise, facilitating data collection processes, managing a team of consultants, engaging with key stakeholders to identify and analyze significant outcomes, and ensuring robust validation and learning. The exercise provided actionable insights into the programme’s impact, supporting strategic decision-making and adaptive management.
Funder: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
09-10/2022
Role: Lead Facilitator
As lead facilitator, we designed and led a series of structured online conversations with the team of policy researchers of the Global Risks and Resilience programme to map Somalia’s climate adaptation policy system and identify strategic options to strengthen the Government of Somalia’s policy formulation and implementation capabilities. Drawing on PDIA and the Four Keys to shift systems of the Systems Innovation Initiative, these dialogues explored ways to leverage donor-funded climate programming, enhance coordination among initiatives, and support evidence-informed policymaking on climate risks. By critically analyzing the policy system and its constraints, the process identified opportunities for reform and potential entry points for future advocacy and technical support to advance climate adaptation efforts.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
07/2022 - 02/2024
Role: Senior Researcher
Senior researcher on a research project for the EdTech Hub programme, focusing on the edtech innovation ecosystem in Bangladesh. The project aimed to understand system-level factors and behaviors that enable or constrain edtech innovations from developing and scaling, while also testing the application of systems thinking. The research involved collaboration with HundrED.org in Finland and a2i in Bangladesh.
Funders: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
09/2022 - 01/2023
Role: Researcher
Team member in a study titled Participation of Finnish Public Sector Institutions in the Implementation of Development Policy and Cooperation led by the team at Frisky & Anjoy. The study involved qualitative data collection and analysis to examine the roles, contributions, and challenges faced by Finnish public sector institutions in implementing development policies. Responsibilities included designing data collection tools and analyzing qualitative data to identify patterns and insights, and contributing to the formulation of actionable recommendations.
Funder: Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs / UNIPID
07 - 08/2022
Role: Lead Trainer and Facilitator
We led the design and training support on the application of political economy analysis for designing disaster risk financing policy research studies. This work, undertaken with the team at the Centre for Disaster Protection in the UK, involved developing tailored training materials and facilitating workshops with policy researchers. The initiative aimed to enhance participants’ capacity to analyse the political and institutional dynamics shaping disaster risk financing policies, ensuring research studies are both contextually relevant and actionable.
Funder: FCDO
05- 09/2022
Role: Political Economy Technical Advisor
We led the design of a concept note for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigerian Education (PLANE) programme, focused on planning a political economy analysis of the evidence ecosystems in Nigeria’s education sector. This involved outlining the objectives, methodology, and scope of the research, which examined the politics and dynamics shaping the demand and use of evidence in education policy and decision-making processes. The notes included a description of research methods for identifying key stakeholders, mapping evidence flows, and highlighting systemic barriers and opportunities for improving evidence-based policy and practice in the sector.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
01- 05/2022
Role: Technical Lead
Designed and managed the implementation of an Outcome Harvesting exercise for the Kemitraan Indonesia Australia untuk Infrastruktur (KIAT)) programme, aimed at assessing its contributions to strengthening the quality of infrastructure investments enabling environment in Indonesia. This involved developing tailored tools and frameworks for the exercise, facilitating data collection processes, engaging with key stakeholders to identify and analyze significant outcomes, and ensuring robust validation and learning. The exercise provided actionable insights into the programme’s impact, supporting strategic decision-making and adaptive management.
Funder: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
10/2021 - 02/2022
Role: MEL Technical Lead
We led the review of the planning, monitoring, and learning (PML) system of Fingo, the umbrella organization for Finnish international development NGOs. This involved assessing the effectiveness and relevance of the existing PML frameworks and processes, engaging with member organizations to gather insights, and identifying areas for improvement. WE Designed and facilitated team discussion to collaboratively explore actionable recommendations to enhance the system’s responsiveness and adaptability. We supported the integration of learning approaches to strengthen organizational impact. The review aimed to ensure the PML system aligns with Fingo’s strategic goals and the needs of its diverse stakeholders.
Funder: Fingo
10/2021- 03/2022
Role: Technical Lead and Facilitator
We provided ongoing support and technical advice to develop the Outcome Harvesting component of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the EdTech Hub programme. This involved refining methodologies, ensuring alignment with programme goals, and supporting the integration of Outcome Harvesting into the broader MEL framework of the programme to capture the programme’s contributions to EdTech innovation and impact in low- and middle-income countries.
Additionally, led the design and facilitation of a sensemaking workshop involving the programme team and external stakeholders. The workshop aimed to analyze emerging insights, validate findings, and collaboratively shape the research design to ensure relevance and practical applicability.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
09- 12/2021
Role: Facilitation Lead
We led the design and facilitation of a portfolio sensemaking workshop for the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) programme. The workshop was designed to help the programme team critically analyze their portfolio of activities, identify patterns and insights from ongoing work, and assess their contributions to programme objectives. This involved developing the workshop agenda and tools, facilitating participatory discussions, and guiding the team through structured sensemaking exercises. The workshop supported programming and strategic decision-making by identifying areas for adaptation, aligning activities with the programme’s overall goals, and strengthening the team’s capacity to use sensemaking approaches in their work.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
05/2021- 12/2021
Role: Technical Lead
As part of the ODI team, we led the design of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the Najahkom youth employment programme in Jordan, led by Plan International. Focused specifically on the Learning component, the design included developing frameworks and tools to capture and integrate insights into programme planning and decision-making. Also designed the portfolio sensemaking protocol to enable the programme team to analyze progress, identify patterns across activities, and align efforts with strategic objectives. These designs laid the foundation for a robust MEL system that supports continuous learning and adaptive management.
Funder: Novo Nordisk Fonden
02/2021
Role: Senior Researcher
We co-authored a technical note with Nora Bateson and Luca Gatti on Monitoring & Evaluation of Portfolios of Development Options for the UNDP Regional Office in Istanbul. The note explores innovative approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation tailored for addressing complex problems and development challenges through portfolio approaches. It emphasizes the use of sensemaking methodologies to evaluate interconnected interventions, uncover patterns, and inform strategic decision-making within dynamic systems.
Funder: UNDP Regional Office Istanbul
02- 08/2021
Role: Political Economy Analysis Lead
We led the design of a multi-sectoral Political Economy Analysis and the implementation of a Portfolio Sensemaking of the GIZ International Services country portfolio in Afghanistan. The work involved analyzing the political, institutional, and socio-economic factors shaping the GIZ sectoral programmes and identifying systemic barriers and opportunities. Additionally, the Portfolio Sensemaking exercise aimed to uncover patterns and connections across GIZ’s programmes, fostering a deeper understanding of their collective impact and alignment with strategic objectives.
Funder: GIZ International Services
06/2020 - 04/2021
Role: Strategic Learning Lead
As Strategic Learning lead we co-design and tested the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems for the Strengthening the Use of Evidence for Development Impact (SEDI) programme. The work included, among other things, collaborating with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad to design and pilot a Portfolio Sensemaking protocol. The protocol was developed to enhance strategic learning capability of the programme and identify patterns and connections across programme activities to provide actionable insights to inform strategic decisions. Focused on fostering adaptive management, the MEL system emphasized learning to navigate complex development challenges and strengthen the programme’s alignment with evidence-based approaches.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
06/2020 - 12/2023
Role: MEL Lead
We led the design and implementation of the MEL system for the Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Adolescents in Tanzania and Viet Nam project. This included setting up MEL tools and processes, developing the programme’s theory of change and results framework, and managing strategic learning components. We facilitated regular discussions with project teams to address challenges, inform decision-making, and support the adaptation of strategies and work plans.
Funder: Fondàtion Botnar
07/2019 - 12/2021
Role: MEL Lead and Political Economy Analysis Researcher
We led the design of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the EdTech Hub programme, including the development of the programme’s theory of change and results framework. This work focused on creating a robust MEL system to capture the programme’s impact on improving the use of evidence in education technology for low- and middle-income countries.
We also led the design of a political economy analysis framework to examine the dynamics influencing evidence uptake within the programme, providing insights into the barriers and enablers of integrating evidence into education policy and practice.
We managed 10-country case studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on education systems. These studies analyzed how education systems responded to the pandemic, with a particular focus on the role of EdTech in supporting continuity of learning. The work informed strategic adaptations and provided valuable evidence for policymakers navigating post-pandemic education challenges.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
07/2019 - 03/2020
Role: Political Economy Analysis Lead
We led the ODI team in conducting a political economy analysis of evidence to policy systems in three policy areas in Pakistan: education and employment, child labor, and economic policy and planning. The study aimed to uncover systemic factors influencing the generation, demand, and use of evidence in policymaking processes, identifying barriers and opportunities for strengthening evidence-based decision-making.
This work was carried out in collaboration with three national policy research organisations, leveraging their contextual expertise to ensure the analysis was both grounded and actionable. As part of the initial phase of FCDO’s Strengthening the Use of Evidence for Development Impact (SEDI) project, the study informed the design of interventions aimed at enhancing the capacity and coherence of evidence systems in Pakistan.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
04- 10/2019
Role: Political Economy Analysis (PEA) Lead
We led the design and implementation of a feasibility assessment for the Swedish International Development Agency on the status of research and higher education in Somalia. This involved managing the ODI team, national consultants, and the collaboration closely with a national policy research institute to ensure the study was contextually grounded and actionable. The study assessed the political, institutional, and socio-economic factors shaping the research and higher education landscape in Somalia, identifying opportunities and challenges for strengthening the sector. Findings from the study provided critical insights to inform SIDA’s strategic decision-making and potential interventions in the Somali education and research ecosystem.
Funder: Swedish International Development Agency
03- 06/2019
Role: Lead Reviewer
We led the revision of the feasibility concept note and report for the Support to Social Forestry programme in Indonesia, funded by BMZ and KfW. The study, conducted by AHT GROUP AG, assessed the feasibility of supporting social forestry initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable forest management, enhancing community livelihoods, and addressing environmental challenges. The assignment included reviewing and refining the conceptual framework, ensuring the alignment of the study’s objectives with programme goals, and providing actionable recommendations to strengthen the study’s analytical rigor and strategic insights. The revisions contributed to ensuring the study’s relevance and utility in informing programme design and funding decisions.
Funder: KfW Development Bank
06 - 08/2019
Role: Technical Lead
We led the technical and methodological inputs to the design and implementation of a knowledge system for public policy mapping in Cambodia as part of the DFAT-funded Polonk Chomes: Data and Dialogues for Development in Cambodia project. The assignment involved developing a framework to systematically map and analyze public policies, identify knowledge gaps, and enhance the accessibility and usability of policy-related data. Collaborated with local stakeholders to ensure the methodology was contextually relevant and adaptable, supporting evidence-based decision-making and fostering informed dialogues on development priorities.
Funder: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
02 - 07/2019
Role: Team Lead
We led a team of international and national consultants to conduct a mid-term evaluation of the DFAT-funded Strategic Partnership on Sub-national Governance Programme in Nepal. The evaluation assessed the programme’s progress, effectiveness, and impact in strengthening sub-national governance systems and improving service delivery. Responsibilities included overseeing the evaluation design, coordinating data collection and analysis, engaging with key stakeholders to validate findings, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the programme’s implementation and strategic direction. The mid term evaluation aimed to inform adaptive management and ensure the programme’s alignment with its overarching governance and development objectives.
Funder: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
03 - 09/2019
Role: Strategic Learning Lead
We led the monitoring and learning efforts of the policy engagement workstream under DFID’s Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED) programme. This involved developing frameworks to track and analyze policy engagement outcomes, fostering learning across stakeholders, and ensuring evidence-informed approaches. Additionally, we led the production of a case study on the programme’s policy influence in Nepal, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. The work provided actionable insights to strengthen policy engagement strategies and support resilience-building efforts in climate-vulnerable contexts.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
10/2018 - 01/2019
Role: Climate Change Technical Advisor
Contributed to the Support to Indonesia’s Climate Change Response – Technical Advice Component Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ, SNV, and AHT GROUP AG. The project aimed to enhance Indonesia’s capacity to respond to climate change challenges by providing technical support for policy development, institutional strengthening, and sustainable practices. Our contributions included providing technical inputs, supporting the design and implementation of climate change strategies, and advising on the integration of mitigation and adaptation measures into national and local frameworks. The work fostered collaboration among stakeholders and enhanced the alignment of project activities with Indonesia’s climate goals and European Union priorities.
Funder: European Union
06/2018 - 03/2019
Role: Strategic Learning Lead
Led the monitoring and learning efforts for the policy engagement workstream of DFID’s Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED) programme. This work focused on tracking and analyzing the outcomes of policy engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience to climate extremes and disasters in vulnerable communities. Our contribution included designing learning frameworks, facilitating data collection and synthesis, and producing insights to inform adaptive management and enhance policy impact. The role also involved fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure evidence-informed decision-making and alignment with the programme’s strategic goals.
Funder: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
10/2018 - 02/2020
Role: Interim Strategic Advisor
Provided high-level strategic advice and represented the programme in steering committee meetings for the MasterCard Foundation’s Learning Partnership of the Youth Forward Initiative in Ghana and Uganda. Stepped in temporarily to fulfill the ODI Programme Director’s responsibilities, offering strategic guidance to ensure alignment with the initiative’s objectives of improving youth employment outcomes. Participated in project steering committee meetings, engaging with key stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing programme effectiveness and impact.
Funder: MasterCard Foundation
10 - 11/2018
Role: Research Lead
We led a research team in the co-production of a discussion paper titled State Capability, Policymaking, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Why Knowledge Systems Matter The project explored the intersections of state capacity, policymaking, and emerging technologies, emphasizing the critical role of knowledge systems in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Responsibilities included designing the research framework, coordinating contributions from team members, and ensuring the paper addressed key policy and development implications. The resulting paper provided actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners.
Funder: Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
09 - 11/2018
Role: Lead Researcher
We led a meta-analysis of ten stories of change produced by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation’s Performing and Responsive Social Sciences (PERFORM) project in Serbia and Albania. The analysis aimed to uncover the underlying dynamics and factors driving meaningful change focusing on how social sciences can influence policy and societal outcomes. Responsibilities included synthesizing insights from the stories, identifying cross-cutting themes and lessons, and providing consideration for Helvetas programming. The work contributed to a deeper understanding of the role of responsive social sciences in addressing complex development challenges.
Funder: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
06 - 08/2018
Role: Lead Researcher
We led the production of a discussion paper exploring the experimental approach and the concept of ‘impact’ as applied by Pulse Lab Jakarta, a data innovation lab in Jakarta. The research delved into the Lab’s innovative methodologies, its role in leveraging data for development challenges, and how its experimental approach contributes to measurable and meaningful impacts. Responsibilities included designing the research framework, analyzing the Lab’s projects and processes, and synthesizing findings into a paper that provided actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners. The discussion paper highlighted key lessons for integrating data innovation into development initiatives.
Funder: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
02 - 05/2018
Role: Team Leader
We led a problem-driven political economy analysis of the security and justice sector in Honduras, conducted for the Unidos por la Justicia project. The analysis focused on uncovering the systemic barriers, incentives, and power dynamics influencing the sector’s performance and reform prospects. Responsibilities included leading a multidisciplinary team, designing the political economy analysis framework, conducting in-depth stakeholder consultations, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations. The work informed strategic decision-making and the development of targeted interventions to strengthen security and justice outcomes in Honduras.
Funder: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
11/2017 - 03/2018
Role: Team Leader
We led the mid-term review of the Performing and Responsive Social Sciences (PERFORM) programme which was funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. and implemented in Serbia and Albania. The review focused on assessing the programme’s progress, effectiveness, and relevance in promoting the role of social sciences in addressing societal challenges and informing policy. Responsibilities included designing the review framework, coordinating a multidisciplinary team, engaging with stakeholders in both countries, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations. The review provided critical insights to guide the programme’s strategic direction and enhance its impact on strengthening social science ecosystems.
Funder: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation