User Research & Human-Centred Design Lead

About the role

The client seeks a seasoned Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist to lead a multi‑country baseline study that strengthens financial resilience and inclusive insurance access for young women in agrifood systems across Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. The role combines user‑centred research with rigorous M&E design to generate actionable insights for program strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a mixed‑methods user research approach, including in‑depth interviews, focus groups, journey mapping and co‑design workshops.
• Collect and analyse quantitative data where needed to complement qualitative findings.
• Investigate livelihood patterns, climate risk exposure, coping mechanisms, and insurance awareness and adoption barriers.
• Examine gender, social and behavioural dynamics influencing financial inclusion, such as household responsibilities, mobility constraints, asset ownership and digital literacy.
• Develop user personas, journey maps, behavioural insights and design implications to inform programme strategy and solution development.
• Establish baseline indicators, measurement methodologies, partner readiness assessments and data‑quality processes.

Required profile

• Proven experience designing and executing baseline studies and M&E frameworks in sub‑Saharan Africa.
• Strong background in multi‑country evaluation methodologies, especially within agrifood and financial inclusion sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead participatory research and translate findings into actionable program recommendations.

Required skills

• Mixed‑methods research design (qualitative and quantitative).
• Facilitation of in‑depth interviews, focus groups and co‑design sessions.
• User journey mapping and persona development.
• Gender and social analysis in development contexts.
• Baseline indicator development and data‑quality assurance.