Senior Associate, Education and MEL

Genesis Analytics was one of the first economics-based consulting firms in Africa and since 1998 we have grown into the largest. Our purpose is straight-forward: to use our analytical capabilities to improve decision-making, and through better decisions to unlock substantial value for our clients and society. The diversity of our work is mirrored in the range of our clients. Many of our key clients have worked with us for more than a decade. We have worked with many of the largest business corporations in Africa, India and the Middle East. The result has been deep knowledge in sectors as diverse as telecommunications, energy, banking, capital markets, broadcasting and media, retailing and manufacturing. In 2015 alone we worked with corporate clients in more than 20 countries. In South Africa, 15 of the top 20 listed firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange have used our services in recent years. We also work with across the prominent law firms region and in India as specialist advisors. We are also an increasingly prominent African provider of development services to development agencies working in the region, whether directly or as a part of consortiums running long-term programmes. In addition to its technical capabilities, Genesis is building the contracting, project management, evaluation and implementation capabilities in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, financial sector development, financial inclusion, youth employment opportunities and health required by the principal development agencies and their prime contractors. We are seeking a technically strong and delivery-oriented Senior Associate in Education and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to join the Education Team within the Human Development practice. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to MEL projects across all levels of education. We currently have an exciting portfolio of MEL projects in education spanning mixed methods experimental evaluations of pre-primary and foundation learning programmes, providing MEL support across secondary education, and evaluating and designing MEL systems for higher education. All projects apply cutting edge MEL methodologies to deliver impact on education outcomes. This portfolio is growing. This is a consulting role - focused on applying rigorous analysis to real-world education policy and system challenges. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the education sector, excellence in MEL, analytical acumen, combined with commercial awareness, and 5-10 years professional experience. We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and can work independently from day one in a highly dynamic setting. We will recruit someone based in Africa for this role, and the work will be focused on (but not limited to) Africa. Key Responsibilities Project Delivery and Technical Leadership Contribute and progressively lead the design and delivery of education MEL projects, ensuring methodological rigour and policy relevance. Translate quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, policy-relevant recommendations and deliverables. Supervise, and mentor junior analysts and associates, fostering internal capacity for high-quality MEL work leading to positive change. Consulting and Client Engagement Engage directly with ministries, development partners, and private sector actors to co-create solutions to education system challenges. Communicate insights and recommendations effectively through presentations, reports, and workshops to engage decision-makers within the political economy of education systems. Manage or co-manage project workstreams, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery and client satisfaction. Thought Leadership and Business Development Support and lead business development, including proposal design, methodological framing, and client engagement. Contribute to the team's intellectual leadership on MEL in education. Collaborate across Genesis' Human Development practice. Requirements Master's (or PhD) in Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. 5-10 years of experience working in consulting or very similar. Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), including strong quantitative and analytical skills with knowledge of STATA or similar software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate technical findings into actionable policy advice. A proven entrepreneurial and self-starter mindset. Willingness to be based in Africa Prior experience in prestigious international development programs such as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship, the World Bank (WB) Young Professionals Program, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program, or similar highly selective programs, is desirable.