Associate Managing Director

 About Evidence Frontiers

Established in 2002, Evidence Frontiers is a Pan-African Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) consulting firm headquartered in Nairobi, with satellite offices in Pretoria, Ouagadougou, and Kampala. We deliver cutting-edge MEL and strategy services that empower organizations to enhance their performance and drive sustainable social, economic, and environmental change. Our work is grounded in equity, diversity, and technical excellence — delivering high-quality evidence and insights to help our partners make informed decisions based on what works, how it works, and for whom.

Position Summary

The Associate Managing Director (AMD) will serve as the second-in-command to the Managing Director and play a pivotal role in driving business growth, strengthening internal operations, and ensuring delivery excellence across projects. The AMD will oversee client acquisition and relationship management, lead proposal development, coordinate multidisciplinary expert teams, and manage high-profile research and evaluation projects across Africa. This role requires a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader with strong strategic, managerial, and business development skills, and a deep commitment to Evidence Frontiers’ Afrocentric values and mission.

 Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• Work closely with the Managing Director to implement the organization’s strategic plan and annual business goals.
• Lead client acquisition efforts — including networking, partnership development, and identifying new business opportunities with donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of opportunities, including early intelligence gathering and donor mapping.
• Lead or contribute to high-quality proposal writing, technical concept development, budgeting, and partner negotiations.
• Represent Evidence Frontiers in high-level meetings, conferences, and professional networks to strengthen visibility and thought leadership.

2. Project and Portfolio Management

• Provide strategic oversight and technical guidance to ensure successful implementation of ongoing projects across regions and thematic areas.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and quality standards — ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction.
• Supervise project teams and consultants, providing mentorship, performance management, and quality assurance support.
• Oversee project reporting, financial tracking, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Lead periodic project reviews and facilitate adaptive management and learning processes.

3. Team Management and Organizational Growth

• Supervise, coach, and mentor a diverse team of Experts, researchers, and project coordinators.
• Strengthen internal systems and processes related to operations, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Contribute to organizational learning, talent development, and staff well-being.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of consultants and associates.

4. Client Relationship and Partnership Management

• Serve as a primary contact for clients and partners, maintaining strong, trust-based relationships.
• Coordinate communication between Evidence Frontiers and its clients to ensure smooth project execution and satisfaction.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring clear deliverables, scope alignment, and accountability.
• Proactively address client concerns, identify opportunities for follow-on work, and enhance client retention.

5. Knowledge Management and Visibility

• Promote innovation and knowledge sharing across teams, contributing to evidence generation and learning products.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of success stories, policy briefs, and impact reports.
• Strengthen Evidence Frontiers’ digital and thought leadership presence through blogs, events, and social media.

6. Financial Oversight and Accountability

• Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial monitoring.
• Ensure cost-effectiveness and value-for-money in project delivery.
• Support financial reporting and resource mobilization efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, or related field (PhD is an advantage).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in consulting, research, MEL, or program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including proposal writing and partnership building.
• Strong track record in managing multi-country, multi-stakeholder projects and teams.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the African development landscape and donor environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Results-oriented leadership
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Financial and operational acumen
• Relationship management and diplomacy
• Innovation and adaptability
• Commitment to Evidence Frontiers’ Afrocentric and equity-centered values

Why Join Us

At Evidence Frontiers, you’ll work with some of Africa’s leading MEL professionals, shaping evidence and strategies that drive systemic change across the continent. You’ll enjoy a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to influence how Africa measures and drives its own impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents to hr@evidencefrontiers.org  with the subject line “Associate Managing Director – [Your Name]”:

1. A detailed CV/resumé (maximum 5 pages) highlighting relevant leadership, consulting, and project management experience.
2. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your motivation for the role, your key achievements in managing teams and projects, and how you align with Evidence Frontiers’ Afrocentric mission and values.
3. Names and contact details of three professional referees (at least one should be a recent supervisor).

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, December 3rd, 2025 (11:59 PM EAT). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Evidence Frontiers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or background.