Courage Mpofu - Project Management Consultant, Research Methods International

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Work Background

African Development Bank GroupProject Management Consultant, Zimbabwe Energy Sector Reform Support Project

Feb. 2024Harare, ZimbabweProviding advisory and ad-hoc support for Key Experts throughout the project's life span Mapping of high energy consumption facilities to guide formulation of strategies for savings Coordinate in-country energy audits processes to ascertain potential savings Documentation of insights necessary for the review of the National Energy Efficiency Policy Co-establish implementation costs assessing economic and financial viability Synthesise study recommendations & implementation arrangements

CARE International in ZimbabweProject Manager -START4Girls Midline Evaluation

Oct. 2023 - Mar. 2024Zimbabwe•Spearheaded the execution of a pivotal midterm review, assessing the efficacy of strategic initiatives across three core outcome areas in achieving project objectives. • Identified and addressed critical weaknesses and challenges within implementation strategies, enhancing project performance. • Collaborated with the evaluation team to ensure seamless integration of key interventions with the project's overarching implementation plan and results framework. • Led the coordination of data collection and analysis, generating insightful evidence that benchmarked progress against baseline metrics, revealing key trends and patterns. • Co-authored comprehensive progress and final evaluation reports, encapsulating project insights and outcomes.

IFC - International Finance CorporationProject Manager

Aug. 2023 - Mar. 2024ZimbabweSpearheaded the Zimbabwe Agricultural Index Insurance Survey, orchestrating collaboration with key stakeholders including insurers, reinsurers, government entities, DFIs, and NGOs, across 80% of provinces in Zimbabwe. • Led Agri Index Insurance Survey • Engaged with insurers & reinsurers • Liaised with gov't & DFIs in 8 prov. • Partnered with NGOs for outreach

UNICEFProject Manager

Jan. 2023 - Feb. 2024Lusaka Province, Zambia• Spearheaded cross-organizational collaboration as the key liaison among UNICEF Zambia, RMI, and Impact Research Ltd. • Delivered bi-weekly progress reports to UNICEF Zambia, ensuring transparency and up-to-date communication. • Managed timely submission of all project deliverables, adhering to UNICEF Zambia's standards and expectations. • Excelled in project management, including team coordination and contract administration, driving project success. • Ensured rigorous implementation of methodologies, guaranteeing project integrity and validity. • Maintained high-quality standards through meticulous review of provisional and final reports. • Oversaw comprehensive administrative and financial project coordination, optimizing resource allocation. • Contributed to the drafting of the Research Report, adding value through analytical insights and expertise.

Research Methods International Technical Team Leader

Sep. 2020 - May. 2023Harare, Zimbabwe• Crafted compelling concept notes, grant modification requests, and proposals to secure project funding. • Expertly designed logical frameworks, conducted baseline analyses, and established realistic, measurable targets. • Authored detailed proposal narratives, incorporating thorough context background for clarity and impact. • Conceptualized and implemented Baseline, Midline, and Endline evaluations to assess and support vulnerable populations. • Developed comprehensive technical and financial proposals tailored for development and humanitarian sectors. • Strengthened technical team capabilities through targeted capacity-building aligned with project objectives and donor standards. • Integrated lessons learned into project strategies and coordinated beneficiary feedback sessions to enhance program effectiveness.

Plan International UKProject Manager-SAGE Endline Evaluation

Nov. 2022 - Apr. 2023Harare, Zimbabwe• Spearheaded the Supporting Adolescents Girls Education Project, ensuring strategic alignment and exceptional execution. • Orchestrated high-level collaboration with key stakeholders including Plan International, Genesis Analytics, and RMI. • Excelled in project, team, and contract management, driving project success and stakeholder satisfaction. • Implemented rigorous quality assurance protocols for End Progress Assessments, upholding data integrity. • Managed field operations, optimizing logistics and swiftly resolving challenges to maintain project momentum. • Played a pivotal role in the development of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. • Ensured the accuracy and effectiveness of the data collection plan, training materials, and electronic survey instruments. • Led the development and translation of comprehensive data collection tools, enhancing cross-cultural communication. • Diligently supervised the pilot-testing process to guarantee robustness and reliability of research instruments. • Contributed to the creation of critical documentation, including the Training Report, Fieldwork Plan, and Data Collection Report, ensuring thorough record-keeping and transparency.

UNDPProject & Field Manager : Green Climate Fund Baseline Survey

Nov. 2021 - Nov. 2022Harare, Zimbabwe• Spearheaded the Baseline Survey for enhancing Climate Resilience in Agricultural Livelihoods. • Orchestrated 24 Focus Group Discussions, 46 Key Informant Interviews, and over 4,000 household surveys. • Secured necessary administrative and ethical approvals for research compliance. • Contributed to the development of a robust sampling framework and household enumeration. • Played a key role in designing the study methodology and creating survey instruments. • Ensured survey alignment with the overarching Evaluation Framework. • Led the recruitment, training, and oversight of field supervisors and enumerators. • Involved in the preparation of comprehensive baseline, training, and matching reports. • Conducted meticulous quality assurance and compiled daily fieldwork statistics. • Addressed and rectified data discrepancies in collaboration with field teams. • Managed field operations logistics and fostered negotiations with project stakeholders. • Collaborated in the creation of Inception, Progress, and Final Baseline Survey Reports. • Coordinated the presentation and stakeholder validation of evaluation results.

USAIDProject Coordinator : Zimbabwe Private Sector Landscape Analysis

Jul. 2021 - Apr. 2022Zimbabwe• Spearheaded coordination of the Zimbabwe Private Sector Landscape Analysis, ensuring meticulous contract management. • Developed the PSLA Implementation Plan and crafted comprehensive data collection instruments. • Orchestrated scheduling for Mission consultations, facilitated 10 Focus Group Discussions, and conducted 75 Key Informant Interviews. • Executed mapping of over 400 project stakeholders and led a rapid business survey initiative. • Constructed sampling frames incorporating 250 business enterprises for targeted research. • Played a pivotal role in the synthesis and testing of project findings, validating hypotheses. • Conducted an extensive literature review on USAID Private Sector Engagement (PSE) efforts across Europe, Asia, and Africa. • Proficient in processing, analysis, and presentation of both quantitative and qualitative data. • Directed the recruitment and training of 4 field supervisors and 30 enumerators, enhancing team capabilities. • Instrumental in the composition of the PSLA Final Report, contributing to the formulation of PSE Plans and Strategies.

CARE International in ZimbabweProject & Field Manager : START4GIRLS Baseline Study

Nov. 2020 - May. 2021Zimbabwe• Spearheaded the Baseline Evaluation for the START4GIRLS Project, ensuring comprehensive assessment of transition, retention, and training initiatives. • Crafted the Baseline Evaluation Framework, aligning project goals with measurable outcomes. • Authored pivotal START4GIRLS Project reports, detailing inception strategies and final insights. • Strategically mapped 40 stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential project redundancies. • Directed on-site participant recruitment, enhancing the representativeness and quality of data. • Innovated data collection methodologies, creating tailored tools and transcription templates. • Trained and mentored 20 enumerators in best practices for data collection and research ethics. • Managed field data collection activities, focusing on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). • Orchestrated the data lifecycle using KOBO Toolbox, from collection and processing to analysis. • Monitored and reported on data collection performance, ensuring adherence to project benchmarks. • Compiled comprehensive data reports, facilitating informed decision-making for the Team Leader. • Led a successful Baseline validation workshop, coordinating the participation of over 50 key stakeholders.

UNICEF ZimbabweQualitative Research Consultant : Health Development Fund Endline Evaluation

Jan. 2021 - Mar. 2021Harare, Zimbabwe• Spearheaded the Health Development Fund Endline Evaluation, ensuring strategic alignment and intervention logic. • Orchestrated the translation of Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FDG) tools for comprehensive evaluations. • Executed data collection adhering to OECD criteria, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of evaluation outcomes. • Developed a Microsoft Access database for 100+ stakeholders, streamlining beneficiary information management. • Designed and deployed robust evaluation procedures and monitoring instruments, driving program improvement. • Contributed to the formulation of a cutting-edge Monitoring & Evaluation strategy, fostering program accountability. • Conducted insightful KIIs with program beneficiaries and stakeholders, gathering critical performance insights.

Research Council of ZimbabweResearch Grants Officer

Jan. 2017 - Sep. 2020Harare• Spearheaded the creation of comprehensive research and M&E frameworks, including the development of innovative research tools and evaluation methodologies. • Crafted and disseminated key knowledge products, aligning with national research priorities and advancing the field. • Played a pivotal role in the design and execution of over 20 seminal research and evaluation studies. • Expertly designed questionnaires and evaluation frameworks for two influential National R&D surveys. • Forged a strategic partnership with ZIMSTAT for the design and execution of National R&D surveys, enhancing data quality and reach. • Successfully managed and implemented international research collaborations within the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). • Oversaw the complete lifecycle of R&D Surveys, culminating in the publication of insightful Survey Reports and impactful Policy Briefs. • Instrumental in the development of a robust theory of change, logical frameworks, and M&E plans, strengthening program effectiveness. • Proactively identified and integrated cross-cutting issues into program design, ensuring comprehensive and inclusive research initiatives.

Research Council of ZimbabweNational R&D Survey Coordinator

Mar. 2019 - Sep. 2019Mt Pleasant Harare• Spearheaded national R&D survey coordination, ensuring comprehensive analysis and reporting of key findings. • Contributed to survey design by providing critical input on questionnaires and interviewer guidelines. • Conceptualized and executed survey framework, securing necessary resources and overseeing implementation. • Refined survey methodology through strategic collaboration with ZIMSTAT and NEPAD. • Guaranteed methodological adherence throughout data collection phases, maintaining high standards of accuracy. • Served as the primary liaison for field enumerators, data entry personnel, and the lead Statistician. • Developed key performance indicators to measure R&D staff contributions and infrastructure investments. • Trained 200 enumerators in effective survey tool administration, enhancing data quality and reliability. • Supervised a team of 10 provincial survey coordinators, ensuring consistent execution across regions. • Secured requisite administrative approvals at multiple governmental levels to facilitate smooth survey progression. • Crafted comprehensive Data Analysis Plans in partnership with the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency, setting the stage for insightful data interpretation.

RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ZIMBABWESenior Technical Officer

Feb. 2014 - Aug. 2017Harare, Zimbabwe• Spearheaded the implementation of the Zimbabwe Science Technology and Innovation Framework, enhancing national R&D strategies. • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify and integrate emerging research trends. • Revitalized the Council’s R&D Fund Disbursement Framework, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. • Designed and oversaw data collection methodologies for Innovation Surveys, contributing to robust data analytics. • Streamlined the Council’s R&D administrative processes, boosting operational efficiency. • Directed high-impact R&D initiatives in the Health and Renewable Energy sectors, fostering sectoral innovation. • Employed Eurostat metrics to evaluate R&D outcomes, ensuring alignment with international standards. • Produced strategic quarterly policy briefs, newsletters, and technical reports, informing stakeholders of key developments. • Developed Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, optimizing project oversight and accountability. • Expanded the Council’s stakeholder network by 80% in one year, significantly broadening collaborative potential. • Authored comprehensive quarterly and annual reports for the Council’s three core functions, demonstrating progress and impact. • Orchestrated research stakeholder workshops, enhancing community engagement and knowledge dissemination. • Led the creation of the Zimbabwe National Research Database, centralizing national research information. • Acted as the Council’s ambassador at major publicity events and exhibitions, elevating the organization’s profile. • Negotiated MOUs and contracts, solidifying local and regional partnerships for the Council. • Coordinated biennial international research symposiums, positioning the Council as a key player on the global stage. • Represented the Research Council of Zimbabwe at UNICEF Brown Bag sessions, showcasing research achievements. • Initiated the National Research Priorities Outreach Programme, driving research agenda and community involvement.

Research Council of ZimbabweActing Research Coordination Manager

Mar. 2014 - Dec. 2016Harare, Zimbabwe• Spearheaded strategic planning and adeptly delegated research tasks to team members. • Ensured timely execution of the Council's scheduled research initiatives. • Crafted compelling presentations and speeches from approved concept notes. • Played a pivotal role in the Council's budget development and negotiation with the Treasury. • Efficiently organized Committee and Board Meetings, ensuring accurate documentation of decisions. • Facilitated the adoption and local execution of research policies. • Harmonized national research agendas with regional and programmatic goals. • Provided comprehensive support to key Council Committees focused on research oversight and advancement. • Developed insightful policy briefs and foundational documents to drive Research & Development (R&D) efforts.

RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ZIMBABWETechnical Officer

Jun. 2009 - Feb. 2014Harare, Zimbabwe• Engineered the National Registration and Monitoring System for international researchers, enhancing global collaboration. • Spearheaded cross-functional team efforts to foster local and international research partnerships. • Developed and implemented robust Standard Operating Procedures for foreign researcher registration. • Executed Good Clinical Practice (GCP) inspections aligned with MRCZ guidelines. • Oversaw research study approvals, ensuring strict compliance with established protocols. • Coordinated with sister regulatory authorities to facilitate joint review processes. • Led Clinical Trial Research Monitoring initiatives in conjunction with MRCZ and MCAZ.

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