About Reagan Ochola

Strategic MEL Leader | Multi-Country Donor Programs | Power BI • SQL • Python • Data Governance | 9+ Years Experience

Strategic MEL Leader

The Strategist and The Technologist

A Strategic Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Leader who believes that the most powerful data is the data that drives immediate, measurable action. For over nine years, I have specialized in bridging the critical gap between high-level donor strategy and the complex reality of data collection in multi-country development programs. My work is dedicated to transforming raw field data into clear, actionable evidence that enhances program sustainability and impact. My approach is defined by a commitment to efficiency and precision. By automating data pipelines and optimizing MEL systems, I have consistently delivered tangible results, including cutting reporting turnaround time by 50% and reducing survey errors by 35%. I translate these efficiencies into strategic gains, such as the 8.1% training-efficiency gain identified in the Kenya MSME Manufacturing Analysis, ensuring every program resource is directed by rigorous evidence.

From Frameworks to Full-Stack Analytics

My career began with a deep focus on designing robust, donor-compliant MEL frameworks. I learned firsthand that a well-designed framework is the bedrock of sustainable development, but I also witnessed the limitations of manual processes when managing 50+ staff and vast, complex datasets. This challenge sparked a pivotal transition in my professional journey. Driven by the need for agility and precision, I embraced the power of data science. I mastered Power BI for developing real-time, interactive dashboards that serve as the single source of truth for executive leadership and field teams alike. I leverage SQL to build scalable, reliable data infrastructure and Python for advanced data cleaning, geospatial analysis, and reproducible research. Today, I operate at the intersection of strategy and technology, designing adaptive MEL systems that are not only compliant but are also fully automated and directly feed into evidence-based decision-making.

Data Must Serve the Mission

My professional philosophy is simple and unwavering: Data must serve the mission. It is not enough to collect data; we must translate it into the clearest possible narrative to drive change. Every framework, every dashboard, and every analysis I build is designed to make the 'learning' in MEL a proactive, continuous process. I am motivated by the challenge of scaling data-driven MEL across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. I am focused on building resilient, self-sustaining systems that move organizations past simply measuring outputs and towards a deep, evidence-based understanding of why and how change occurs. If you are looking for a leader who can bridge the gap between program strategy and technical data execution to maximize impact, I invite you to explore my portfolio.

MEL System Design

Designing robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for multi-country donor programs.

Data Governance

Establishing comprehensive data governance protocols and standardized processes for MEL teams.

Real-Time Analytics

Integrating SQL and Power BI for real-time analysis reducing data processing time by 40%.

Capacity Building

Mentoring teams and building sustainable capacity for data-driven decision making.

B.Sc. Community Development

Egerton University - Statistics, Research Methods, Agricultural Extension, Economics

M.Sc. Project Management

JKUAT - Data Analysis, Project Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Strategic Management, Consulting

Junior MEL Enumerator

One Acre Fund - Collected and validated 15,000+ farmer records, increased data reliability by 20%

MEL Team Lead

One Acre Fund - Regional coverage, reduced reporting turnaround by 50%, enhanced adaptive management across 3 counties

"Building robust data systems that transform complex agricultural information into evidence-based decisions for sustainable development impact."

50% Faster Reporting
40% Processing Time
5 African Countries
Google BI Certified

Skills

MERL & Program Architecture • Data Governance • Power BI • SQL • Python • Tableau • Statistical Analysis • Adaptive Management

Power BI

Advanced dashboard design reducing reporting turnaround by 50% with interactive visualizations and real-time data integration.

95%

SQL

Real-time analysis integration reducing data processing time by 40% across multi-county agricultural operations.

90%

Data Governance

Establishing comprehensive protocols and standardized processes for 50+ MEL officers ensuring audit readiness.

95%

Python

SQL-based validation tools for automated data cleaning processes enhancing accuracy and reliability for evidence-informed monitoring.

85%

+

Years MEL Experience

+

MEL Officers Supervised

Countries Covered