Application Guide
How to Apply for Data and Research Analyst, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
at Lafiya
🏢 About Lafiya
Lafiya is a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure in rural sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on meeting women's unmet need for contraception. This mission-driven organization offers the opportunity to use data to create tangible social impact in underserved communities.
About This Role
As the Data and Research Analyst, you will be the quantitative backbone of the MEL department, managing routine data analysis and rigorous evaluations. Your work will directly inform real-time decisions and contribute to publication-ready evidence that meets academic and donor standards, making your analytical skills crucial for improving health outcomes.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve pulling and cleaning data from various counselling systems, running preliminary analyses to identify trends or discrepancies, and collaborating with the MEL team to refine indicators. You might spend time developing a sampling plan for an upcoming evaluation or preparing a data visualization for a stakeholder report, all while working remotely with a team across different time zones.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Lafiya Is Looking For
- Proven experience in quantitative data analysis, including advanced statistical modeling (e.g., difference-in-differences).
- Strong skills in data reconciliation and ensuring data quality and traceability.
- Ability to design sampling strategies for evaluations in field settings.
- Experience producing reports for academic or donor audiences.
- Passion for global health and working in a nonprofit context.
📝 Tips for Applying to Lafiya
Highlight specific examples of your experience with difference-in-differences or similar quasi-experimental methods in your resume and cover letter.
Showcase your ability to manage and clean messy datasets, with a focus on data reconciliation and traceability.
Mention any experience with routine health data or counselling data systems, even if not in the same context.
Quantify the impact of your previous work, e.g., 'Improved data accuracy by 30%' or 'Influenced program decisions that reached X beneficiaries'.
Tailor your application to Lafiya's mission by expressing genuine interest in women's health and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your technical skills in statistical analysis and data management, with specific tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python).', "Connect your past experience to the impact of Lafiya's work, showing how your data insights can drive health outcomes.", 'Demonstrate your ability to produce clear, publication-ready reports for diverse stakeholders.', 'Express enthusiasm for remote work and collaborating with a geographically dispersed team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Lafiya's website and any available annual reports to understand their programs and impact metrics.
- → Familiarize yourself with the context of contraception access in sub-Saharan Africa and key challenges.
- → Look into Lafiya's partners and donors to understand the reporting standards you'd be working with.
- → If possible, find any published research or evaluations from Lafiya to understand their analytical style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter; make sure to reference Lafiya's mission and specific role responsibilities.
- Avoid overselling your experience with methods you're not confident in; be honest about your skill level.
- Don't neglect the importance of data quality and reconciliation; emphasize your attention to detail.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: October 11, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!