Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, SPMU (EAII Advisors)

at Evidence Action

🏢 About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a unique organization that scales cost-effective, evidence-based programs to reduce poverty across Africa and Asia. Unlike many nonprofits, it rigorously tests interventions and only scales those proven to work, ensuring donor funds have maximum impact. Working here means being part of a data-driven culture that values measurable results over good intentions.

About This Role

As Senior Manager of the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU), you will lead the team that ensures Evidence Action’s programs are strategically aligned and rigorously evaluated. Your work directly influences which programs are scaled and how resources are allocated, making you a key driver of the organization’s mission to maximize impact per dollar spent.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your typical day might start with a check-in with your SPMU team on ongoing evaluations, followed by a meeting with program directors to review quarterly performance data. Afternoon could involve analyzing a cost-effectiveness model for a proposed pilot, then preparing a presentation for the executive team on strategic priorities. You’ll also spend time mentoring staff and coordinating with country offices on data collection.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Evidence Action Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of experience in strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably in international development or public health.
  • Possesses strong analytical skills and a track record of using data to inform high-stakes decisions, such as program scale-up or resource allocation.
  • Demonstrates experience managing diverse teams and coordinating cross-functional projects, especially in a global context with remote teams.
  • Is passionate about evidence-based policy and can communicate complex findings to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership and donors.

📝 Tips for Applying to Evidence Action

1

Highlight specific examples of how you used data to drive strategic decisions in past roles, especially if you influenced program direction or resource allocation.

2

Mention any experience with cost-effectiveness analysis or randomized controlled trials, as these are core to Evidence Action’s approach.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership of monitoring and evaluation systems, not just participation; show you can build and manage a unit.

4

Research Evidence Action’s flagship programs (e.g., Deworm the World, Safe Water) and reference them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

5

Quantify your impact in previous roles (e.g., 'Led M&E for a program reaching 10M children, resulting in 20% cost reduction per child').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your alignment with Evidence Action’s mission of scaling evidence-based interventions and your commitment to rigorous impact evaluation.', 'Describe your experience leading strategic planning processes that resulted in measurable improvements in program effectiveness or efficiency.', 'Highlight your ability to manage teams and work across functions, as the SPMU collaborates with program, finance, and advocacy teams.', 'Show that you understand the challenges of working in low-resource settings and can adapt data collection and analysis methods accordingly.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Evidence Action’s 'Evidence to Scale' reports to understand how they decide which programs to expand.
  • → Review their recent publications on cost-effectiveness, especially in Deworm the World and Safe Water programs.
  • → Familiarize yourself with their organizational structure and how the SPMU interacts with other units like Programs, Finance, and External Affairs.
  • → Look into their funding model (e.g., GiveWell recommendations) to understand the accountability pressures they face.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the cost-effectiveness of a new program proposal? Walk through your framework.
2 Describe a time you used monitoring data to pivot a program strategy. What was the outcome?
3 How do you ensure data quality when working with partners in remote, low-infrastructure areas?
4 Evidence Action values 'evidence-based' – how do you balance rigorous evidence with the need to make timely decisions?
5 What experience do you have with strategic planning at an organizational level, not just within a single program?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t submit a generic cover letter – failing to mention any of their specific programs or evidence-based approach signals lack of interest.
  • Avoid overstating your M&E experience if it’s limited; instead, be honest and show willingness to learn, as the role requires deep expertise.
  • Don’t neglect to mention your team management skills – this is a senior role, and they need a leader, not just an individual contributor.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Evidence Action!

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