Walter Samuel

Economist and research officer with experience in supporting programme planning, field research, data collection, statistical analysis, budgeting and report writing across diverse policy, education, population health and development projects. Skilled in survey data collection, data cleaning, statistical analysis, quality assurance, reporting, and visualization using SPSS, STATA, MS Excel, Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, and ArcGIS Pro. Experienced in coordinating field and remote teams, managing research deliverables, literature reviews and translating data into actionable insights to support evidence-based planning programme implementation.

Research Projects Coordinator at JF Overseas Consulting (2023-05 – 2025-12)

Coordinated outsourced research projects for various clients, ensuring timely delivery, quality assurance, and alignment with project objectives.

• Coordinated outsourced research projects for various clients, ensuring timely delivery, quality assurance, and alignment with project objectives.
• Managed workflows with a team of researchers and supported preparation of outputs including literature reviews, analysis summaries, and research reports.
• Remotely coordinated ground teams in South Sudan to support field data collection, progress reporting, and adherence to project timelines.
• Contributed to a commissioned education and development research project examining the relationship between political shifts, conflicts, and schooling outcomes in South Sudan.
• Supported digital data collection using Kobo Toolbox, ensuring data completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Compiled and synthesized findings into structured reports with clear conclusions and recommendations.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Analyst at Owntheyard.com (2020-01 – 2022-12)

Conducted data-driven keyword research, performance tracking and trend analysis to support evidence-based digital strategy.

• Conducted data-driven keyword research, performance tracking and trend analysis to support evidence-based digital strategy.
• Monitored and reported on performance metrics including organic traffic, CTR, engagement, and conversion trends using analytics tools.
• Identified technical issues affecting website performance, including crawl errors, broken links, duplicate content, and indexing challenges.
• Produced periodic performance reports using Google Analytics and Google Sheets, translating data into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborated with content and technical teams to implement improvements and track measurable outcomes.

Research Assistant Volunteer (Resilience, Sustainability & Community Projects) at Aga Khan University (AKU) (2017-01 – 2019-12)

Supported research studies focusing on population health, maternal and child health, community resilience, livelihoods, food systems and sustainability-focused development.

• Supported research studies focusing on population health, maternal and child health, community resilience, livelihoods, food systems and sustainability-focused development.
• Contributed to community-level field research examining household vulnerability, local coping systems, and donor-supported initiatives promoting local food production and household self-reliance.
• Supported collection, compilation, and analysis of data relating to local food chains, household practices, and community strategies for resilience and sustainability.
• Assisted with field activity planning, budgeting support, data monitoring and reporting for research and community-based organizations (CBO) programs.
• Supported monitoring and evaluation activities by tracking implementation progress, documenting lessons learned, and contributing to project reports.
• Transcribed qualitative interviews and supported coding and synthesis of findings for reporting and publication purposes.
• Supported a study on factors influencing women's choice of health-facility delivery versus home delivery, alongside broader community development and resilience-related research activities.
• Utilized Kobo Toolbox (Kobo Collect) for mobile data collection, NVivo for qualitative coding, and Power BI for reporting and visualization.

Intern — Economic Planning Department at Nairobi City County Government (2016-08 – 2016-11)

Supported research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing for county planning and decision-making.

• Supported research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing for county planning and decision-making.
• Assisted in development planning and budgeting processes, including sectoral planning and coordination.
• Supported monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities to track implementation progress and performance.
• Participated in public participation forums and supported governance and policy engagement activities.
• Assisted with implementation coordination for the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2013–2017.
• Assisted in preparation and organization of planning information for departmental reporting and presentations during key county meetings.

Bachelor of Economics in Economics – Technical University of Kenya (2013 – 2016)

Diploma in Theological Education by Extension in Theological Education – Presbyterian University of East Africa (2016 – 2016)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) – Othaya Boys High School (2011 – 2011)

Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) – Kigwandi Primary School (2007 – 2007)