Brian Ngcobo

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research professional with a Master of Social Sciences in Demography and Population Studies and hands-on experience supporting large-scale health and social research programmes. Proven ability to design and implement monitoring processes, supervise field teams, manage data quality systems, analyse quantitative and qualitative datasets, and translate evidence into actionable insights for programme improvement. Experienced in results tracking, indicator monitoring, survey implementation, stakeholder coordination, operational reporting, and adaptive problem-solving across community-based research environments.

Strong multitasker with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams in remote and high-pressure settings.

Senior Field Officer at J-PAL Africa (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab) (2026-04 – Present)

• Lead community-based implementation and monitoring activities for health and social research projects across multiple field sites.
• Supervise field teams and ensure compliance with research protocols, standard operating procedures, and ethical requirements.
• Conduct data quality assurance, verification checks, survey monitoring, and performance tracking to maintain high-quality project delivery.
• Coordinate with health facilities, community stakeholders, researchers, and project teams to resolve implementation challenges and strengthen programme execution.
• Prepare operational reports, monitor field performance indicators, and provide evidence-based feedback to support adaptive management and decision-making.
• Mentor field staff on accurate data collection, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.

Research Intern – Health & Demography at USINGA HDSS Node, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2025-01 – 2025-08)

• Supported monitoring and evaluation activities for a longitudinal health and demographic surveillance programme in Umlazi.
• Managed, validated, and analyzed population health datasets using STATA and SPSS, contributing to evidence generation and programme learning.
• Assisted with data quality management, database maintenance, and verification processes for sensitive demographic and health information.
• Conducted literature reviews and evidence syntheses to identify research gaps and inform ongoing programme and policy discussions.
• Prepared analytical reports, presentations, and research outputs for academic publication and stakeholder dissemination.

Interim Field Operations Supervisor at USINGA HDSS Node, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2023-09 – 2024-12)

• Supervised field teams of 8–32 staff during community surveys and population research activities.
• Developed fieldwork schedules, assigned workflows, managed transport logistics, and coordinated daily operational activities.
• Designed and enforced SOPs, trained teams on survey tools, interview techniques, research ethics, and data collection protocols.
• Monitored data accuracy, conducted quality control reviews, and performed supervisory visits to ensure implementation fidelity.
• Managed research equipment, staff timesheets, and resource reporting while resolving field challenges through adaptive problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.

Administrative & Office Support at NDLEXWORX Protection Pty Ltd (2020-05 – 2021-05)

• Managed financial administration, procurement support, document management, compliance records, and operational reporting.
• Coordinated logistics, fleet management, inventory control, and stakeholder communication while maintaining accurate administrative systems and meeting strict deadlines.

Master of Social Sciences in Demography & Population Studies – University of KwaZulu-Natal (2024 – 2025)

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Demography & Population Studies – University of KwaZulu-Natal (2023 – 2024)

Bachelor of Social Sciences in Community Development & Political Sciences – University of KwaZulu-Natal (2018 – 2022)