Draft:Rinji Kwarkas

• Comment: Written more like a CV than an encyclopedia article. Rambley (talk) 14:06, 20 June 2025 (UTC)

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Rinji Kwarkas

Rinji Kwarkas is a Nigerian Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (DMEAL) specialist, researcher, and gender advocate with over 11 years of experience in development work. He is recognized for his expertise in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), forecasting, data analysis, and gender-responsive programming. Rinji has worked across Africa, contributing to projects funded by major organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, the European Union, and the African Development Bank.

Early Life and Education

Rinji was born on the 21st October 1987 in Jos Plateau State to Mr. Lekyes Kwarkas and Mrs. Agatha Marie Kwarkas. He was raised in Jos Plateau State. He holds a master’s in information management from Ahmadu Bello University and a B.Tech in Information Management Technology from Modibbo Adama University of Technology. His academic background blends statistics, information technology, and development studies, equipping him with skills in data-driven decision-making and ICT for development (ICT4D). He is currently enrolled for a Ph.D. in Social Statistics from Nasarawa State University and an MA in Monitoring and evaluation from Daystar University Nairobi.

Career and Contributions

Rinji has designed and deployed results-driven MEL systems for projects in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, gender equality, and economic development. Key roles include:

• Interim MERL Manager at Graça Machel Trust (South Africa), overseeing MEL for 14 projects and fostering data-driven decision-making.
• MEL Specialist for Creative Associates’ Northeast Connection Program (USAID-funded), managing evaluations, conflict analyses, and grantee capacity building in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.
• Senior DMEAL Officer at Search for Common Ground, leading evaluations on peacebuilding and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Gender Advocacy and SHEvaluators

Rinji is the founder of SHEvaluators, an initiative to empower African women in evaluation practice. The project provides career guidance, training, and mentorship to young female evaluators across Africa, with seminars held in Nigeria, Tanzania, Senegal, Malawi, and Cameroon with a target to cover all African countries. The initiative has been featured by the Global Evaluation Initiative.

Leadership and Affiliations

• National Secretary General, Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE).
• Member, African Gender Development Evaluators’ Network (AGDEN).
• Member, American Evaluation Association (AEA)

Publications and Thought Leadership

• Speaker at the American Evaluation Association Conference (2024) on the SHEvaluators: Raising the next generation of African Female Evaluators.
• Panelist at the Women Creating Wealth Summit (Johannesburg, 2024).

Awards and Recognition

Kwarkas’ work has been recognized by:

• African Gender Development Evaluators’ Network (AGDEN) Seeding grantee winner to research on Disappearing indigenous knowledge: the case of the Ikom Monoliths.