Julia Wanderi

Strategic Research & Insights Consultant | Connecting Data to Impact Across Livelihoods, Health, Environment, Energy, Education, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Sub-Saharan Africa

Professional Summary:

I am a Strategic Research & Insights Consultant dedicated to bridging the gap between data and real-world impact across Sub-Saharan Africa. My work helps organizations navigate complex challenges—whether improving livelihoods, strengthening health systems, advancing education, or tackling climate and energy issues. I ensure that research goes beyond just gathering data, driving decisions that lead to tangible, sustainable outcomes.

Bridging Insight and Action

With over 20 years of experience across market research and social impact sectors, I’ve partnered with donors, development agencies, private sector clients, research firms, INGOs, and governments to uncover insights that lead to meaningful change. From designing and managing nationally representative surveys to leading baseline studies, market assessments, and impact evaluations, I bring a hands-on, practical approach that aligns strategy with evidence. My strength lies in making research useful—turning findings into tools that inform policy, improve programming, and influence decision-making.

Consultancy Built for Real-World Impact

In 2023, I launched Spacefix Africa (www.spacefixltd.africa), a consultancy created to respond to the growing need for tailored, locally grounded research support in Africa. Spacefix Africa specializes in delivering high-quality, actionable research with a deep understanding of Sub-Saharan Africa’s regional complexities. Whether the goal is to explore behaviors, test program effectiveness, or guide investments, I work closely with partners to ensure insights are not only relevant but transformative.

Key Competencies:

• Market Research & Consumer Insights: Expertise in designing and executing market research studies, including surveys, focus groups, consumer behavior analysis, market segmentation, and impact evaluations. Proficient in using research findings to guide strategy development and influence business decisions.
• Social Research & Impact Evaluation: In-depth experience in designing and managing social research projects, including baseline studies, impact assessments, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. Specializes in delivering actionable insights to inform policy, improve programming, and drive decision-making.
• Project Management & Advisory Services: Skilled in leading research and development projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality results, timely delivery, and alignment with client objectives. Expertise in providing strategic advice and technical support for program design, policy development, and program improvements.
• Behavior Change & Social Development Strategies: Designing and implementing behavior change strategies, with a focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and public health. Experienced in developing and applying social behavior change frameworks tailored to diverse local contexts.
• Energy & Climate Change Advisory: Providing strategic guidance on energy transitions, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Advising organizations on best practices and effective strategies to navigate the challenges of energy and climate policy implementation in Africa.
• Strategic Planning & Program Design: Expertise in crafting tailored strategies for organizations, ensuring alignment with local and global development goals. Proficient in developing program designs, action plans, and roadmaps to achieve tangible, measurable impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Cultural Communication: Building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors, including donors, government agencies, INGOs, and the private sector. Skilled in facilitating workshops, collaborative planning, and fostering effective communication across cultural boundaries.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficient in leveraging analytical tools to turn complex data into actionable insights. Experienced in creating clear, concise reports that translate research findings into strategic recommendations for decision-makers.
• Sustainable Development & Inclusive Development: Extensive experience in designing research and interventions that promote environmental sustainability and inclusive development. Focused on addressing the unique challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that interventions are contextually relevant and capable of driving long-term positive impact.

Work Experience:

Founder & Principal Consultant, Spacefix Africa (www.spacefixltd.africa)
July 2023 – Present
I founded Spacefix Africa to address the region’s unique social research challenges and bridge gaps in development practice across Africa. Spacefix Africa specializes in social research project management, offering tailored solutions with high standards of quality, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. I work closely with international organizations to navigate the complexities of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on key thematic areas like Environment, Energy, and Climate Action, Nutrition and Food Security, Education and Skills, Gender and Equity, Governance, Trade and Migration, Work and Entrepreneurship, Health, and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Consultant: Strategy Development, Energy, Climate, and Social Behavior Change
January 2024 – Present
I conduct SWOT analyses to identify opportunities, challenges, and strategic priorities for energy, climate resilience, and social behavior change projects. I refine program value propositions to align with organizational goals and enhance the impact of these initiatives. I also facilitate interactive workshops to collaboratively develop strategic action plans, ensuring alignment across energy, climate, and social behavior change initiatives. My work includes designing and implementing behavior change frameworks tailored to local contexts and supporting the development of community engagement strategies.

Research Project Manager, Verian Group (formerly Kantar Public)
Until June 2023
I led and managed a range of social research projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering high-quality, nationally representative household and opinion surveys. I utilized deep local insights and rigorous methodologies to address the unique challenges of the region, ensuring successful and impactful project outcomes. Collaborating with international organizations, I provided accurate and reliable data to support effective program interventions and informed decision-making.

Market Research and Business Development Manager, SBO Research
March 2009 – December 2016
At SBO Research, I contributed to both market research and business development efforts, managing key accounts and cultivating relationships with clients across various sectors. My role included designing and executing market research projects, analyzing consumer behavior, and providing actionable insights for clients to enhance their strategies. Additionally, I played a key role in account management, working closely with clients to ensure their needs were met, while overseeing the business development efforts to expand the company's footprint in the market.

Education:

• Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation of Development Projects, Maseno University eCampus
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communication, University of Nairobi
• Certification in Monitoring and Evaluation, KIM Learning Management System

Professional Training:

• Project Management, Great Learning Academy
• Gallup World Poll Standardized Methodology and Training Procedures, Gallup World Poll, led by Robert D. Tortora, Ph.D.
• Brand Audit and Tracking, Brand Quad Africa, facilitated by Dr. Dunja Kartte
• IT Revolution – A Challenge to Professionals, Strathmore University
• Psychological Perspectives in Organizational Functions, University of South Wales / UNICAF Online

Client Endorsements:

Boniface Ngahu, Director - SBO Research: "Julia’s expertise in market research is unparalleled. She has an exceptional ability to design and manage research projects that provide deep insights into market dynamics and consumer behavior. Her approach is both strategic and practical, ensuring that findings are not only relevant but also actionable for driving business and development outcomes. Julia’s skills in account management, client relations, and business development have consistently helped us navigate complex research needs with success."

Susan Gigli, Development Research Executive: "When working with Julia, we were always in professional and experienced hands. Her deep knowledge of research and the local context helped us improve research design and avoid headaches. Her responsiveness ensured that we addressed any problems as soon as they arose."

Kevin Maraga, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Expert: "Julia's exemplary work in conducting outcome monitoring surveys is highly recommended. Her meticulous approach to data gathering and advanced analytical techniques provided a thorough understanding of outcomes achieved. Julia's ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, combined with professionalism and attention to detail, underscores her value as a partner for effective impact measurement and evaluation."

Accomplishments:

• Led Effective Behavior Change and Social Impact Initiatives: I have implemented impactful behavior change strategies and social interventions for international organizations, significantly enhancing community outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Applied Deep Expertise in Development Practice: My extensive experience in managing and designing research and development projects is underpinned by a profound understanding of local contexts, allowing me to address complex social issues and deliver sustainable, impactful results tailored to diverse communities.
• Key Accomplishments in Market Research and Business Development
  At SBO Research, I successfully led market research and business development initiatives, managing key client relationships and delivering actionable insights that drove strategic decision-making across various industries. My ability to design and execute high-quality market assessments, coupled with my expertise in account management, played a pivotal role in driving business growth and strengthening partnerships for the company.

Additional Professional Training

• Great Learning Academy : Completed a project management course emphasizing efficient resource utilization, tools, and methodologies for successful project completion.
• Gallup World Poll Standardized Methodology and Training Procedures : Participated in a training led by Robert D. Tortora, Ph.D., Chief Methodologist of Gallup World Poll, with specialization in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• University of South Wales / UNICAF Online : Completed a program focusing on psychological perspectives in organizational functions such as leadership, organizational culture, change management, marketing, and communications.
• Strathmore University : Engaged in seminars on "The IT Revolution" – A Challenge to Professionals.
• Brand Quad Africa : Trained in brand audit and tracking facilitated by Dr. Dunja Kartte, a management consultant and expert in strategic marketing and business strategy across various industries.

Accomplishments:

• Led Effective Behavior Change and Social Impact Initiatives: With over a decade of experience, I have implemented impactful behavior change strategies and social interventions for international organizations, significantly enhancing community outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. This track record demonstrates my ability to drive positive social change and deliver measurable improvements.
• Applied Deep Expertise in Development Practice: My extensive experience in managing and designing research and development projects is underpinned by a profound understanding of local contexts. This expertise allows me to address complex social issues and produce sustainable, impactful results tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities.
• Client Endorsements Highlight Expertise and Professionalism:
  
• Susan Gigli, Development Research Executive: "When working with Julia, we were always in professional and experienced hands. Her deep knowledge of research and of the local context and challenges helped us improve research design and avoid headaches. Her responsiveness ensured that we addressed any problems as soon as they arose."
• Kevin Maraga, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Expert: "Julia's exemplary work in conducting outcome monitoring surveys is highly recommended. Her meticulous approach to data gathering and advanced analytical techniques provided a thorough understanding of outcomes achieved. Julia's ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, combined with professionalism and attention to detail, underscores her value as a partner for effective impact measurement and evaluation."

[Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]

• Monitoring and Social Research Association (MSRA): Affiliated with MSRA, utilizing its best practices in monitoring and social research to ensure high-quality, impactful research outcomes.
• NORC at the University of Chicago: Collaborating with NORC to leverage advanced methodologies and extensive expertise in social research and data analysis, contributing to impactful research projects across Africa.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): Leveraging best practices and standards in project management to drive successful outcomes in research projects.
• University of Washington (UW): Consultancy affiliation with the University of Washington, home to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). This partnership supports a commitment to high standards in global health research and data-driven impact assessment.
• East African Social Research Network (EASRN): Actively engaged with EASRN, contributing to regional research initiatives and enhancing social research and development practices in East Africa.