Open to opportunities

Najaina Kanto

@najainakanto

Message

I lead mixed-methods research and human-centred design for development programs.

Madagascar

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead mixed-methods research and human-centred design that translates community evidence into policy and program decisions, while collaborating with government, multilateral, and community partners across development contexts.

I've led research, design, and delivery for iDE, ideas42, UNICEF, the World Bank, UNDP, and youth development programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. My work turns field evidence into policy, governance, and program decisions.

At iDE, I led the $2M USAID-funded RANO Maharitra WASH research and design programme in Madagascar, from problem framing and field coordination through synthesis and recommendations for government and donor audiences. I now coordinate delivery, budgets, quality, compliance, and technical support across a six-country African portfolio.

I'm grounded in qualitative research, behavioral design, and participatory co-design, and I build durable relationships with governments, multilateral partners, and communities. I work in French, English, and Malagasy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Regional Coordinator – Africa

Current

iDE

May 2025 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Lead project delivery across a 6-country portfolio, managing timelines, budgets, and quality standards while coordinating multidisciplinary country teams. Surface risks early and coordinate technical support, contribute to proposal development, and manage grant compliance and financial reporting.

Project Management Budget Management Stakeholder Coordination Proposal Development Grant Compliance Financial Reporting

Senior Design Strategist

iDE

Sep 2024 - Apr 2025 (7 months)

Led a $2M USAID-funded WASH research and design programme end-to-end, including problem framing, methodology design, field coordination, and synthesis. Directed human-centred research with rural communities and produced client-ready deliverables for USAID and government partners.

Research Design Field Coordination Qualitative Research Workshop Facilitation

Senior Behavioral Designer

ideas42

Oct 2021 - Aug 2024 (2 years 10 months)

Led applied research and design projects across 4 African countries, owning the full research cycle from study design to insight formulation. Applied human-centred design methods and translated findings into actionable recommendations for government and institutional partners.

Behavioral Design Qualitative Research Prototyping Client Management Team Management

Communication for Development Consultant

UNICEF Madagascar

Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 (2 months)

Designed Social and Behavior Change strategies for national health campaigns, conducting rapid qualitative research and producing client-ready strategy documents. Managed client relationships with UNICEF programme teams and delivered outputs meeting UN quality standards.

Behavioral Change Qualitative Research Strategy Development Client Management UNICEF

Early Years Fellow

World Bank

Jan 2020 - May 2021 (1 year 4 months)

Directed multi-stakeholder research and policy analysis informing Early Childhood Development reform in Madagascar. Produced evidence-based knowledge products adopted at national level, facilitating dialogues between government ministries and development partners.

Policy Analysis Research Knowledge Product Development Early Childhood Development

UN Volunteers Country Coordinator

UNDP Madagascar

Dec 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year)

Coordinated health-focused programs across a network of community organizations and UN agencies, managing stakeholder relationships and monitoring program delivery. Reported to senior leadership on program outcomes.

Program Coordination Stakeholder Management Monitoring Health Programs

Program Manager

Youth First – Madagascar

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Secured $200,000+ in donor funding and managed a portfolio of youth development programs. Led proposal development, client reporting, and team supervision across a small organization.

Fundraising Proposal Development Program Management Team Supervision Client Reporting