Rinji Lekyes Kwarkas is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) specialist with active experience in the development sector since 2014. As the convener of SHEvaluators and National Secretary General of the Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE), he is committed to advancing the field of evaluation, particularly in promoting localization and gender-responsive practices. His work spans designing and managing MERL systems for national and international organizations on a myriad of donor funded projects for the African Union, USAID, European Union, MasterCard Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, African Development Bank (AfDB) etc. Rinji directly mentors an average of 10 MERL personnel annually from local organizations, helping them to enhance their project delivery and sustainability. He has also coached no less than 40 organizations in strengthening their Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) systems. He is Fluent in Hausa, English, and Mupun. Rinji is a conflict-sensitive communicator and a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. His experience extends across various sectors, including democratic governance, conflict resolution, and socio-economic development. He works in Nigeria and several African countries. Rinji’s research into gendered socialization has informed his commitment to raising the next generation of African female evaluators through his initiative the SHEvaluators.
