AKTARI SABHI ISSA

AKTARI SABHI ISSA

What Did you enjoy about the Classes?

I deeply enjoyed the Research Methods (Research & Project Implementation) and Research Tools & Software in Biostatistics program because it provided a strong balance between theory and hands-on practical application. The program strengthened my understanding of how rigorous research design and appropriate statistical tools support evidence-based decision-making across development, health, and social sectors. Each module was well-structured and progressively built my confidence in applying research tools to real-world problems.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the exposure to diverse data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, Enketo, Google Forms, and SurveyMonkey. Learning how to select the most appropriate tool depending on research context, population, and infrastructure was extremely relevant to my work in rural and resource-constrained environments. The practical exercises helped me appreciate data quality assurance, ethical considerations, and digital efficiency in field research.

I also greatly appreciated the intensive training in data analysis and visualization using Excel, SPSS, Power BI, Tableau, and R-Studio. These tools enhanced my ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative datasets, interpret findings accurately, and communicate results in a clear and meaningful way to stakeholders, donors, and policymakers. The integration of statistics with decision-making frameworks was particularly impactful for my monitoring and evaluation practice.

Overall, the program sharpened my professional competence and expanded my analytical mindset. It strengthened my confidence to lead research activities, support project implementation, and mentor others in data-driven programming. The collaborative learning environment, expert facilitation, and relevance to current global research demands made the program both intellectually stimulating and professionally transformative.

PROFILE

Name: AKTARI SABHI ISSA

Email: aktari@jiamini.com

Aktari Sabihi Issa is a Tanzanian Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professional, research practitioner, and program manager with extensive experience in research methods, biostatistics tools, and development program implementation. He holds a Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Open University of Tanzania and a Bachelor of Arts with Education from St. Augustine University of Tanzania. Aktari has built a strong professional profile grounded in evidence-based programming, data-driven decision-making, and institutional accountability.

He is currently serving as a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant with the Lindi Support Agency for Welfare (LSAW), where he supports donor-funded projects through routine monitoring, development of M&E tools, data analysis, and performance reporting. His work focuses on strengthening organizational learning systems, improving data quality, and ensuring that program outcomes align with strategic objectives and donor requirements.

In addition, Aktari has served since 2019 as Senior Program Manager and Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant at JIAMINI Tanzania, a nonprofit organization supporting education and youth development. In this role, he oversees program implementation, manages institutional data systems, supervises staff and volunteers, and provides strategic M&E leadership. He has extensive experience in budget oversight, digital financial reconciliation, student data management, and stakeholder coordination at community and board levels.

Aktari’s professional experience also includes field-based research and cultural data profiling. In 2025, he was competitively selected as a Field Officer for Tanzania’s Traditional Culture Data Profiling Project, a collaborative initiative between the Open University of Tanzania and Shimulimuli Company Ltd. Working in Luchingu Village, Newala District, he conducted qualitative and quantitative data collection on Makonde cultural heritage, language, and traditions. His responsibilities included community engagement, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and data analysis using KoboToolbox, SPSS, and Excel. This work contributed to preserving indigenous knowledge and documenting disappearing cultural practices.

Beyond project work, Aktari is actively involved in governance and civic engagement. He has served as a Board Member of the National Council of NGOs (NACONGO) in Newala District since 2021, where he represents NGO interests, supports coalition building, and contributes to policy dialogue at district and national levels. He also participated in national democratic processes as a Local Observer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2024–2025 and previously served as a polling official during Tanzania’s General Election.

Aktari is a certified Trainer International candidate, having successfully completed the intensive 12-week, 15-module short course in Research Tools & Software in Biostatistics, hosted by Freya International Schools of Research & Implementation (FISORI). The program equipped him with advanced competencies in descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, data visualization, and the use of modern analytical tools including SPSS, Power BI, Tableau, SAS, and R-Studio. His certification is authenticated through the Trainer International verification system, reinforcing his credibility as a research and training professional.

His technical skill set includes qualitative and quantitative research design, survey development, data cleaning, statistical analysis, visualization, monitoring frameworks, indicator development, and reporting. He is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, Excel, KoboToolbox, Google Forms, Power BI, and related digital research platforms. He also possesses strong communication skills, enabling him to translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Aktari is passionate about education, community development, and the use of research to drive social impact. He is particularly motivated to work in underserved and rural contexts, where reliable data and evidence-based interventions can significantly improve program effectiveness and sustainability. Known for his integrity, adaptability, and collaborative approach, he remains committed to continuous professional growth, mentorship, and advancing research excellence in Tanzania and beyond.

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

2023 – 2024: Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation – Open University of Tanzania

2012 – 2015: BA with Education – St. Augustine University of Tanzania

2010 – 2012: ACSE – Tunduru Boys High School

2006 – 2009: CSE – Nangwanda Secondary School

1999 – 2005: Primary School Certificate – Luchingu Primary School.

CAREER PROFILE

Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation with a strong background in program management and administration. Recognized for resourcefulness, maturity, and excellent communication skills.Reliable, energetic, creative, and disciplined professional with expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and monitoring frameworks. Committed to fostering organizational growth and ensuring program accountability and effectiveness.

ABOUT Aktari.

● Experienced in non-profit operations and grant and donor management

● Passionate about the power of education to transform society, and love helping kids

● A great communicator, able to interface successfully and positively with donors, sponsors,

and grantors, as well as our staff and Board

● Excited about trying out life in a rural, isolated town with inconsistent electricity and internet,

without any other expatriates in the area

● Organized, resourceful, self-managing, solution-oriented, and have a positive attitude

● A collaborative worker who loves problem solving to get outstanding results

● Understand and respect the culture of our students and families.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant – Lindi Support Agency for Welfare (LSAW), Lindi 2024 – Present

 Conducted routine monitoring of project activities

 Supported data collection, analysis, and reporting

 Developed M&E tools for donor-funded programs

 Strengthened data-driven decision-making across departments.

Senior Program Manager & Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant – JIAMINI TANZANIA, Newala Sept 2019 – Present.

 Ensured a positive environment for students

 Liaised with the Board to implement Jiamini’s strategic plan and evaluate support opportunities

 Used Excel, Salesforce, and digital tools to track student data and monitor programs

 Managed local budgets, petty cash, and financial reporting

 Supervised the Academic Officer and College Pathways volunteers

 Conducted daily internet banking reconciliations

 Oversaw implementation of literacy tutoring, English classes, and academic support

 Provided M&E expertise including tool development, data collection, and program

evaluation.

Field Officer – Tanzania’s Traditional Culture Data Profiling Project

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Open University of Tanzania & Shimulimuli

Company Ltd in Luchingu Village, Newala District from May – July 2025

 Selected nationally for a competitive university-industry partnership field program

 Conducted field data collection on Makonde cultural heritage, language, and traditions

 Led qualitative interviews, observations, and documentation of local festivals and crafts

 Used tools like KoboToolbox, SPSS, and Excel for data collection and analysis

 Produced a comprehensive field report including daily logs, reflections, and challenges

 Collaborated with community leaders and elders to gain access to indigenous knowledge

 Contributed to preservation and awareness of Tanzania’s disappearing cultural heritage

Board Member of National Council of NGOs (NACONGO)-NEWALADISTRICT From 26/6/2021 up to Date.

Duties performing.

 Protecting the interest of NGOs; in district level by advising the National Council of NGOs in different matters e.g. To remove any restrictions concerning NGOs affairs,

 Networking and coalition building among NGOs;

 To be a unified voice of NGOs affairs.

 Representation of NGOs in the district, Regional and national levels if needed

 Publicizing the role of NGOs in national development and organizing NGOs forums. Local Observer – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mtwara Region Jul 2024 – Feb 2025

 Monitored voter registration, campaigns, and polling stations

 Evaluated election transparency and stakeholder access

 Contributed to national election observation reports Karani wa Uchaguzi – General Election, Mwanza Region 2015

 Assisted with voter list management and polling logistics

 Supported election officials in vote tallying and materials handling

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATES

Technical & Analytical Skills:

 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

 Skilled in SPSS, Excel, KoboToolbox, Google Forms, and Power BI for data analysis

 Strong experience in descriptive and regression data analysis

 Qualitative and quantitative data collection and interpretation

 Internet banking and digital reconciliation systems

 M&E framework design, indicator development, and reporting

 Grant writing, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. Certificates & Professional Courses:

 Provisional Admission – Trainer International Program on Research Tools & Software in Biostatistics (AYPAD Scholarship – 2025)

 Certificate of Participation – Mastering Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis,Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Jan 2025

 Certificate – Descriptive and Regression Analysis using SPSS, Open University of Tanzania (Feb–Mar 2024)

 Certificate – Academic Writing: Literature Review, issued by Lucy M. Nyagoga (PhD Student, SWU)

 Certificate – Mastering Procurement Responsibilities.