Emmanuel Swende
Programmes Analyst
Meet our gap closer of the month, Emmanuel Swende, Programmes Analyst at the Foundation. Emmanuel shares about his work and what he finds most rewarding about it. “My work at the Foundation has taught me that public sector reform is about progress, not perfection. People often expect change to happen overnight, but meaningful reform occurs gradually,” he says.
Please share your educational and professional background.
I hold a Master’s degree in Research and Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Jos. I am a Programmes Analyst at the Foundation, where I support training, evaluation, and capacity building initiatives for public sector institutions. Before this, I spent several years in public health with APIN Naza Agape Foundation, coordinating HIV service delivery and community outreach. My work has always focused on using data and practical solutions to strengthen systems and improve outcomes.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
Growing up in a hospital compound, I often saw vulnerable people struggle not only with access to basic healthcare but also the ability to meet essential needs. Witnessing these challenges inspired me to pursue a career in the development sector, with a desire to improve the lives of communities facing multiple socio-economic barriers. In 2023, I realised that field-level work alone could not create lasting change, which led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Research and Public Policy. I wanted to understand how evidence and policy could be used to strengthen systems and improve outcomes at scale. Since then, I have focused on opportunities at the intersection of data, policy, and implementation, working to influence programmes and policies that address both health and broader socio-economic challenges for vulnerable populations across Africa.
What do you do at the Foundation?
I work as a Programmes Analyst in the Capacity Building unit. I support the design, delivery, and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen public sector institutions in Nigeria. My work involves developing training curricula, research, creating quality assessment tools, and supporting policy review and policy-writing training for government officials. I also conduct programme evaluations and translate findings into actionable recommendations to improve institutional performance. Essentially, my role is about using data, evidence, and structured analysis to help public institutions operate more effectively and impact the communities they serve.
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day for me starts with catching up with my teammates to understand what needs to be done. After that, I dive into scheduled meetings, project work, and conversations with colleagues and stakeholders to see how we can improve processes and keep innovating. Much of my day involves problem-solving, coordinating activities, reviewing data, and brainstorming on how we can make our programmes more effective and impactful.
What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique?
What makes the work at the Foundation so exciting is our focus on building capacity. There is so much potential in people and institutions, but the challenge often lies in knowing how to harness the skills and resources they already have. By supporting public sector teams to develop their abilities, think strategically, and use evidence effectively, we help unlock that potential. This aligns perfectly with why I joined the development sector, helping people and institutions understand what they should do and how to do it strengthens the entire system. Stronger systems lead to better decision-making, improved governance, and ultimately, better lives for the communities we serve.
How has your work at the Foundation shaped your perspective on public sector reform?
My work at the Foundation has taught me that public sector reform is about progress, not perfection. People often expect change to happen overnight, but meaningful reform occurs gradually. It requires consistency, the right strategies, and a focus on building capacity and systems step by step. Seeing this in practice has shown me that with patience and persistence, it is possible to strengthen institutions and improve outcomes for citizens over time. It has also reinforced that reform is not a hopeless cause, real change is achievable when the right approaches are applied consistently.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
What I find most rewarding about my work is seeing the impact of capacity-building on both people and institutions. It reminds me of how Jesus trained his disciples consistently over the years. The change did not happen in a day. Even after the resurrection, he guided them further. This shows me that steady, consistent support really does lead to growth. What I find particularly fulfilling is seeing even small improvements come about because of the consistency of the work we are doing. By consistently equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, and the ability to use data effectively, we gradually strengthen systems and create lasting, meaningful change for communities and institutions alike.