Sauma Doka
Summary
Experienced project manager and research analyst with a Master of Public Health. Proven expertise in managing large-scale projects, qualitative and quantitative research, stakeholder coordination, and executive administrative support. Combines leadership and critical thinking to deliver evidence-based insights and drive impactful decision-making in domestic and international settings.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Data Management Survey Lead & Coordinator
ICF
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Provide logistical and technical support to the data processing team for surveys on climate and economic resilience and food security, ensuring smooth operations across five countries (Mali, DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya)
- Coordinate data management and processing tasks, serving as the primary point of communication between country leads, data processing teams, analysts, and government stakeholders to facilitate timely dataset delivery
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, task trackers, Gantt charts, and programming documentation to streamline workflows and ensure consistency in data handling
- Conduct data review and analysis using CSPro, Stata, and Excel
- Assist with training development, creating and refining training materials using adult learning techniques, and leading sessions on Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) techniques and CSPro for trainers of trainers in survey countries
- Provide in-person supervision during training and pre-tests to uphold data quality
- Contribute to project reports and deliverables for government stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment with project goals
- Support capacity-building initiatives for the data management team by coordinating training sessions and mid-year meetings focused on improving implementation, customization, and troubleshooting of data collection and processing systems
- Handle procurement tasks and managed documentation for overseas survey work, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and smooth logistical coordination
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist
Abt Global
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Supported the development and implementation of MEL plans by assisting in the creation of results frameworks, theory of change models, and indicator tracking tools, ensuring alignment with project objectives and government requirements
- Coordinated qualitative research and analysis efforts for a 5-country COVID-19 Learning Activity, managing data collection logistics, research planning, and the application of Complexity-Aware Monitoring methodologies to assess program impact on health systems
- Maintained and updated a centralized 'Assessment and Research' inventory, systematically categorizing over 100 assessments and studies to support knowledge management, project learning, and future research activities
- Managed the MEL dashboard, overseeing data entry, indicator monitoring, and reporting processes, ensuring timely updates, accurate visualizations, and accessibility for project-wide analysis and decision-making
- Synthesized and analyzed lessons learned from 14 country activity reports, preparing summary reports and insights aligned with the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approach for leadership review and project adaptation
- Coordinated the preparation and submission of MEL deliverables, including research protocols, IRB packages, quarterly and annual reports, and evaluation documents, collaborating closely with field teams and partners to ensure compliance and quality
Peer Mentoring Program Advisor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Oversaw leadership development programs for 170+ peer mentors across academic advisory initiatives
- Designed and implemented program events, workshops, and networking opportunities
- Managed partnerships with campus organizations to enhance mentor-mentee engagement
Research Fellow - Long-Term Impact Evaluations
UNC Gillings School of Public Health
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Curated and organized health, nutrition, and education cash transfer program research findings, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for future studies and program assessments
- Developed and maintained a robust database of Cash Transfer programs, enabling efficient data retrieval and analysis for ongoing research initiatives
- Analyzed health and education interventions in Africa and Latin America, informing research strategies and program development for long-term impact evaluations
U.S. Health Research Assistant
Abt Global
06.2019 - 06.2021
- Conducted literature reviews and environmental scans, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, to support research activities and reporting across five health and social issue projects
- This included state-level health system strengthening initiatives, with a focus on behavioral health, primary care transformation, and digital health adoption
- Managed and updated documentation, including standard operating procedures across five hospital study sites, supporting research operations for the CDC's Research on the Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Emergency Response and Healthcare Personnel clinical study
- Assisted in developing technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations to break down complex health system data into actionable insights for stakeholders
- Provided management and research support by coordinating meetings, work planning, capacity-building events, and quarterly and annual reports, while also facilitating the launch of a home office for Health System Strengthening initiatives
- Tracked manuscript development and submission progress, while monitoring relevant journals and conferences for knowledge management and dissemination opportunities
- Provided other administrative support as needed, including note-taking, scheduling, document editing and review, filing, and managing communications
Intern
JBS International
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Conducted literature review and data analysis for the development of articles on post-secondary students with Traumatic Brain Injury
- Created readily accessible resource materials for the JBS Health Reform Library, Disability Portal, and Trauma-Informed Care Resource tool for internal and external health professional use
- Provided summaries on trends based on external policy meetings and webinars on trauma-informed care and practices for evidence-based decision-making
- Reviewed and entered technical assistance (TA) data on state-level drug use into the behavioral health research database
- Reviewed and collated grant deliverables and approved entries for online learning collaborative
Intern - Project CHAMP (Creating Healthy Habits Among Maryland Preschoolers)
University of Maryland School of Medicine
12.2017 - 02.2018
- Streamlined research operations by organizing and managing the preparation of intervention materials, ensuring efficiency across multiple child centers
- Coordinated communication between the research team, parents, and center liaisons, helping to keep project activities on track and ensuring smooth implementation
- Provided administrative support during team meetings by tracking action items, documenting key discussions, and offering input to improve project coordination
- Oversaw data collection efforts for preschool research, implementing standardized protocols to maintain data accuracy and consistency across study sites
Education
Master of Public Health -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Public Health Science
University of Maryland
College Park, MD05.2020
Skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Report Writing, Review, and Editing
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Capacity Building
- Data Visualization
- Excel
- NVivo
- Stata
- Tableau
- Administrative Tasks and Support
- Meeting facilitation
- Event coordination
- Budget management
Certification
- Data Analytics: Data Visualizations vs Data Stories Linkedin
- MEL Fundamentals Global Health eLearning Center
- Social and Behavioral Research CITI Program
Awards And Scholarships
- Master's Merit Fellowship 2021-2022 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Farley Award Recipient – Public Health Science Department University of Maryland
- Entrepreneurship Scholars Program Scholarship UNCF/Koch Entrepreneurship Scholars Program
Timeline
Data Management Survey Lead & Coordinator
ICF
06.2023 - 10.2023
Peer Mentoring Program Advisor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
08.2022 - 05.2023
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist
Abt Global
06.2022 - 06.2023
Research Fellow - Long-Term Impact Evaluations
UNC Gillings School of Public Health
08.2021 - 05.2022
U.S. Health Research Assistant
Abt Global
06.2019 - 06.2021
Intern
JBS International
06.2018 - 12.2018
Intern - Project CHAMP (Creating Healthy Habits Among Maryland Preschoolers)
University of Maryland School of Medicine
12.2017 - 02.2018
Master of Public Health -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science - Public Health Science
University of Maryland
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<ul><li>Oversaw all operational functions during the successful amalgamation of two legacy mutual insurers into a single, unified organization. Reported directly to the CEO and played a key leadership role in aligning people, processes, and performance with long-term strategic goals.</li><li>Led the full operational transformation of Salus Mutual, uniting teams and systems from two legacy organizations under a cohesive structure with shared goals and culture.</li><li>Redesigned leadership accountabilities and implemented new KPI and SLA frameworks, enabling stronger performance management and outcome tracking.</li><li>Built internal capacity in key operational areas, reducing reliance on external consultants and establishing a culture of ownership, capability, and continuous improvement.</li><li>Established an Operations function to support Claims, Underwriting, and Sales, delivering enterprise-wide value through data insights, process improvements, project delivery, and enhanced customer service.</li><li>Collaborated closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors to co-develop and launch the organization’s first corporate strategy post-amalgamation.</li><li>Held P&L responsibility for $45M in Gross Written Premium, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and strategic growth.</li><li>Delivered key strategic outcomes, including: First-ever member rebate in company history, First employee engagement survey, achieving a 75% engagement score, 3% reduction in expense ratio through operational efficiencies and cost control.</li></ul> at Salus Mutual Insurance Company<ul><li>Oversaw all operational functions during the successful amalgamation of two legacy mutual insurers into a single, unified organization. Reported directly to the CEO and played a key leadership role in aligning people, processes, and performance with long-term strategic goals.</li><li>Led the full operational transformation of Salus Mutual, uniting teams and systems from two legacy organizations under a cohesive structure with shared goals and culture.</li><li>Redesigned leadership accountabilities and implemented new KPI and SLA frameworks, enabling stronger performance management and outcome tracking.</li><li>Built internal capacity in key operational areas, reducing reliance on external consultants and establishing a culture of ownership, capability, and continuous improvement.</li><li>Established an Operations function to support Claims, Underwriting, and Sales, delivering enterprise-wide value through data insights, process improvements, project delivery, and enhanced customer service.</li><li>Collaborated closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors to co-develop and launch the organization’s first corporate strategy post-amalgamation.</li><li>Held P&L responsibility for $45M in Gross Written Premium, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and strategic growth.</li><li>Delivered key strategic outcomes, including: First-ever member rebate in company history, First employee engagement survey, achieving a 75% engagement score, 3% reduction in expense ratio through operational efficiencies and cost control.</li></ul> at Salus Mutual Insurance Company