Bio
Niamh is a strategic leader in measurement and learning, with deep expertise in designing and scaling measurement systems that maximize learning and drive strategic decision-making. She brings a systems thinking approach to embedding measurement and learning at the core of organizations, ensuring they have the structures, skills, and processes to evolve, adapt, and create real change. Niamh has cultivated and led high-performing teams that integrate evaluative methods, design thinking, and digital innovation to create adaptive, pragmatic, and action-driven measurement systems.
At Caribou, Niamh leads the Measurement & Impact practice and plays a critical role in shaping how evidence informs strategy and delivery across global programs as well as Caribou itself. Since joining Caribou in 2016, she has led the design and implementation of learning systems for investment portfolios, products and services, and large-scale, multi-country philanthropic funds.
Niamh’s career began in women’s economic empowerment and has expanded into inclusive business models and tools, digital livelihoods and climate and sustainability—always with a strong focus on digital transformation. She has conducted more than 50 evaluations using experimental and non-experimental designs; advised private and public sector organizations on designing resilient measurement and learning systems for investment portfolios; product and services and large multi-country philanthropic funds. Previously, she was Global Director for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Grameen Foundation. Niamh holds a BA in history, politics, and sociology from the University of Limerick and an MSc in global health from Trinity College Dublin. She is based in the UK.
At Caribou, we approach our work with a deep curiosity about how change happens. I have the privilege of leading an incredible team that brings a rich mix of skills and perspectives—spanning evaluative methods from theory-based to experimental, geospatial and economic analysis, design thinking, participatory approaches, storytelling, and community-driven learning. This allows us to tackle complex challenges from multiple angles. We go beyond conventional MEL, designing flexible approaches that reflect the real world—messy, complex, and constantly shifting—so organizations can learn, adapt, and act with confidence.
