Our Team
Core Team
IfD has three main units, all of which receive strategic direction from the Chief Executive Officer. We have 11 core staff and contractors, 8 Associate Research Leads and 4 Associate Researchers. We also have a decentralised pool of 39 field researchers located across the country who collect data for large studies.
Regina Mamidy Yillah, the Founder and CEO of IfD, recognised the need for sustainable expertise in project evaluations during her tenure as the Country Director for Health Poverty Action. Her unwavering dedication lies in securing the knowledge derived from evaluations, guaranteeing its absorption and utilisation by local stakeholders. Regina is resolute in building research capacity within Sierra Leone while also contributing to the global evidence base.
Regina’s expertise is demonstrated through her contributions to academic research. She has led and made significant contributions to influential papers, including “From commitment to implementation: lessons learnt from the first National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone” (2020), “The effect of becoming a Fistula Advocate on the recovery of women with Obstetric Fistula in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study” (2023), and “These attitudes are a pressure”: women with disabilities’ perceptions of how stigma shapes their sexual health choices” (2023).
Operations Unit
The Operations Unit is manned by the HR & Admin Officer. Additionally, the unit collaborates with external contractors for procurement, logistics, and IT services.
Talib Deen is the HR & Admin Officer. Prior to joining IfD he spent 8 years and the HR Manager for an international NGO. He also has diverse business and IT experience. In 2023, Talib received training on Research Administration and Management Programme sponsored by the ReBUILD programme.
The Finance team also sits within the Operations unit consisting of a Finance Consultant and a Finance Officer.
Melrose Jones- Asgil is the Finance Consultant. She is an ACCA qualified Accountant with over 30 years experience in the UK and Sierra Leone.
Research Unit
Research Coordinator: Muallem Kamara brings a wealth of expertise to our team, holding a Masters in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. Currently pursuing a Masters in Research and Public Policy, his critical thinking skills are honed from over a decade of experience in research, monitoring, evaluation, and project implementation within the health sector.
Researcher: Henrietta Koroma is a certified adult Educator and holds a Masters in Gender Studies. With her extensive experience in action research, she adds depth to our team’s capabilities, particularly in the realm of gender studies.
Researcher: Richard Pambu holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy, complemented by a first degree in Language Studies. He has taught French at all levels for almost a decade.
Researcher: Andrew Dauda holds a bachelor’s degree in social work. He has five years’ experience of working in research in various international organisations. Andrew is currently studying for a dual postgraduate degree in Master in Global Health Policy and Management with concentration on Health Systems strengthening and Master in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University in the US.
Comms: Christiana Banja is a committed scholar and advocate with a varied academic background, including a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work. She is close to finishing her Master of Philosophy in Gender and Development Studies and is simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Christiana’s interests encompass public policy, development communications, and social science research, reflecting her passion for justice and equity. Dedicated to leveraging her knowledge and skills, she aims to contribute significantly to advancing social justice, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Stakeholder & Engagement: Emmanuel Foray is an accomplished educator and leader with a r with over 10 years of diverse experience. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education Leadership and Management at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Emmanuel’s journey in education began with his Diploma and Bachelor of Education with Honors in Early Childhood Care and Education from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, a Certificate in Foundational Learning in Early Childhood Care and Education from BRAC University in Bangladesh.
Research Project Manager: Dr. John Alimamy Kabba holds a BSc (Hon) in Pharmacy from the University of Sierra Leone, an MSc in Pharmacology from China Pharmaceutical University, and a PhD in Pharmacy from Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. He began his career as an inspecting pharmacist at the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone and later transitioned to a pharmacist/research & policy lead role after completing his Ph.D. Recently, he joined the Commonwealth Pharmacists’ Association (CPA) as their technical expert and consultant, actively supporting their CwPAMS2 and SPARC programs. Additionally, he serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone and has published over 20 articles in reputable international journals, showcasing his expertise in the field. Meanwhile, Saidu Wurie Jalloh, with a background in Mathematics and Statistics, is pursuing post-graduate studies in Data Science in Kenya. He aims to contribute to innovative projects and push the boundaries of applying data science to development research, aspiring to remain at the forefront of technology and research in Africa.
Field Supervisor: Alhaji Sawaneh is a seasoned field supervisor with an extensive track record spanning over a decade in data collection. With keen attention to detail and an exceptional ability to meet deadlines, he plays a crucial role in our team. Alhaji’s excellent rapport with the team and his adept field support ensure seamless project execution.
Associate Research Leads
Philip Amara – holds an MPH, MSc in Survey Methodology and MSC in Statistics. He is proficient in data analysis with over 20 years of experience in the analysis of national level household survey data with complex sample design features and the application of parametric and non-parametric methods for hypothesis testing using advanced statistical software such as SPSS, or SAS.
Dr Bintu Mansaray – Social Science Researcher (PhD), medical doctor, and public health specialist with 6+ years of experience in conducting women’s and children’s sexual violence research with multiple learning institutions and research organisations. Bintu is also safeguarding expert.
Professor Mary Hodges: A renowned paediatric-nutrition expert. Dr Hodges holds an impressive academic portfolio with over 50 peer-reviewed publications and multiple international presentations. Her legacy includes a 13-year tenure as the Country Director of Helen Keller, during which she spearheaded the neglected tropical disease program and reproductive and child health interventions within the Sierra Leone health system. Professor Hodges’ expertise and impactful contributions continue to shape the landscape of integrated, sustainable paediatric-nutrition and public health.
Professor Mohamed Kanu: has a strong background in anthropology, He has completed numerous evaluation studies on various topics for state and local health agencies in the United States and Sierra Leone, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Notably, Professor Kanu has also served as an internal consultant to the Ministry of Health, contributing his expertise to further strengthen the healthcare landscape.
Dr Haja Wurie: formerly Research Lead ast. IfD, Dr Haja Wurie holds a PhD in Medicine. She is a highly experienced and skilled multidisciplinary researcher with over 40 academic publications.
Dr Sami Bajwa: Dr Bajwa is currently an Associate Professor and Director for the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research at the School of Business and Economics of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) In Pakistan.
Dr Bajwa has served United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as National Expert for Investment Promotion, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) Government of Pakistan.
Tania Fraser: Tania has several years’ experience working at the interface of gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights. She has led technical programs on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), social and behaviour change communication (SBCC), HIV and AIDS, gender-based violence, and governance. She was one of the contributors to the revision of the advocacy guide, ‘Roots of Change: A step-by-step guide to expanding access to safe abortion by Ipas. She is also the founding Chair of the People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health and Advocacy (PARHA) Coalition, a coalition of stakeholders working on reproductive health reform in Sierra Leone.Tania holds a Masters degree in Anthropology.
Associate Researchers
Beryl Reindorf: Beryl holds a master’s in international public health. She has strong knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research, women and children’s health, health systems, surveys, data analysis and monitoring and evaluation.
Tima Brewah: Tima holds a master’s degree in Public Health and a BSc in Pharmacy (Hons). Tima has worked with UNICEF and WHO on several projects.
Anaïs Bash-Taqi: Anais is a final year student in Geography at the University of Cambridge. She has a strong interest in the decolonisation of aid agenda.
John Mwenda: John holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is a highly skilled qualitative data analyst and is proficient in the use of NVIVO.
Data Innovation Unit
Saidu Wurie Jalloh: Saidu holds a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Mathematics. He is currently studying Data Science at the Pan African Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI).