OCHECK MSUVA
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Human-Centered Design (HCD) Researcher and Innovation Leader with 8+ years of experience designing and leading youth-centered research and digital innovation projects across East Africa. Proven expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research, participatory design, and translating insights into scalable solutions in areas including adolescent health, education, and economic empowerment. Strong track record working with global partners including UNICEF and Aga Khan Foundation, delivering high-impact research, managing multi-country projects, and influencing strategy through evidence-driven insights.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Human-Centered Design Researcher
YUX Design
Tanzania
05.2024 - Current
- Lead field-based HCD research using interviews, observations, and participatory workshops.
- Generate insights to inform digital product design and service innovation.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis to guide decision-making.
- Deliver actionable reports and design recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.
Mentor – Business Development & Entrepreneurship
01.2020 - Current
- Mentored young entrepreneurs on business models, growth strategy, and funding.
- Delivered training on financial management, marketing, and innovation.
- Supported startups to launch and scale successfully.
Founder & Executive Managing Director
Bridge for Change
Tanzania
01.2015 - Current
- Lead strategy, partnerships, and programme design for youth empowerment initiatives.
- Developed and scaled programs in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education.
- Built partnerships with international organizations and secured funding.
- Mentored youth-led enterprises and supported job creation.
Project & Research Lead – Schools2030 Programme
Aga Khan Foundation
Dar Es Salaam, Lindi and Zanzibar, Tanzania
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Led qualitative and ethnographic research assessing the effectiveness of HCD capacity-building for teachers.
- Designed and facilitated participatory sessions with educators to evaluate adoption of design thinking in classrooms.
- Co-created and prototyped a teacher self-evaluation tool based on desirability, feasibility, and viability.
- Generated evidence to inform education innovation and scaling strategies.
Consultant – Tanzania Youth Data Strategy
National Initiative
Tanzania
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Co-developed Tanzania’s Youth Data Strategy to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
- Led stakeholder engagement with government, NGOs, and development partners.
- Designed frameworks for data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
- Authored key sections of the national strategy document.
Project & Research Lead – IoGT & U-Report
UNICEF
Tanzania & Eastern and Southern Africa
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Led evaluation of the Internet of Good Things (IoGT) platform delivering content on SRH, mental health, climate change, and life skills to underserved youth.
- Designed and implemented participatory, youth-centered research methodologies including co-design sessions, interviews, and usability testing.
- Assessed digital accessibility for low-connectivity environments and generated recommendations to improve user experience and engagement.
- Produced insights that informed platform improvements and youth communication strategies across the region.
- Collaborated with regional stakeholders to ensure research findings translated into scalable digital interventions.
Education
Graduate Diploma - Social Innovation Management
Amani Institute
NairobiBachelor of Arts - Political Science & Public Administration
University of Dar es Salaam
Skills
- Data: Excel, basic statistical analysis
- Design: HCD frameworks, co-design facilitation
- Tools: Miro, digital survey tools
Accomplishments
- Led multi-regional research impacting youth-focused digital platforms across Africa
- Designed tools adopted in global education programmes
- Influenced national-level youth data strategy in Tanzania
- Built and scaled a youth-focused organization with regional partnerships
Timeline
Human-Centered Design Researcher
YUX Design
05.2024 - Current
Project & Research Lead – Schools2030 Programme
Aga Khan Foundation
01.2023 - 01.2024
Consultant – Tanzania Youth Data Strategy
National Initiative
01.2022 - 12.2022
Project & Research Lead – IoGT & U-Report
UNICEF
01.2022 - 01.2022
Mentor – Business Development & Entrepreneurship
01.2020 - Current
Founder & Executive Managing Director
Bridge for Change
01.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & Public Administration
University of Dar es Salaam
Graduate Diploma - Social Innovation Management
Amani Institute
Personal Information
Nationality: Tanzanian