Rachel Sherwin, Behavioural Research and M&E Specialist

Rachel has over 16 years of experience in mixed-methods research and the design of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Africa. Her work focuses on understanding how people, organisations, and wider systems adapt to change, with a particular emphasis on participatory and formative approaches to research, evaluation, and learning for programme adaptation and design.

Rachel’s work spans all six MAGENTA policy areas, uniting them through a behavioural and participatory lens. She has applied social and behavioural insights to strengthen citizen trust in institutions, promote gender equality, and enhance community-led resilience. Her experience ranges from supporting inclusive climate action and green growth to improving police–community relations and public accountability. By embedding participatory feedback loops and outcome-oriented learning across programmes in governance, livelihoods, and service delivery, Rachel’s work consistently fosters adaptive change, enabling institutions and communities to co-create solutions that are evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable.

Her professional experience spans the United Nations, INGOs, World Bank, IFC, donor agencies, and government ministries, where she has led the development of participatory and gender-sensitive MEL frameworks, piloted human-centric data collection tools, and embedded adaptive learning systems that strengthen programme design and policy influence.

Rachel is currently completing a Professional Doctorate at the University of Bath, focusing on climate change policy and practice in developing contexts. She also holds an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from the College of Europe and a BA in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham. She speaks fluent English, Arabic, and French.