Welcome to the fifth edition of Data-Pop Alliance’s series, “Employee Spotlight,” where we shine a light on the talented individuals who make up Data-Pop Alliance. Through this series, we aim to highlight their diverse backgrounds and inspiring stories. Today, we’re excited to feature Nelson Papi Kolliesuah, one of our Project and Research Managers who is based in Monrovia, Liberia. Learn about his journey, what he loves about his role, and how his work at DPA has contributed to real-world solutions.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Please introduce yourself, and tell us your role at DPA
NPK: My name is Nelson Papi Kolliesuah, and I’m currently a Project and Research Manager at Data-Pop Alliance. In my role, I contribute to two key program areas within DPA: Just Digital Transformation, and Resilient Livelihoods and Ecosystems. I’m from Liberia, located in West Africa, and I currently reside in Monrovia, from where I’m speaking with you today. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to engage with you. I’ve been with Data-Pop Alliance for three years now, and it has been a rewarding experience.
Could you share a book (fiction or nonfiction) that shaped you, and why were they important to you?
NPK: One book that has significantly influenced me is Digital Human: The Fourth Revolution of Humanity by Chris Skinner, published in 2018. This book, originating from Singapore, resonates deeply with me, especially in the context of Liberia and other African countries.
In Liberia, while progress is being made in various areas, integrating digital technologies into daily activities remains a significant challenge. Through my work and discussions with government ministries, I’ve observed that digital transformation is not yet a priority. For Liberia to fully leverage digital tools to drive development, there needs to be a foundational understanding of their potential and benefits.
This book stands out because it provides a clear, step-by-step guide on incorporating digital platforms into everyday operations. It’s an invaluable resource for public and private institutions aiming to adopt these technologies effectively. However, adoption requires a clear understanding of the benefits—a gap that is still evident in Liberia and many other African countries. Digital Human offers practical insights to address this gap and help accelerate meaningful digital transformation.
What also impressed me about DPA is their collaboration with diverse stakeholders, from government institutions to UN agencies. Their data work spans a variety of sectors—some focus on business objectives, while others aim to improve humanitarian outcomes.
Tell us about your academic and professional background before DPA
NPK: Academically, I hold a master’s degree in Food Security and Community Nutrition, which I earned during a two-year program in Uganda. My specific interest lies in how digital transformation can be leveraged to enhance food security and accelerate program outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Before joining DPA, I worked as an intern for the 50 by 2030 initiative, a collaborative effort led by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank, and other UN agencies. The initiative aims to make data-driven decision-making the norm by 2030. In my role, I worked closely with statistical offices in countries like Cambodia and Uganda to identify data gaps and support efforts to improve the use of data for better program outcomes.
This experience was particularly significant for me, as it marked the first time I worked extensively with data and collaborated internationally, outside of Liberia. While my work with IFAD’s Rome office was largely remote, it provided valuable professional exposure and taught me how to navigate a global work environment. Overall, it was a rewarding and transformative experience that deepened my understanding of data-driven solutions in food security.
One of the key outcomes of this project (Study of the Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Liberia) was its practical impact. For example, during the validation session, the U.S. Embassy highlighted that the findings were particularly helpful in shaping their strategic plan. That’s a significant testament to the study’s value.
What inspired you to want to join DPA’s team?
NPK: I first encountered DPA’s work through the Liberia Gender Equality Profile. At the time, I wasn’t working for DPA, but as I continued my research, I realized that much of their work is driven by a data-focused approach.
Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that making informed decisions requires accurate data and the ability to use that data effectively. While I had some experience working with data in my previous roles, I hadn’t been exposed to advanced research methods—especially mixed-method approaches and qualitative research that provide deeper, actionable insights.
This is where DPA stood out for me. Their focus on leveraging digital platforms and data to achieve program outcomes for vulnerable communities aligned perfectly with my passion. I kept DPA in mind as an organization I wanted to be part of because I knew that advancing my career would require a solid understanding of how data is collected, analyzed, and applied.
What also impressed me about DPA is their collaboration with diverse stakeholders, from government institutions to UN agencies. Their data work spans a variety of sectors—some focus on business objectives, while others aim to improve humanitarian outcomes.
I saw DPA as the ideal institution to help me deepen my understanding of how data is utilized across different contexts and actors globally. Joining DPA has been an inspiring journey, especially in learning how to harness data to make better decisions and drive meaningful impact.
DPA has recently conducted several projects in Liberia, some of which you have been involved in. From your perspective, what is the impact that this work has had for individuals, organizations or other institutions in the country?
NPK: In the case of Liberia, I’d like to highlight one specific project: the Study of the Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development (DoD) in Liberia, which we recently completed with support and funding from UNDP. This project focused on identifying development pathways and addressing bottlenecks. Essentially, it aimed to determine where efforts should be directed to trigger meaningful change in Liberia.
One of the key outcomes of this project was its practical impact. For example, during the validation session, the U.S. Embassy highlighted that the findings were particularly helpful in shaping their strategic plan. That’s a significant testament to the study’s value. To learn more about our work in the region, please check out the blog post I wrote in which I delve into the mix-methods approach which aids in successful project implementation. Additionally, other government agencies have already started using the findings.
Currently, the United Nations Development Program is leveraging the findings from the Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Liberia report to develop their strategic plan. This high-level impact trickles down to other organizations, including community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Liberia.
For instance, when an institution like UNDP creates a strategic plan, it serves as a framework that helps CBOs and CSOs align their own development plans with broader national and international priorities. This cascading effect ensures that development efforts are coordinated and targeted, ultimately benefiting communities on the ground.
The Liberia Gender Equality Profile I mentioned earlier is another example of evidence-based research that has proven valuable. During the validation session, multiple stakeholders expressed how useful and insightful the findings were for their work.
NPK: Within DPA, my work has primarily focused on mixed-method research, with about 90% of it leaning toward the qualitative side. The reason I’ve focused more on qualitative research is that I see it as an area where I need to build my skills. During my academic journey, most of my work was centered on quantitative methods. However, I believe that relying solely on quantitative approaches doesn’t provide a complete or balanced view. To truly understand insights and communicate them effectively, we need to integrate qualitative perspectives.
One project that stands out for me is the development of the Ghana National Data Strategy. This project was particularly exciting because it encompassed the entire country and involved nearly all actors within the data value chain. We worked with data producers, government ministries, and representatives from various sectors, such as health. What I found most valuable was the opportunity to engage with such a diverse range of stakeholders.
Hearing perspectives from academia, data producers, and other sectors has been incredibly enriching for me, especially as I’m still early in my career. These insights have helped shape my understanding of how data is viewed and utilized across different fields, and they’ve been instrumental in refining my approach to research.
Another project I found impactful, even though I wasn’t involved in its final stages, was the Workbook Series: Applying the FAIR Data Principles to Agricultural Development (with CABI) project. What stood out for me was how it highlighted challenges while also uncovering opportunities, even in uncertain circumstances. This project taught me the importance of resilience and problem-solving. Instead of seeing problems as insurmountable, I learned to approach them with a mindset focused on finding solutions.
This experience has deeply shaped my perspective, reinforcing the idea that every problem has a solution, and ignoring challenges won’t lead to meaningful progress. Overall, these projects have been incredibly valuable in shaping my growth and development as a researcher.
You’re involved in community projects outside of work. Could you tell us more about these?
NPK: My involvement at the community level has primarily been focused on entrepreneurship, though I’ve also provided support to other CSOs in the past. For instance, I’ve had many CSOs reach out to me for insights they could use to inform their work. While that’s been one aspect of my contribution, my primary focus has been on the entrepreneurial side—finding ways to address problems while also turning them into opportunities.
One notable example is my work with Eco Energy in Liberia. We’ve been collaborating to tackle one of Liberia’s most pressing issues: electricity outages, especially during the dry season. Our efforts have involved working with like-minded entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that not only address the problem but also provide alternative and sustainable options.
Overall, my community-based engagement has been more entrepreneurial in nature, aimed at creating solutions that have a lasting impact rather than traditional grassroots involvement.
What do you like to do outside work?
Outside of work, there are two main activities I enjoy. First, I like to go jogging on weekends to stay physically active—it’s an important part of my routine. Second, I’m a big fan of computer gaming, especially with friends. On weekends, and sometimes even Fridays, we gather at a common location to play games and have fun together. Gaming has been a part of my life since childhood, and it’s something I continue to enjoy.
I also spend some time watching soccer, mainly international matches, with colleagues. Although I don’t play soccer myself, I enjoy being part of the experience and staying connected to the sport.
Lastly, I make sure to spend quality time with my family. It’s important to me to maintain that connection and enjoy moments together as a group—it helps me feel grounded and never alone.
To learn more about DPA’s team, visit this page.
