Ismaël Ousmane

Ismaël has learned that systems do not change because the indicators are correct. They change when local leaders use evidence to mobilise people, money and action. His work in Niger has shown him that a commune with strong leadership can achieve more than expected, even in a fragile context, and that data only becomes powerful when it helps leaders understand where responsibilities lie.

Ismaël supports the practical implementation of systems strengthening in Niger: communal service planning, water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities, sector monitoring, financial data collection, learning processes and capacity development. He has worked with communes, ministries, health actors, NGOs and development partners to turn tools such as WASH FIT, TrackFin, Sector-Wide Sustainability Check, GIS mapping and JMP monitoring into practical processes that people can actually use. His contribution lies in making complex sector processes workable by preparing evidence, facilitating dialogue, following up on actions, and helping institutions critically assess and improve their performance.

What sets Ismaël apart is the combination of practical field experience, analytical rigour and governance expertise. He began his career in finance, administration and humanitarian coordination before transitioning into water and sanitation systems strengthening through work with local institutions in Niger. He can analyse budgets, structure monitoring processes, train practitioners, map service gaps, and capture lessons on what effective leadership looks like in practice. At the heart of his work is not a particular tool or method, but the ability to connect evidence, local leadership and lasting improvements in service delivery.

A few highlights

• 7+ years of water and sanitation systems work in Niger, particularly on systems strengthening, SDG 6 monitoring, monitoring, evaluation accountability and learning (MEAL), WASH FIT, TrackFin, GIS and capacity development.
• Current formal role: Country Coordinator of Riva Niger, supporting annual planning, project monitoring, reporting, administration, partnership initiatives and national systems-strengthening work.
• Led WASH FIT implementation in 12 healthcare facilities in the communes of Torodi and Makalondi, including risk assessments, investment planning, monthly follow-ups and staff training.
• National WASH FIT 2.0 trainer and member of technical processes supporting adaptation of the tool to the Nigerien context and the development of the national strategy for WASH in healthcare facilities.
• Supported Niger’s WASH Accounts/TrackFin process, including financial data collection, NGO mobilisation and sector expenditure analysis.
• Junior Consultant for UNICEF on Niger’s WASH Sector-Wide Sustainability Checks, with quality assurance support to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
• Lead Trainer for the Global Center on Adaptation in Kenya, training national trainers to support the rollout of the Climate Resilient Water Services Masterclass.
• Academic qualifications: Master’s degree in International Humanitarian Action and NGO Management, specialising in Governance; Master ‘s degree in Banking, Finance and Insurance, specialising in Applied Economics. 
• Working languages: French and English.