About Us
Optimum Analysis
Established in 2019, Optimum Analysis is an Iraqi-based research company that operates throughout the Middle East. Its mission is to make a contribution to improving humanitarian and development programming, positively impact economic development, and build the capacity of national researchers. By combining the technical skills of international staff with the contextual knowledge of national researchers and adhering to international social science standards, Optimum Analysis can ensure that the highest quality data and analysis are delivered. Core services include research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Optimum Analysis
Optimum Analysis is a research company registered in Iraq and operating throughout the Middle East. Its mission is to make a contribution to improving humanitarian and development programming, positively impact economic development, and build the capacity of national researchers. By combining the technical skills of international staff with the contextual knowledge of national researchers, and adhering to international standards for social science, Optimum Analysis is able to ensure that the highest quality data and analysis is being delivered. Core services include research design, data collection, and analysis and report writing.
Staff
Our permanent staff have experience conducting research in numerous countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Cambodia and the Netherlands.
Sarah Nijholt
Founder & Managing Director
Sarah founded Optimum Analysis in 2019, bringing with her over ten years of research experience. She oversees the technical aspects of large-scale qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research and evaluation projects.
Essam Hassn
Operations Manager
Essam joined Optimum Analysis in early 2020. He is responsible for training and mentoring data collection teams, overseeing the data collection process, implementing quality control measures, and securing government permissions necessary for data collection.
Zara Valentinova
Research Specialist
Zara brings over five years of experience in research to her role. She specializes in developing complex research designs, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and authoring detailed research and evaluation reports.
Julia Ismail
Fieldwork and Operations Officer
Julia has been a part of Optimum Analysis since 2021. She handles the translation of research tools and documents, prepares training materials for researchers, and provides support to facilitate fieldwork.
Staff
Our permanent staff have experience conducting research in numerous countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Cambodia and the Netherlands.
Sarah Nijholt
Founder & Managing Director
With over ten years of research experience, Sarah has designed and managed over one hundred large-scale qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research and evaluation projects in the Middle East and North Africa.
Essam Hassn
Operations Manager
Essam joined Optimum Analysis in early 2020. He is responsible for training and mentoring teams of data collectors, overseeing data collection, implementing quality control processes, and obtaining government permissions for data collection.
Zara Valentinova
Research Specialist
Zara brings over five years of experience in research to her role. She specializes in developing complex research designs, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and authoring detailed research and evaluation reports.
Julia Ismail
Fieldwork and Operations Officer
Zara brings over five years of experience in research to her role. She specializes in developing complex research designs, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and authoring detailed research and evaluation reports.