Our Team
Fatou Bin Jobe
Momodou Bah
Momodou Bah
Program Manager
Before joining Effective Intervention in 2015, Momodou Bah served as the head of the School Improvement Unit at MoBSE’. There, he and his colleagues facilitated the establishment of Effective Intervention in The Gambia by reviewing and revising its draft MOU, organizing inaugural meetings, and assisting with staff recruitment in 2014. As Program Manager, Momodou focuses on improving foundational literacy and numeracy, particularly in underserved communities. His extensive classroom experience spans Essau Senior Secondary, St. Augustine’s Upper and Senior Secondary Schools, Sukuta Upper Basic School, and Somita Nursery and Lower Basic School. He has also lectured at the University of The Gambia and the University of Education of The Gambia, combining practical teaching with academic expertise. His work is driven by a commitment to evidence-based, scalable solutions to address learning poverty.
Bah holds a certificate in Reforming School Supervision for Quality Improvement from UNESCO (2014), a master’s in public administration from GIMPA (2011), a bachelor’s from St. Mary’s University (2000), and a higher teachers’ certificate from the University of Education (1994). He has worked in all Regional Education Directorates within MoBSE and at key headquarter directorates. He authored the concept note for School Improvement Grants in 2011 and co-authored the research paper, “How much can we remedy very low learning levels in rural parts of low-income countries?” He also served as Regional and National Project Coordinator for the UK DfID-funded BESPOR Project, which piloted the Whole School Development program in Central River Region North and South from 2005-2007 and scaled up across The Gambia from 2008-2010.
Chief Executive Officer
Fatou Bin Jobe
Fatou Bin Jobe is an educationist known for her compassion and dedication, she has devoted her life to touching lives through education. From her early childhood in Banjul, inspired by mentors like Mrs. Louise Njie, Fatou’s path was shaped by a deep conviction to teach and uplift others.
Her academic journey took her from Malfa Primary and Gambia High School to Yundum Teachers College, and later to the United States, where she earned degrees in English and French from Mills College and an MA in French focus on pedagogy from Middlebury College, university of Paris, Nanterre. With this strong foundation, she returned home determined to contribute to the development of education in The Gambia, teaching in schools across the country and inspiring countless students along the way.
Fatou’s vision led to the creation of the A Better Chance (ABC) Learning Center, initially a unique remedial program that has grown into a fully-fledged school serving nursery to grade 9 alongside supporting a remedial program while she continues to lift children from one level to another with organizations such as Ashoka and other partners local and abroad, the centre embodies her belief in bridging gaps in education and providing opportunities for young learners to thrive. Her leadership has been marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others.
Beyond her professional achievements, Fatou has been an active member of Rotary international, (Rotary Club of Banjul) serving twice as Club President, and has received recognition such as the Child Friendly Adult award. Inspired by trailblazers like Mrs. Harriet Ndow, Mrs. Naffie Wadda, and Mrs. Matilda Joiner she continues to advocate for reading, training educators, mentorship, and youth empowerment. For Fatou, progress means passing on skills, inspiring change, and ensuring that education remains a powerful force for transformation in society.
Fatou served as a board member for Effective Intervention from 2017 to 2022 and currently she is the CEO of Effective Intervention (Africa Operations). When she joined the organisations management, she started overseeing projects in the Gambia and Guniea-Bissau where she continues her life’s work impacting the lives of children through programs that improve learning outcomes, especially in rural communities.
Alieu Gibba
Abhishek Thakur
Alieu Gibba
Finance Officer
Alieu Gibba is a highly accomplished finance and education professional with over a decade of progressive experience in financial management, accounting, and capacity development within the non-profit and education sectors. As a key member of the senior management team of Effective Intervention, he brings a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, and strategic insight that supports organizational growth, accountability, and impact.
Mr. Gibba is an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives (ABE) and holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, alongside professional certification as a Certified Accounting Technician (ACCA pathway). He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development and excellence.
In his current role as Finance Manager at Effective Intervention, Mr. Gibba is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial systems and ensuring full compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. He plays a central role in financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and audit coordination across multiple country offices. His expertise includes financial analysis, cash flow management, foreign exchange operations, and the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports to support executive decision-making.
He has a proven track record in strengthening financial controls, improving accountability systems, and ensuring efficient utilization of resources. His proficiency in accounting software, particularly QuickBooks, and his strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), enable him to maintain high standards of financial integrity and transparency.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Gibba accumulated extensive experience in training, coordination, and education management. He served as a Trainer and Coordinator with Jollof Tutors, where he led capacity-building initiatives, designed training programs, and supported institutional development. Notably, he contributed to international training engagements in Liberia, where he helped build the financial management capacity of corporate staff. His earlier career also includes teaching and academic leadership roles, where he demonstrated strong instructional and mentoring skills.
Mr. Gibba is also an experienced facilitator, having served as a resource person in trainings organized in collaboration with reputable institutions such as The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO) and the African Capacity Building Foundation. His areas of facilitation include financial management, project management, and communication and advocacy.
He is widely recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic. His personal strengths include attention to detail, analytical thinking, leadership, and the ability to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision. He is a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of motivating teams and driving results in dynamic environments.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Gibba is actively engaged in community development through volunteer work and maintains a keen interest in sports, particularly football and athletics.
With a career defined by dedication, continuous learning, and impactful service, Alieu Gibba remains a valuable asset to his organization and a respected professional in his field.
Lamin Fatajo
Technical Advisor: - Operations and strategic growth
Lamin Fatajo
Lamin Fatajo a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Lamin Fatajo has established himself as a trusted Technical Advisor in operations and strategic growth. His expertise lies in guiding organizations through complex transitions, designing sustainable systems, and fostering long-term development strategies.
As a retired educationist, he brings with him more than 30 years of experience in educational management, where he successfully led institutions, shaped academic policies, and mentored future leaders. His contributions extend beyond administration. He is recognized as a prolific researcher whose work has informed policy frameworks and strategic initiatives at both institutional and national levels.
Lamin’s professional identity is further defined by his role as a policy and strategic developer, crafting innovative solutions that balance vision with practicality. He is also a complex organizational system designer, adept at creating structures that enhance efficiency, resilience, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
With a career marked by intellectual rigor, leadership, and innovation, Lamin Fatajo continues to be a valuable resource for organizations seeking growth, transformation, and sustainable success.
Alex Eble
Technical Advisor
Alex Eble
Alex Eble is Associate Professor of Economics and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, Faculty Affiliate and Scientific Advisor at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, and Research Fellow at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. His research focuses primarily on two key themes: the economics of education in low-income contexts, and the economics of beliefs and information applied to education and inequality. His fieldwork and research takes place mainly in The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, India, and the People's Republic of China. He has published his work in journals such as the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the Review of Economics and Statistics, and Nature Human Behavior. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Education Sciences, and the Spencer, Jacobs, and Gates Foundations.
He was one of Effective Intervention’s first employees, and has been involved with the organization’s work since 2006.
Human Resources and Logistics Manager
Abhishek Thakur
Abhishek Thakur serves as the Human Resources and Logistics Manager for Effective Intervention (EI), where he oversees HR, administration, procurement local and overseas and Logistics operation in The Gambia and provide additional support to EI Guinea-Bissau program.
With over a decade of experience Abhishek specializing in managing HR systems, administration, procurement, and logistics for foundational literacy and numeracy programs in the Gambia. His expertise span designing HR strategies, offering technical and operational support for program implementation at all levels, contributing to data management, and financial modeling for projects. He strengthens HR by combining technical expertise with people-centred leadership.
He drives process automation, ensures compliance with labour law, and uses data-driven insights to enhance staff development and organizational culture. He also assists in donor reporting and integration of financial and HR outcomes, reinforce accountability and transparency. His collaborative style empowers staff, aligns HR initiatives with strategic goals, and positions HR as a true partner in organizational success.
Abhishek holds a post-graduate degree in Business Administration with specialisation in Human Resources, as well as a bachelor’s degree in arts. Prior to joining Effective Intervention, he gained diverse professional experience with stock trading, pharmaceutical, textile and HR consulting firms in India in different domains, Abhishek is passionate and deeply committed to advancing evidence- based foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes for children at early stages of education.
Andrew AD Gomez
Andrew AD Gomez
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
With over two decades of experience in education, Andrew AD Gomez has built a career dedicated to advancing teaching, learning, and organizational management. Beginning as a Mathematics teacher, he progressed to Head of Department, where he provided leadership in curriculum implementation, teacher mentorship, and student performance improvement.
His career later expanded into administration, serving as Senior Human Resources Officer while continuing to lecture in Mathematics. This dual role allowed him to combine academic expertise with organizational leadership, strengthening both instructional quality and institutional management.
Alongside professional responsibilities, he pursued advanced qualifications, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Sectoral Analysis and Management of Education Systems and a master’s degree in educational Measurement and Evaluation. These credentials enhanced his capacity in assessment, data analysis, and evidence‑based decision‑making.
Currently, he serves as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, following his role as Project Performance and Analytics Officer with Effective Intervention. In this capacity, he leads program monitoring, data analysis, and performance evaluation, contributing to data‑driven planning and improved educational outcomes. His professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, and the development of the education sector in The Gambia.
Famara A Gibba
Famara A Gibba
Pedagogy Officer
Famara A. Gibba is a qualified Pedagogy Officer and trained teacher with over 12 years of teaching experience in The Gambia at different levels. He holds Primary Teachers’ Certificate from Gambia College and Higher Teachers’ Certificates from Gambia Technical Training Institute and currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education at International Open University.
Famara joined Effective Intervention in 2014. He has been contributing to the development and alignment of Teaching and Learning Materials and supported major education programs, including Randomized Control Trial – Support Classes offered in Rural Education (SCORE), Gambia Classes for Open Learning (GCoL), and Mainstreaming Effective Intervention Strategy in School (MEISS). As a Pedagogical Officer and lead trainer, he mentors and coaches’ teachers, supervises, supports classroom improvement, and delivers training to enhance teaching quality. Famara also assists in development of Training manuals, guides and plans and serves as Mathematics subject expert. Having knowledge of more than 3 local Gambian languages, place him in a strategic position and an asset to the organization to support the government’s efforts of rolling out national language policy for foundational learning in The Gambia.
Famara is also working with our in-country partner Learning masterminds as a technical expert for the development of Teaching and learning material for one of the national languages called Jola.
Famara is passionate about strengthening foundational learning and promoting student-centered teaching to improve learner outcomes.
Awa Minteh
Awa Minteh is a Program Development and Management Specialist with approximately 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating development programs in The Gambia. She has worked extensively with both local and international non-governmental organizations across sectors, including education, health, livelihood development, sexual and reproductive health, and youth development.
Her recent work has focused on education, with a specialization in parenting education for Early Childhood Development and foundational literacy and numeracy programs targeting both in-school and out-of-school children. She brings strong expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation, including assessment design and data-driven program improvement.
Awa is deeply committed to improving learning outcomes and expanding equitable access to quality education, particularly for underserved and out-of-school children. She is passionate about strengthening education systems through evidence-based approaches and empowering caregivers and communities to support children’s learning and development.
Awa has significant experience collaborating with the Ministry of Education and is dedicated to promoting government ownership and systems-based approaches to ensure program sustainability and scale.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Minor in Public Health) from the University of The Gambia and a Master of Science degree from Lund University, Sweden.