Dr Grace Onubedo

Dr Grace Onubedo is a distinguished development economist and research leader with over 10 years of experience in impact evaluation, carbon markets, climate finance, policy research and programme management across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. As Head of VIISAUS’s Research and Development practice, she oversees strategic advisory, social and market research, climate finance, green economy and institutional capacity-building engagements for government, multilateral and private-sector clients. Her work advances evidence-driven decision-making, strengthens institutional capacity and supports the development of practical solutions to complex economic and development challenges.

Her career spans applied economic research, impact evaluation, policy advisory and the management of large-scale research programmes. She has designed and led complex research and advisory engagements that translate data and evidence into actionable frameworks and recommendations for policymakers and institutions. Her expertise encompasses labour markets, education, health and social inclusion, alongside the development of approaches to transparency, accountability and measurement in climate finance. Through her work, she bridges the gap between research and policy, helping institutions strengthen their strategies, improve programme effectiveness and make informed decisions.

Among her notable contributions is her work on carbon market governance at both continental and national levels, supporting the development of frameworks and approaches that advance climate action and strengthen institutional readiness. She has also led national studies across critical development sectors, generating evidence to inform policy formulation and programme design. Her experience includes working closely with governments, regional bodies, development partners and local stakeholders to build consensus, strengthen institutional capacity and support the implementation of evidence-based development initiatives.

Before joining VIISAUS, Grace served as Research Manager at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Nigeria, where she directed multiple concurrent impact evaluations across education, health and agriculture for international development partners, including the World Bank, USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has also held senior research positions at NEEM Foundation, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) and NOI Polls. In addition, she served as National Expert on Economics and Finance for the UNDP-NDC Support Programme and was a member of the T20 Africa Standing Group under the G20 Argentine Presidency, contributing to policy-oriented research and development discourse.

Grace holds a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Economics and Finance from the University of Leeds. She is also an Affiliate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

At VIISAUS, she brings a distinctive combination of economic expertise, research leadership and policy insight, advancing an approach in which rigorous evidence informs strategic decisions, strengthens institutions and supports sustainable development outcomes. Her work reflects the firm’s commitment to translating research into practical solutions that deliver value for governments, development partners and private-sector organisations.