(Senior) Research Associate

Job Description

The (Senior) Research Associate at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) plays a critical role in the successful implementation of rigorous field-based research projects aimed at informing evidence-based policy and advancing development outcomes. The (Senior) Research Associate will work closely with principal investigators, project stakeholders, and local teams to manage data collection activities, supervise field staff, ensure adherence to research protocols, and contribute to analysis and dissemination of findings. The ideal candidate combines strong technical competence, operational agility, experience with monitoring and implementing programs, and a deep commitment to leveraging data for social impact.

Responsibilities

Project Management (30%)

• Program survey instruments in SurveyCTO, following programming best practices
• Supervise and monitor data collection to ensure the high quality of the data
• Implement data quality checks and fixing issues with data collected during data collection
• Manage project finances including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting
• Cleaning data on an ongoing basis
• Implementation monitoring of the project intervention in liaison with the implementing partner.

Technical Leadership (30%)

• Prepare training materials and collaborate with the survey firm in conducting enumerator training and piloting instruments
• Ensure that all team members follow necessary protocols and procedures
• Regularly communicate project updates to the Research Manager
• Provide training and supervision for research project staff
• Support the country office in project and policy development as needed.

Partner Engagement (20%)

• Handling day-to-day Principal Investigator and partner communications
• Providing timely updates and responses to partner organizations and participating in meetings with key stakeholders
• Keeping the Research Manager apprised of all developments in the project and serve as the key link between the field staff, research team, and Principal Investigators (PI).

Analysis and Reporting (20%)

• Closely collaborate with the Research Manager and Grants team in managing donor deliverables and assist with donor reporting and supporting the fundraising efforts
• Assist the PIs in the preliminary analysis and ensuring ready access to all data for researchers
• Thorough documentation of all activities related to the project including data collection reports
• Maintain accurate records of interviews and safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary
• Prepare high-quality progress and results reports to Principal Investigators (PI), research partners, and funding agencies in a timely fashion
• Produce dissemination materials such as presentations, final reports, and evidence briefs
• Support other tasks that may be assigned by the Research Manager.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, economics, statistics, public policy, or other quantitative social science disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience is required
• Experience managing field staff, partner liaison and relationship management in developing countries is strongly preferred
• Quantitative Skills: Strong technical understanding of econometrics, psychometrics, and/or data science strongly preferred
• Communication Skills: strong oral and written communication skills in the English language required
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of statistical software such as Stata, and experience with data management and data cleaning
• Experience working with implementing programs or working very closely with implementing partners
• Experience working in rural Africa will be an added advantage.
• Excellent management and organizational skills
• Ability to successfully complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines required
• Willingness and ability to regularly travel to the field

Reports to

Associate Research Manager

Location

Lilongwe, Malawi

Contract Duration

6 Months

Deadline to Apply

Wednesday August 13th, 2025

Application Instructions

All applicants are required to submit a cover letter as part of your application materials. Applicants who do not include a cover letter will not be considered.

About the Organization

About IPA 

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide. 

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals,  particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.