Company Profile

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a United States-based non-profit organization dedicated to discovering, and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA designs, rigorously evaluate and refines these solutions and their applications together with decision-makers to ensure that the evidence created is used to  improve opportunities for the world’s poor.

Job Description

• Reports to: Research Coordinator
• Location: Accra or Tamale Ghana
• Length of Commitment: 3 months (subject to review)
• Desired start date: As soon as possible
• Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled

IPA is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with outstanding project management, data analysis, people management and communication skills as a Research Associate to support the implementation of OISL Mobile Banking Pilot

As an ideal candidate, you not only have a rock-solid technical foundation in impact evaluation methodology, but you can also independently guide and direct the activities that happen both upstream and downstream of any rigorous, randomized evaluation. You enjoy leading high-performing teams that drive the production of the highest quality research for our clients and partners. You excel in solving problems using clear, strategic, and creative thinking. You have a strong social acumen, and are excited about the opportunity to broaden, deepen, and manage meaningful relationships with high-level clients and partners across the public and private sector.

The Research Associate position is a unique opportunity to combine significant project management experience with an involvement in cutting-edge development research. He/she will join the very dynamic and passionate IPA Ghana team and contribute to the successful implementation of IPA Ghana’s longest ongoing impact evaluation, as well as other new studies such as a nimble experiment focused on infant development.

We are looking for a minimum commitment period of 3months for this position with a possibility for a longer-term position for exceptional candidates.

The Research Associate will perform a variety of tasks related to managing day-to-day research activities, from planning to implementation, and monitoring quality.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, conduct and lead field research activities including training field staff, team planning and logistics, and data collection;
• Conduct pilot survey exercises, provide feedback on field operations and survey instruments, and refine and finalize survey instruments in collaboration with the Principal Investigators;
• Provide quality control during the data collection and cleaning processes, and assist in preparing preliminary analysis;
• Ensure that research data and outputs are stored in a confidential and systematic fashion;
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, briefs and other documents for management, the Principal Investigators, donors and other external parties;
• Ensure close collaboration with implementing partners and other high level stakeholders involved with the project;
• Create annual project plans;
• Manage surveyors recruitment, training, management and evaluation;
• Assist in the enforcement of all IPA Ghana human resources and security policies;
• Develop and monitor activity-specific budgets for the project;
• Work with IPA Ghana’s Finance Team to keep detailed records of all project activities and establish systems to ensure the efficient disbursement and reconciliation of project funds;
• Directly supervise up to 1 permanent research or field staff; and
• Perform other work-related duties that may be assigned.

Required Skills or Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or other quantitative social science disciplines (Master’s degree preferred)
• Quantitative Skills: Strong technical understanding of economics and econometrics required. Demonstrated proficiency in Stata, and experience with data management, data cleaning, and regression analysis
• A minimum of 1-year of work experience is required. Experience managing field staff in developing countries strongly preferred
• Excellent management and organizational skills; ability to successfully completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines, required
• Communication Skills: Attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills are required
• Language: English fluency required
• Ghanaian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply