Advisor, Right-Fit Evidence Unit job at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

About the Organization

We are a global research and policy nonprofit committed to reducing global poverty with evidence. With a network of partners and researchers, we design and test innovative solutions, support our partners to generate and use data and evidence, and help bring proven approaches to scale across the globe.

Job Description

IPA’s Right-Fit Evidence Unit (RFE) is currently looking for an experienced and dedicated Advisor. In this role, you will play a crucial part in providing evidence- and data-driven Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MEL) advice to implementers and funders to inform more effective policy-making and to have an impact across RFE’s current active portfolio. As an Advisor, you will report to an RFE Manager. The role is open to candidates in countries where IPA has a country office except the United States, and applicants from the global South are highly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical capability strengthening 60%

Collaborate with partners through project teams to develop and strengthen their Theories of Change (ToCs) and plans for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).
Offer continuous technical guidance, coaching, and training to partners on various aspects of MEL, including data collection methods, survey instrument creation, data management, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Prepare and present advisory and analytical deliverables, ensuring clear and efficient communication while maintaining high standards of quality.

Detailed quality checks on deliverables
Manage portions of project workplans and administration (such as note-taking, file storage, etc.)

Stakeholder Engagement and Partner Management 20%

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including direct interaction with leadership staff from partner organizations.
Successfully collaborate across IPA teams, including with country offices, policy, and research teams.
Accompany and provide feedback on data collection design and implementation as needed, such as coaching partners on prototyping activities in the field or designing action-oriented process evaluations

New Project Design Support 20%

Contribute to the development of new RFE engagements by participating in scoping meetings, designing methodologies, and crafting concept notes or proposal documents.
Contribute to IPA impact potential through proactive reflection on lessons learned to suggest systematic improvements in current and future engagements

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

2-5 years of relevant work experience, which includes, for example, work in MEL, data analysis and management, consulting and project management, and research and development
Analytical, quantitative, and conceptual thinking skills
Entrepreneurial self-starter mindset, highly adaptable, and versatile, with strong multi-tasking skills
Ability to travel up to 20% of your time
English language fluency
Passion for making data-driven decisions a reality in the international development sector.

A Bachelor’s or Master's degree (Master’s preferred) in economics, statistics, public policy, international development, social science, or related fields.

Preferred