Manager, Right-Fit Evidence

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to global poverty. Its Right-Fit Evidence (RFE) Unit supports partners in the development and humanitarian sectors to embed evidence and learning into their work.

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is seeking a Manager for its Right-Fit Evidence (RFE) Unit, which supports various partners in the development and humanitarian sectors to integrate evidence and learning into their operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing a significant portfolio of advisory services related to evidence and learning. This role involves inspiring diverse implementing organizations, funders, and government agencies to effectively utilize evidence for learning. The Manager will also join the RFE global management team, supervise one to two Advisors, and report to an Associate Director or Director of RFE, collaborating closely with peer Managers and IPA colleagues across different country offices. The position requires a commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making within the international development sector.

1. Manage a portfolio of advisory engagements, serving as a primary contact for clients including implementers, funders, and government agencies.
2. Oversee multiple project teams to develop and implement tailored solutions for evidence, learning, and M&E needs across various sectors like education, technology, and agriculture.
3. Design, deliver, and manage 2-3 engagements concurrently, providing workshops and advisory services to enhance data use for decision-making, including theory of change development, evaluation design, and MEL system technical assistance.
4. Supervise RFE Advisors on projects to create and implement customized MEL solutions for clients.
5. Provide guidance and support to IPA policy and country office teams on their technical assistance engagements, particularly with government partners.
6. Manage project finances to ensure high-quality outputs are delivered within budget.
7. Contribute ideas for new engagements by matching partner needs with IPA Research, Sector, and Policy teams.
8. Coordinate proposal development processes, often managing Advisors in content preparation.
9. Engage with active or potential funders and represent RFE and IPA at conferences.
10. Support RFE's thought leadership by producing and disseminating public goods.
11. Actively participate in the innovation and implementation of RFE products and services, potentially managing the development of a key product.
12. Manage the performance and professional development of one to two Advisors, ensuring their sustainability and well-being.
13. Strengthen internal management systems within the RFE Unit.
14. Manage at least one goal within RFE’s annual strategic plan, based on skills and interest.
15. Foster a positive work environment aligned with IPA values.

1. Master’s degree in international public policy, development economics, or a related field with quantitative methods coursework; MBAs are also considered.
2. At least 4 years of relevant work experience in M&E (public sector), education policy/program management (public, non-profit, or private sectors), organizational performance, R&D, operational research (private sector), or management consulting.
3. Experience in designing and managing evidence, learning, monitoring, and evaluation strategies and systems.
4. Superior analytical, quantitative, and conceptual thinking abilities.
5. Demonstrated project and people management skills.
6. Proven ability to coach and train others on technical subjects.
7. Strong stakeholder management and client-facing communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly.
8. Relevant work experience in low- and middle-income countries.
9. Familiarity with global discussions on M&E and evidence use for decision-making.
10. Entrepreneurial, adaptable, versatile, and strong multitasking skills.
11. Passion for promoting data-driven decisions in international development.
12. Fluency in English (verbal and written).
13. Ability and willingness to travel internationally up to 20%.
14. Prior experience in consultancy or similar professional services (preferred).
15. Expertise in multiple international development/humanitarian sectors, especially education, health, and technology (preferred).
16. Experience working in philanthropy or with government stakeholders (preferred).
17. Experience producing, publishing, or disseminating public goods for policy influence (preferred).
18. Understanding of various data collection and evaluation methods and ability to apply them appropriately (preferred).
19. Expertise in specific areas of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (preferred).
20. Familiarity with M&E technology and data collection software like SurveyCTO or ODK (preferred).
21. Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis (preferred).
22. Experience leading project or program evaluations (preferred).
23. Familiarity with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (preferred).
24. Professional proficiency in Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese (preferred).
25. Lived experience in Africa or low- and middle-income countries (preferred).