Advisor, Right-Fit Evidence Unit

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

The Right-Fit Evidence (RFE) Unit at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) assists numerous partners in the development and humanitarian sectors by integrating evidence and learning into their operations. This advisory role is crucial for providing data-driven Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) services to both implementers and funders. The Advisor will contribute to shaping more effective programs and policies, fostering a transformation in how data is utilized for decision-making. The role reports to an RFE Manager and involves close collaboration with other RFE and IPA colleagues across various country offices. The position is open to candidates based in Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Uganda, with a strong preference for those with existing permanent work authorization in their desired country. The work environment offers flexibility, potentially being office-based, hybrid, or fully remote, and requires international travel up to 20%.

1. Collaborate with partners and project teams to develop and refine Theories of Change (ToCs) and MEL frameworks.
2. Provide continuous, hands-on technical guidance, coaching, and training to partners on MEL design, data collection methods, survey instrument development, data management, analysis, and evidence utilization for decision-making.
3. Prepare and present high-quality advisory and analytical deliverables, ensuring clear communication of findings and recommendations while maintaining high quality standards.
4. Conduct detailed quality checks on all deliverables.
5. Design and adapt workshop content and materials to meet partner needs, then plan and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and collaborative learning events, coordinating all logistics.
6. Manage specific portions of project workplans and administrative tasks, including documentation, note-taking, file storage, and work plan tracking.
7. Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key external stakeholders, including direct interaction with leadership staff from partner organizations.
8. Serve as a strategic thought partner to foundations, NGOs, and governments, assisting them in analyzing complex programmatic and strategic questions and identifying actionable insights.
9. Accompany and provide feedback on data collection design and implementation as needed, such as coaching partners on prototyping activities or designing action-oriented process evaluations.
10. Contribute to knowledge exchange within the RFE unit and across IPA by sharing insights, lessons, and good practices to strengthen collective expertise.
11. Contribute to the development of new RFE engagements by participating in scoping meetings, designing methodologies, and crafting concept notes or proposal documents.
12. Contribute to IPA’s impact potential through proactive reflection on lessons learned to suggest systematic improvements in current and future engagements.
13. Take a proactive role in knowledge management of RFE products.
14. Support at least one goal within RFE’s annual strategic plan.
15. Encourage a positive work environment rooted in IPA values.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, international development, social science, or a related field.
2. Possess 2–5 years of relevant work experience, including MEL, data analysis and management, consulting and project management, and research and development.
3. Demonstrate superior analytical, quantitative, and conceptual thinking skills.
4. Exhibit an entrepreneurial self-starter mindset, high adaptability, versatility, and strong multitasking abilities.
5. Show a passion for implementing data-driven decisions in the international development sector.
6. Be fluent in English (verbal and written).
7. Have the ability and willingness to travel internationally (up to 20%).
8. A Master’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, international development, social science, or a related field is preferred.
9. Prior experience in consultancy or providing similar professional services is preferred.
10. Expertise in international development and/or humanitarian work is preferred.
11. An appreciation for the strengths and limitations of various data collection and evaluation methods, and the ability to match appropriate methods to diverse circumstances, is preferred.
12. Familiarity with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is preferred.
13. Professional proficiency in Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese is preferred.
14. Lived and/or work experience in Africa and/or in low- and middle-income countries is preferred.