APPLY NOW: Innovations for Poverty Action Is Recruiting

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.

POSITION: Research Associate (RA)

Job Description

• Reports to: Research Manager or Research Coordinator
• Location: Accra or Tamale, Ghana.
• Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Desired start date: March 1, 2022
• Length of commitment: 1 year or 2 years (renewable)

Summary

IPA seeks qualified applicants for Research Associate positions for various research projects to be based in Accra and Tamale, with frequent travel to remote field locations within Ghana. A Research Associate at IPA is generally in charge of one specific long-term research project, which can be related to various sectors, including education, financial inclusion, public health, and agriculture.

IPA is recruiting Research Associates throughout the year through a common application process. The shortlisted applicants from that common application process are then considered for any RA position that opens in the following 6 months.

Position Summary

The RA will ensure compliance with research ethics, assist the Principal Investigators in the design of survey instruments, coordinate surveyor training, and surveying activities, be responsible for the collection of high-quality data, and perform data management duties. S/he will also manage recruitment and finances for surveying and evaluation activities.

In particular, the RA will:

• Plan, conduct, and lead research project 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 confidentially and systematically;
• 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 short term staff recruitment, contract preparation, training, management and evaluation of field staff;
• 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; and
• Perform other work-related duties that may be assigned.rty-action.org.

Required Skills or Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Public Health, Agriculture, Development studies, or related field. A Masters degree is preferred;
• Fluency in written and verbal communication in English and the ability to draft reports is essential;
• At least two years of experience in project management, preferably in relation to supervising, designing, and implementing data collection and/or fieldwork activities, and managing teams of field staff.
• The ability to outline project objectives and to plan work in a structured and systematic manner in alignment with stated objectives, assessing progress and making changes to project plans to reflect changing timelines and field realities;
• Quantitative data processing and analysis skills. Knowledge of STATA is preferred;
• Curiosity and willingness to learn;
• The ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including the Principal Investigators, the IPA Ghana management team, implementing partners, government officials, and field staff;
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting and financial management;
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills and strong attention to detail;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team and high-level stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines, often with limited supervision;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Experience in education, financial inclusion, agriculture, and public health research is a plus.
• Authorization to work in Ghana

HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Please take note of the following instructions:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are found.
• Your CV is required to complete the application form.
• Incomplete applications or applications not completed through the web form will not be considered.
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, IPA only contacts shortlisted candidates.

DISCLAIMER: 

Please note that IPA will never require monetary compensation as part of its application process. Any requests for monetary compensation by persons claiming to be IPA employees or persons claiming to represent IPA should be disregarded and reported. Please direct questions to jobs-ghana@poverty-action.org.