New Recruitment At IPA

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 evaluates their impact, 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. Since our founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 350 leading academics to conduct over 450 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Job Description

Job Title: Research Associates (Accra & Tamale)

Reports to: Research Manager, Research Coordinator or Deputy Country Director

Location:  Accra or Tamale, Ghana

Length of Commitment: 1 or 2 years (renewable)

Desired start date: Various start dates throughout the year.

Dead line to apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year

Job Code: RA-MULT-17082016

Summary:

• 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 evaluates, 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.
• 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. If you have applied to an RA position less than 6 months ago, you do not need to reapply.
• For illustration purposes, here are specific examples of projects that are currently in preparation at IPA and which are expected to need a Research Associate within the next three months:
• Public Health: IPA is evaluating a program that aims at addressing some leading maternal and child health issues through increasing awareness of common health problems in Ghana and inducing positive behaviour change through advocacy, social mobilization and behaviour change communication (BCC). Key activities include intervention monitoring, roll out of the endline survey in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions and a qualitative survey testing a new Early Child Development survey tool. This Position will be based in Tamale.

Education:

IPA will be conducting an impact evaluation of a program aimed at improving the regular support provided to teachers in primary school. Research activities will include intervention monitoring, large-scale classroom observations and student tests. This position will be based in Accra with frequent travel throughout the country.

Financial Inclusion/SME growth:

together with a large Ghanaian bank we will be testing different interventions that aim to improve their relationship with customers. Key activities include, refining the interventions together with the bank, supporting the roll out of the interventions, analysing administrative data from the bank, and administering a survey among a sample of the bank’s customers. This position will be based in Accra.

Agriculture:

this assignment will also involve managing various large surveys targeting farmers and other actors along the agriculture value chain. This position is based in Tamale.

Position Summary:

• The RA will 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, perform data management duties, and ensure compliance to research ethics. S/he will also manage recruitment and finances for surveying and evaluation activities.
• In particular the RA will:
  • 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; and
  • Perform other work related duties that may be assigned.

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 field work 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;
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and email;
• 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 a 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

To apply, please fill out the online application form by clicking the link below: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3185537/IPA-Ghana-Nov-Research-Associate-Application-Form Please take note of the following instructions:

Kindly indicate which of the sectors and locations you are most interested in

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are found

Your Cover Letter and CV will be required to complete the application form.

Incomplete applications or applications not completed through the web-form will not be considered.

Due to high volume of applications received, IPA will only contact 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 [email protected]