Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Recruiting In Zambia


Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), seeks a qualified Research Associate for a study on Women Condom in Zambia with Society for Family Health (SFH).

The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. The work will stretch your analytical and management skills to the limit and will require your full commitment in a challenging environment. This position will be based in Lusaka.

Project Description:

This study will look at the impact of a new woman’s condom product and associated interventions for take up of product both on demand and supply said on sexual reproductive choice of women. The project works very closely with the partner SFH to implement and design the evaluation.

Job Title: Research Associate

Job Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

  • Developing and piloting the survey instruments, including programming questions onto a mobile phone and managing the translation of the survey into the local languages.
  • Supporting the development and implementation of the interventions, including creation of protocols and monitoring mechanisms for a smooth roll out of the intervention.
  • Hiring, training, and managing field teams who will conduct the interviews and implement IPA’s part of the intervention.
  • Managing all field logistics, procuring equipment, and ensuring the study and the intervention have approvals from local authorities.
  • Overseeing the baseline and endline data collection.
  • Overseeing the intervention.
  • Ensuring all data quality protocols are followed including auditing enumerators and performing daily checks of the incoming data; correcting the errors of staff iteratively to ensure the data is of the highest quality.
  • Managing the data from collection at the household to delivery of a final, cleaned dataset.
  • Managing the budget including tracking all expenses to ensure costs are within project funds.
  • Writing regular progress reports and leading project meetings to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Working closely with partners running the intervention and liaising between all stakeholders to ensure all interests are aligned and accounted for.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, health or related fields.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service
  • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
  • Strong quantitative skills and very good knowledge of Stata required; programming and other technical knowledge a strong plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead staff efficiently to achieve project goals.
  • Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and a team player.
  • Experience working or living in developing countries.
  • Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.

Application Instructions

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. Please select the position(s) you are interested in applying for on the ‘Submit Application’ page. Statement of purpose (cover letter), CV and reference. We will consider your application even if you are unable to obtain reference letters before the deadline, but please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.

IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [email protected] or via phone at 1-203-772-2216.

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 to IPA.

We are looking for a commitment period of 1 year with a possible extension of 6 months to 1 year.

Applications will be interviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Apply Here