Manager, Right-Fit Evidence at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Responsibilities 

70-75% - Manage the strategic delivery of a large multi-country project, possibly additional projects, as part of impactful advisory engagements: As a key point of contact for a range of clients, including implementers, funders, and government agencies, you will manage project teams to develop tailor-made solutions for their evidence, learning and M&E needs and guide their quality implementation. The main project will be in MHPSS and education, though other projects may form part of your portfolio.

• Manage the design, content, and delivery of a large multi-partner, multi-country project. Serve as the project management function working with a large funder, partners, and internal team, and oversee MEL/research conducted together with our country offices and external partners. Technical leadership for the design and implementation of right-fit MEL activities, working collaboratively with funders, government stakeholders, and implementers. Technical aspects of the work could include theory of change and learning plan development workshops, mixed methods evaluation design, MEL system technical assistance, data use guidance, evidence reviews, etc.
• Over time, manage other RFE engagements with various teams across various sectors
• Serve as the point of contact for a wide range of clients
• Manage RFE Advisor(s) on projects to develop and implement tailor-made solutions for our clients' MEL needs
• Manage project finances, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered at- or under-budget

10-20% - Contribute to the design of an exciting lineup of new engagements: You will provide valuable and innovative services to our clients and expanding our impact on MEL practices in the development and humanitarian sectors.

• Contribute key ideas to match partner needs for new potential engagements in collaboration with IPA Research, Sector, and Policy teams; 
• Coordinate proposal development processes, often managing Advisors on content preparation 
• Interface with active or potential funders, occasionally representing RFE and IPA, in conferences and other events; and 
• Support RFE thought leadership and global influence through production and dissemination of public goods

10-15% - Contribute to IPA and Right-Fit Evidence Unit Strategy and Team Development: The RFE Management team is key to driving the strategic impact potential of the unit as well as the growth and development of a dynamic, diverse team of approximately 30 staff based in over ten countries around the world.

• Take a proactive role in the innovation and implementation of various products and services, likely managing the ongoing development of one key RFE product
• Manage the performance for 2-3 high-capacity Advisors in the team, including professional development and support for sustainability, workload, and well-being 
• Strengthen internal management systems
• Manage at least one goal within RFE's annual strategic plan (with specific assignments based on skills and interest)
• Encourage a positive work environment rooted in IPA values, with an emphasis on well-being and sustainability.

Qualifications

There are several different profiles that could fit this position well. Here are some examples, but these are not exhaustive so if you do not have these backgrounds but feel like you meet the qualifications below, you are encouraged to apply.

• Consulting professionals with some international development experience who would be excited to apply their skillset in an entrepreneurial and impact-focused environment
• Evaluators and M&E practitioners who are passionate about using data for learning and action and are interested in using their expertise for client-focused advisory services
• International development research management professionals who enjoy working closely with funders and practitioners and who would like to expand their experience and skills to all types of data and evidence that can inform decision-making.

Required:

• Master's degree in international affairs, (development) economics, development studies, or related fields. MBAs also welcome.
• 8+ years of relevant work experience, including signficant experience in M&E, education policy or program management (public/non-profit/private sectors), organizational performance/R&D/operational research (private sector), or experience in management consulting/other professional services. 
• Exposure to the design and management of evidence, learning, monitoring, and evaluation strategies and systems
• Superior analytical, quantitative, and conceptual thinking skills
• Project and people management experience and demonstration of associated skillsets
• Demonstrated ability to coach and train others on technical matters
• Strong stakeholder management and client-facing communication skills with ability to present information in a structured and insightful way, both verbally and in writing
• Relevant work experience in low- and middle-income countries 
• Familiarity with global debates around M&E and the use of evidence for decision-making
• Entrepreneurial self-starter mindset, highly adaptable, and versatile, with strong multi-tasking skills
• Ability to travel up to 20% of your time
• Passion for making data-driven decision-making a reality in the development sector