Senior Operations Associate, Right-Fit Evidence Unit at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Responsibilities

The responsibilities in this job will be extremely diverse. On the same day you might be working on designing a tool to estimate our staffing needs, scheduling or helping to facilitate a team meeting, drafting a blog post, providing data analysis support, supporting recruitment, or organizing a team-building activity. We have divided the responsibilities for this role into two areas: (i) RFE internal systems, strategy, and team management support, and (ii) Event and logistics coordination. Below is a non-exhaustive list of what we expect someone in this position to work on:

RFE internal systems, strategy, and team management support (80-90%)

Operational systems:

• Implement and improve systems to streamline staffing, project management, and budgeting processes.
• Develop tools to improve knowledge management and organization of internal documents.
• Support in building budgets and other types of projections (e.g., staffing) on Excel and other appropriate software, and support procurement.
• Manage RFE project databases and update IPA’s customer relationship management (CRM) and satisfaction database records.
• Collaborate across IPA teams to streamline administrative workflows, enhance process effectiveness, and identify solutions that improve overall organizational efficiency.

Human resources & team development:

• Oversee recruitment and onboarding processes for new RFE hires.
• Coordinate agenda setting for team meetings (All-Team, Management, and Leadership meetings).
• Organize team-building activities.

Communications:

• Draft social media posts and support public goods dissemination efforts to improve access to and uptake of evidence and learning-based approaches in international development.

Event & Logistics Coordination (10-20%)

• Lead coordination of in-person and virtual RFE events, including retreats, team offsites, and workshops.
• Coordinate travel logistics and scheduling for team members, ensuring smooth coordination of meetings, visas, and accommodations.
• Coordinate procurement processes, ensuring timely and efficient execution.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Operations.
• Management strongly preferred; degrees in Social Sciences with relevant experience considered.
• 2-4 years of experience in operational positions in the non-profit sector, consulting, international development, startups, or other fast-paced environments.
• Superior organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills, self-starter mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Interest and ability to learn at a fast pace.
• Experience working effectively with diverse staff, senior management, and external clients.
• Demonstrated interest in the international development and research and evidence space.
• Strong command of MS Office suite.
• Fluency in English.
• Solid writing skills in English and ability to synthesize information in a clear, structured, and insightful way.
• Existing permanent work authorization in the country where the position is based.