Position Summary

At IPA we are committed to improving lives through research and evidence. We are proud to welcome interns year-round to help support our mission. IPA’s country office in Ghana is looking to bring on board a Research Intern with expected start date of May 20th, 2025. This internship program offers an engaging blend of research, project development, training design and fieldwork. This is an opportunity for a student to gain hands-on professional experience in a truly global organization. In addition to gaining real world experience, you will be exposed to several of IPA’s teams and be able to take advantage of tailored training opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

As an intern in the Ghana country office, here are some tasks and activities that you can look forward to:

Pilot Implementation Support & Follow-Up

• Conduct interviews (via Zoom or phone) with teachers, head teachers, and administrators to assess implementation and project outcomes.
• Analyze qualitative feedback and prepare a concise summary report.
• Assist with arranging or observing video-recorded classroom sessions where feasible.

Training Development for Transcriptionists

• Review, revise, and finalize a training manual for transcriptionists.
• Design supporting materials such as PowerPoint slides, pre- and post-training questionnaires, and a training schedule.
• Support planning for any upcoming enumerator training sessions.

Project Development & Research Scoping

• Research emerging and ongoing development issues in Ghana (Africa research space), with a focus on key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
• Generate ideas for potential research projects, including proposed titles, brief descriptions, and alignment with development priorities.
• Identify potential local and international funding opportunities and partnerships for the above ideas.

We believe in providing an enriching experience for interns. You will:

• Receive regular mentorship and constructive feedback.
• Have access to professional development resources and learning opportunities (based on availability at the time and interest).
• Be treated as a valued team member whose insights and contributions matter.
• Be encouraged to take initiative and propose new ideas.

Qualifications

Required

• Candidate must be pursuing or completing a master’s degree in economics, international development, public policy, or other related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out research tasks, including literature reviews, data collection, data analysis and interpretation of findings.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills.
• A strong communicator, comfortable conducting interviews and synthesizing information clearly.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to project and Country Office requirements as needed.

Preferred

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently.
• Understanding of research ethics and commitment to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism throughout the research process.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple streams of work independently.
• Passionate about international development, education, and research.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office or Google Suite, and optionally with tools such as  Canva or data visualization platforms.

Location

Accra, Ghana (in-person)

Start Date

20 May 2025

End Date

8 August 2025

Application Deadline 

30 April 2025

Application Link

https://1.adp.com/jPox3xegvIV

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.