IPA is pleased to announce the appointment of our first Chief Research & Policy Officer, Imran Matin. This new role will be responsible for developing and leading IPA’s strategy to ensure relevant evidence is developed for and used by decision-makers and that IPA’s voice continues to lead the fields of both rigorous impact evaluation and informing policy to improve opportunities for the world’s poor.

 

Imran brings to IPA over 20 years’ experience working at the intersection between evidence and practice. He has led programs for global non-profits, like Save the Children, and has deep experience at the country level, for example leading research, evaluation, and learning of BRAC’s pioneering graduation model in Bangladesh. He has a DPhil in Economics and a MA in Development Economics from the University of Sussex in the UK.

 

"I am passionate about learning to improve policy and practice, based on robust and relevant evidence building, thoughtful experimentation, and rigorous evaluation,” Imran said upon his appointment. “The IPA model is unique in tying together the strength of world class academia and the agility of a professional NGO with a strong country presence and deep local relationships. I look forward to leveraging this unique model by working with this committed and talented team to achieve much more in improving opportunities for the world’s poor. "

 

“This new role will help us realize our vision and take us to the next level in terms of moving evidence to policy and practice,” said Annie Duflo, IPA’s Executive Director. “Imran’s rich experience both in leading research and working to apply and adapt evidence will inform and build on our existing successes and global and local leadership, and I am thrilled to have him join our senior management team.”

 

As Chief Research & Policy Officer, Imran will oversee a team of senior research and policy staff which lead IPA’s policy outreach and communications, sector programs, the development of policy relevant research agendas and replications, and new activities that further IPA’s goals to promote the use of evidence, such as the Goldilocks Initiative. He and his team will also work with IPA’s regional and country leadership, as well as leading academic partners, to develop policy-relevant research agendas and strategies to influence practice and policy at the country level.

  

“I am really excited to join at such a critical time,” continued Imran. “IPA and its affiliated researchers have played an important role in creating a new normal of evidence-based approaches to design, delivery, and the discourse of anti-poverty solutions. And together we will grow a new normal of genuine exchange between rigorous evidence and good policy and practice, that enriches both and expands opportunities for the world’s poor.”