Job Summary

IPA Malawi is seeking a motivated Operations Assistant to provide day-to-day administrative and operational support to the Malawi office. Sitting within the operations team, the Operations Assistant will assist across Human Resources, Procurement, Compliance, Inventory Management, IT, and Safety & Security. The role reports to the Senior Finance and Operations Manager and works closely with the Country Director and other teams to help keep the office running smoothly.

Responsibilities

Procurement

• Support procurement of goods and services in line with IPA's procurement policy.
• Assist with supplier prequalification and maintain supplier records.
• Help review contracts and agreements under supervision.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and key service providers (e.g., landlord, insurance companies, transport providers, legal counsel).

Compliance

• Ensure office documentation is up to date with legal and statutory requirements.
• Assist in monitoring compliance with IPA policies and national laws.

Operations & Security

• Provide administrative support for HR, IT, Procurement, and Security functions.
• Help maintain the office risk register and asset register.
• Act as a support contact for Safety & Security matters.

Human Resources

• Assist with staff onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Help maintain personnel files and update the HR Information System (HRIS).
• Provide payroll information to Finance in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in operations, preferably within an NGO context.
• Basic experience with legal compliance and operational procedures in Malawi.
• Familiarity with donor compliance and multi-donor environments.
• Basic knowledge of procurement, HR, and operational procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

Location

This position is based in IPA's office in Lilongwe, Malawi. The source vacancy announcement does not specify a hybrid/remote arrangement or travel requirement.

Reports To

Senior Finance and Operations Manager

Click here to Apply!

Application Deadline: August 25th, 2026

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and advances what works to improve the lives of people living in poverty. 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 people living in poverty. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of 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 a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 1,000 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.